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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
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Pendergrass Academy of Martial Arts

The Evolution of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: From Traditional to Modern Techniques

April 25, 2025

The Evolution of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: From Traditional to Modern Techniques

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the most dynamic martial arts in the world, known for its emphasis on leverage, technique, and adaptability. Developed in the early 20th century by the Gracie family in Brazil, BJJ has evolved significantly, influenced by both the changing landscape of martial arts and the growing popularity of mixed martial arts (MMA). The evolution of BJJ, from its traditional roots to modern innovations, has made it one of the most versatile and efficient combat sports.

The Early Days of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

The foundation of BJJ was laid in the early 1900s by Mitsuyo Maeda, a Japanese Judo expert who passed on his knowledge to Carlos and Helio Gracie. In its early development, BJJ was influenced by Judo. Focusing on throws, pins, and groundwork. However, the Gracie family refined and modified these techniques to emphasize submissions, particularly from the guard position. This emphasis on ground fighting set BJJ apart from many other martial arts, which focused more on striking.

In its traditional form, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was about controlling and submitting your opponent using basic, fundamental techniques like the armbar, choke, and various guard positions. At this time, competitions were often hard to find in scope, with practitioners using a straightforward, more conservative approach to positions and submissions.

The Shift to Modern Techniques

Over the past few decades, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has undergone a massive transformation, particularly in terms of technique and strategy. Introducing new approaches and innovative strategies has elevated BJJ to a global level of competition. Modern BJJ, heavily influenced by MMA and the rise of no-gi grappling, is faster, more dynamic, and more creative than ever.

One of the changes in modern BJJ is the development of the Berimbolo and other dynamic guard sweeps and submissions. These techniques, which are more complex and require a higher degree of athleticism, have become staples in modern competitions. The Berimbolo, for instance, allows practitioners to transition from a deep guard position to a dominant top position with speed and precision, a far cry from the more static guard work of earlier generations.

The Influence of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

As MMA grew in popularity, it had a profound effect on the evolution of BJJ. With the exposure on a global stage through organizations like the UFC, BJJ had to adapt to meet the demands of real-world combat. In MMA, BJJ fighters face opponents skilled in grappling, striking, and wrestling. As a result, BJJ has evolved to incorporate more takedowns, scrambles, and even clinch work, bridging the gap between traditional BJJ and other martial arts.

One example of this crossover is the development of the wrestler’s guard. This strategy, often employed in MMA and no-gi competitions, involves pulling guard and using a more aggressive, explosive approach to sweeping or submitting an opponent. This evolution has made BJJ more applicable in high-pressure situations, making it an indispensable tool for mixed martial artists.

The Growth of the Sport and New Strategies

In addition to these technical evolutions, the strategy of BJJ competition has also changed. Earlier BJJ tournaments focused on gaining points for maintaining dominant positions, like mount or side control. However, as the sport evolved, so did the scoring system. Modern BJJ competitions often focus on more dynamic action, with points given for sweeps, guard passes, and submission attempts. This shift in strategy has led to a faster-paced, more exciting grappling style that appeals to athletes and spectators.

In conclusion, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has experienced a significant transformation over the years, shifting from a traditional form focused on simple, controlled techniques to a fast-paced, highly dynamic martial art. The development of new techniques, the influence of MMA, and the changing landscape of BJJ competitions have all helped to make the sport more exciting and accessible to a larger audience. What began as a way for smaller practitioners to defend themselves has become one of the most effective and adaptable martial arts. As BJJ continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly inspire new generations of practitioners to push the boundaries of technique and strategy even further.

Ready to start your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey or take your skills to the next level? Join us at Pendergrass Academy of Martial Arts, where we provide expert instruction in a supportive and engaging environment. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your techniques, we’re here to help you succeed. Visit www.bjjnc.com today to learn more and get started!

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