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Pendergrass Academy of Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 365 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Raleigh, North Carolina
Plan your first class
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule bjjnc.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (919) 819-1908
Hours
| Monday | 6:15–7:15 AM, 11 AM–12 PM, 4–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 4–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:15–7:15 AM, 11 AM–12 PM, 4–9 PM |
| Thursday | 4–9 PM |
| Friday | 6:15–7:15 AM, 11 AM–12 PM, 5–7 PM |
| Saturday | 8:15–11:45 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Sue is amazing and really made me feel comfortable enrolling her and really helped me understand the benefits of BJJ for my daughter.”
“Whether your goal is self-defense, competition, or just getting in better shape, this academy provides the tools and support to help you succeed.”
Other martial arts here
“I showed a coworker of mine that went to train Muay Thai in Thailand a video of my daughter and he exclaimed “OH SHE GOES TO PENDERGRASS?”
What members say
“My instructor, Professor Boo is incredibly knowledgeable and takes the time to break down techniques in a way that’s easy to understand.”
“As an adult who’s never done anything like this before, I can tell you that the people here are warm and welcoming.”
“She is now an 8 year old who is stronger, smarter and more caring of others due to lessons she has learned from the PAMA family.”
“Not only did Sue take great care to make sure I was well informed regarding the details of membership but I was able to meet one of the owners, Rob Pendergrass, on my first visit.”
“My daughter absolutely loves him and his daughter coach Casey!”
“Whether your goal is self-defense, competition, or just getting in better shape, this academy provides the tools and support to help you succeed.”
From the reviews
As an adult who’s never done anything like this before, I can tell you that the people here are warm and welcoming. From Sue helping me understand the logistics and paperwork to Guy Pendergrass coaching all my classes and personally helping me understand what I am doing, and why, the whole place is great.
The folks at PAMA are the best. They love what they teach and it shows. Along wtih excellent instruction, the professors are always kind, ready to help you improve, and keeping an eye out for your safety. The facility is top notch. Plenty of mat space and reasonably sized classes.
I absolutely LOVE PAMA! I signed my four year old daughter up around September and have been so impressed with her progress in the short time she has been enrolled! Sue is amazing and really made me feel comfortable enrolling her and really helped me understand the benefits of BJJ for my daughter.
My experience at Pendergrass Academy was nothing short of phenomenal. As someone visiting from out of town, I was amazed by the warm and inviting atmosphere that greeted me from the moment I stepped through the doors.
New to BJJ? Start at Pendergrass Academy of Martial Arts
Pendergrass Academy of Martial Arts comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. If you've never rolled or set foot on a mat, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard rolling — reputable gyms build fundamentals (positions, escapes, and basic submissions) for weeks, live rolling eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps every roll safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out, and leave your ego at the door. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first BJJ class at Pendergrass Academy of Martial Arts
Nervous about walking into a BJJ gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic positions and escapes with a partner — not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many gyms lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi (or a rashguard and shorts for no-gi) and a mouthguard. Live rolling eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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