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Eric Allain
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I absolutely love the BJJ classes here. The instruction is excellent, the staff is friendly, helpful and well organized and the facilities are great. All this comes together to create an environment where the students help each other learn and improve. It is this that really does it for me. PAMA is not just a place to train, it is a community of friends. BJJ is hard. It can be demoralizing. Having helpful, encouraging friends to train with is what keeps me coming back. It is this that will push me to finally get that black belt some day.

Julia Benson
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I love coming here. I have improved my Muay Thai technique. A lot of experienced students in the class make sparring fun. Beyond all of this PAMA is a community.

Sean Kavanagh
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Great place to train and has the largest media presence I've ever experienced in any of the BJJ gyms I've trained at. That is a good thing because it lets you know what you are signing up for and makes the gym culture available to see online. And it is a great culture which is very friendly and welcoming of new students and has a desire to see people continuously improve whether it is BJJ or Muay Thai.

Blair Cuneo
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Excellent Women’s Self Defense class! Walked away with several very good techniques.

Mitch Ludwig
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I recently moved to the area and dropped by to check out the bjj classes. I've been training bjj for the better part of a decade and can say without a doubt that this has been one of the most welcoming gyms I've ever experienced. Great instruction with a good mix of belt levels that gives everyone an opportunity to learn.

Dylan Olson
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I like to get to know a school for a while before giving a review. That said, I've been training in PAMA's BJJ program for about a year now. I came to this school as a 2 stripe blue belt and have had training from several different places over the years. I can say honestly that the Pendergrass brothers have succeeded at creating and continuously cultivating an amazing environment for learning. You feel like family as soon as you walk in the door. And regardless of whether you've never trained before or have been training for decades, there is something here to learn and grow in for everyone. The instructors are patient, love what they do and can break down concepts in ways anyone can understand. The culture here at PAMA is consistently positive and inclusive. Classes are organized well and more experienced students (upper belts) are always willing to help those looking for guidance. If you're looking for a place to train, just stop by PAMA and see for yourself.

Chris George
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The professionalism of the staff is unmatched. All of the instructors are great with kids. Both of my kids love being here.

James Willison
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This is a great to train both mind and body in the art of BJJ. The main instructors, Guy and Rob, are knowledge and care about their students. I was particularly impressed that they (and other instructors) already knew my name despite not having formally introduced myself to them. That’s a little thing, but it meant they want to know who is coming to their facility. As well, the other students, particularly the upper belts, are great training partners. In my experience, they know when to go hard and also when to help a beginner out. PAMA is an excellent place to train and to be a part of a community looking to improve themselves on and off the mats.

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Pendergrass Academy of Martial Arts Raleigh & Wake Forest Martial Arts
919-819-1908
Pendergrass Academy of Martial Arts

Which is Best for Your Child’s Development? Jiu-Jitsu vs. Traditional Martial Art

July 31, 2023

As a parent, choosing the right martial art for your child’s development can be a challenging decision. With so many options available, it’s essential to consider the unique benefits each martial art offers. Two popular choices among parents are jiu-jitsu and other traditional martial arts. Today, we will compare jiu-jitsu with other martial arts to help you decide which is best for your child’s development.

  1. Focus on Self-Defense: Both jiu-jitsu and other martial arts emphasize self-defense skills, but their approaches differ. Jiu-jitsu focuses on ground fighting, grappling, and submission holds, making it highly effective for self-defense in close combat situations. On the other hand, traditional martial arts like karate or taekwondo often emphasize striking techniques, kicks, and punches, which can be effective at a distance. The best choice for your child depends on their preference and the type of self-defense skills you wish them to develop.
  2. Physical Demands: Jiu-jitsu and other martial arts have varying physical demands. Jiu-jitsu involves extensive groundwork. It is more physically demanding as far as cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength. Traditional martial arts often emphasize forms and techniques that require flexibility and agility. Consider your child’s physical abilities and interests when choosing a martial art that suits them best.
  3. Learning Curve: The learning curve can vary when learning jiu-jitsu and other martial arts. Jiu-jitsu techniques can be intricate. Mastering them takes dedication and consistent practice. On the other hand, with traditional martial arts, there are set forms and routines. These routines may be faster to learn. Jiu-jitsu can be a rewarding choice if your child is up for a challenge and willing to put in the time and effort. However, if they prefer a quicker progression, a traditional martial art may be a better fit.
  4. Grappling vs. Striking: Jiu-jitsu primarily focuses on grappling and submission techniques, while other martial arts may emphasize striking, such as kicks and punches. Grappling can be particularly beneficial for building physical strength, enhancing body awareness, and teaching your child to control and submit opponents. On the other hand, striking techniques can improve speed, coordination, and balance. 
  5. Competitive Opportunities: Jiu-jitsu and other martial arts offer different competitive opportunities. Jiu-jitsu competitions involve grappling and submission-based matches, while traditional martial arts competitions can include forms, sparring, and breaking boards. If your child enjoys the thrill of competition, both options provide avenues to showcase their skills.
  6. Safety: Different martial arts have varying safety requirements. For jiu-jitsu, practitioners wear a gi, belt, and mouthguard. Some schools require additional gear. Jiu-jitsu schools have strict rules to prevent injury, such as teaching proper falling techniques and closely monitoring sparring. As for traditional martial arts, research and consult with instructors for necessary safety measures and equipment.
  7. Philosophy and Values: Each martial art has its philosophy and values. Jiu-jitsu often emphasizes humility, respect, and perseverance, creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere. Traditional martial arts may incorporate discipline, focus, and respect for tradition. Consider the underlying values of each martial art and how they align with your family’s principles and goals.

When choosing between jiu-jitsu and other martial arts for your child’s development, it’s essential to consider their interests, physical abilities, and goals. Jiu-jitsu’s focus on ground fighting and grappling provides valuable self-defense skills and encourages physical fitness and discipline. Traditional martial arts offer different approaches, emphasizing striking techniques and structured learning. Regardless of the choice, both martial arts have unique benefits that can positively impact your child’s development. Weigh the options carefully and consider enrolling your child in trial classes to see which martial art resonates best with them. Ultimately, the best martial art for your child is the one that sparks their passion and fosters their personal growth and development.

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/

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