Top 10 Questions we get asked about our Academy & our Programs. If you were going to step into an Academy as a brand new student these might be some of the questions you could ask.
How long have you been in business?
This question may be more important to a parent. Some parents like to see an established business. Parents want to see professionalism in a school that they’re going to be bringing their child to.
Pendergrass Academy of Martial Arts has been in business for 14 years now.
What are your school’s hours?
We all have busy schedules. Or maybe you don’t work the typical 8-5. Our kids’ classes are pretty standard. We have the early afternoon to evening classes. As well as Saturday morning too. For our adults, we have morning classes on Wednesdays and Fridays. Lunch classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. And of course, we offer evening classes as well.
What style of Martial Arts is taught?
It’s important to research what style of Martial Arts you’re interested in and what will work best for you. At Pendergrass Academy, we teach Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai.
What is your current rank? Who did you get your rank from?
This is an important question to ask. You want to make sure they’re legitimate if they’re going to promote you. Both Professors Guy and Rob are third-degree Black belts under Gustavo Machado.
How are classes separated?
At Pendergrass Academy, our classes are age-specific as well as skill-specific. Our programs are grouped like so:
•Tiny Champs 4-6-year-old
•Little Champs 7-9-year-old. We offer advanced-level classes for this age group as well.
•Junior Champs 10-12-year-old
•Teens 13-15-year-old
Adults train with adults. We also offer both beginner and advanced classes in both Adult Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai.
How often will I or my child advance?
Most Brazilian jiu-jitsu schools follow the IBJJF: The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation. According to the IBJJF, there is a minimum age criterion as well as a minimum amount of time at certain belt levels. For example, the kids earn 6 stripes on their first two belts in our kids’ program. Each month they are tested on the techniques they learned. If they pass they get a stripe on their belt. On the 7th test, they will earn a belt. Everyone starts with a white belt. It takes time in this martial art to attain a black belt. We also don’t charge for testing or belts.
Does your staff pass background checks?
This is an important question. Most businesses today require that staff pass a background check. It’s especially important to parents because they want their child to be in a safe environment. Here at the Academy, all staff members from the front desk to the mats have had background checks and are CPR and First Aid certified.
Are visitors welcome?
Definitely. You can come in and check us out. Watch a class if you’d like. You can also schedule a time and Sue, our program director, will give you a tour and answer any questions you might have.
Can I try a class before joining?
We offer a two-week trial. We don’t feel that 1-2 classes are enough for you to decide if we’re a right fit for you. We feel that a couple of weeks will give you a better feel for the vibe of the school, the instructors, and others you would train with. We are running a summer special which is an 8-week trial.
Do your students participate in tournaments? Are they required?
It’s important to know what the school you’re looking into is trying to achieve. Some schools are only focused on self-defense. Other schools could be focused on competition only. Here at the Academy, we do have both kids and adults that compete. It is not required.
We’ve included the video below.
Pendergrass Academy of Martial Arts proudly serves the Wake Forest, Wakefield, and Raleigh NC areas. For more information about us check out: www.bjjnc.com. For more information on our adult program go to https://www.bjjnc.com/program/bjj/ or for our kids’ program go to https://www.bjjnc.com/program/kids-martial-arts/