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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

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

December 27, 2024

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a complex martial art that requires time, patience, and consistent effort to master. Even experienced practitioners can fall into bad habits or make mistakes during training. Here are five common mistakes to avoid.

Ignoring the Basics

It’s tempting to jump into advanced techniques before fully mastering the basics. However, progressing in BJJ can be challenging without a solid grasp of essential techniques like guard retention, escapes, and fundamental sweeps. For example, a beginner might try a complicated submission like an armbar from an unfamiliar position, but without proper guard control or body alignment the technique will be ineffective. Mastering the basics ensures you have a solid base upon which to build.

Overgripping

Gripping too tightly, especially in the gi, can tire you out quickly and limit your ability to move. Overgripping also makes you vulnerable to sweeps and submissions because it’s harder to maintain balance or transition fluidly. Holding the opponent’s collar too tightly might seem like a good idea to control them, but it can restrict your movement and energy. Instead, focus on a relaxed, controlled grip that allows you to react quickly to changes in the roll.

Poor Posture Habits

Poor posture, especially in top positions, exposes you to submissions or sweeps. Posture is a crucial aspect of BJJ, as it affects your defense and your ability to attack. For example, if you are in a top position (mount or side control) but have poor posture, your weight might shift too far forward, allowing your opponent to escape or perform an attack. Always focus on a strong, balanced posture to maintain control.

Not Using Leverage Properly

 BJJ uses leverage, not brute strength, to control your opponent. Relying too much on strength can lead to wasted energy and poor technique. A practitioner might use excessive force when trying to pass the guard, making it easier for their opponent to sweep or submit them. Instead, using leverage through proper body positioning and technique will yield better results without unnecessary effort.

Avoid Rolling with Different Partners

Sticking to the same training partners or avoiding rolling can hinder your growth. Rolling with people of varying skill levels allows you to adapt to different styles and challenges. Only rolling with one or two partners at the same skill level may limit your exposure to diverse techniques and strategies. By training with a wide range of partners, you gain valuable experience that helps you become more adaptable and improve faster.

In conclusion, while making mistakes is part of learning BJJ, being mindful of these common errors can help you improve more efficiently. Focus on mastering the fundamentals, maintaining good posture, using leverage effectively, and practicing with various partners to accelerate your growth. With patience and consistency, you’ll be well on your way to advancing your BJJ journey.

Pendergrass Academy of Martial Arts proudly serves Wake Forest, Wakefield, and Raleigh, NC. For more information about us, visit www.bjjnc.com.

For details about our adult program, visit: https://bjjnc.com/program/bjj/

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