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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

Focus on What Works: Applying the 80/20 Rule in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

June 13, 2025

Focus on What Works: Applying the 80/20 Rule in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

The 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle, is often applied in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to emphasize that 20% of the techniques you learn will lead to 80% of your success on the mats. It suggests that instead of attempting to master every technique available, focusing on a few core, high-impact moves can yield better results over time. Here’s how the 80/20 rule applies to BJJ:

1. Focus on Key Techniques

Instead of trying to master hundreds of techniques, focus on a small set of foundational moves. These could include basic sweeps, submissions, and escapes that will be effective in most situations. For instance, mastering the closed guard and the armbar can help you succeed in various positions. Another example is the kimura, a versatile submission that works from multiple positions, including guard, side control, and north-south. By focusing on perfecting this submission, you can use it in various situations and create a high success rate without having to memorize dozens of different submission techniques.

2. Positional Control

In BJJ, a majority of your success comes from controlling dominant positions. For example, positions like side control, mount, and back mount are essential. These positions provide multiple chances for submissions and play a vital role in your overall performance. The closed guard is a versatile position in BJJ. Maintaining control in closed guard, there are options to sweep, submit, or defend. Focusing on control from closed guard allows you to dominate your opponent and sets up your next move, making it a crucial position for beginners and advanced practitioners.

3. Simplicity Over Complexity

BJJ includes many techniques, but many successful practitioners prioritize mastering a few key concepts and positions. The 80/20 rule suggests you can streamline your training by focusing on a few moves that work well and refining them over time. An example would be the bridge and shrimp. Although BJJ has many complex escapes, the bridge and shrimp are simple yet highly effective movements for escaping from mount or side control. Mastering these basic techniques can allow you to escape or re-establish guard without learning a complex set of advanced escapes.

4. Efficiency in Rolling

The 80/20 rule applies in rolling as well. Many practitioners realize that most successful submissions or transitions come from just a handful of techniques. Instead of constantly searching for new techniques, you can improve your overall game by refining the moves you use most frequently. An example of this would be to focus on Basic Sweeps. A simple, fundamental sweep, like the scissor sweep or hip bump sweep, can be highly effective in rolling. By relying on a few well-practiced sweeps, you can avoid overthinking during rolls and react, creating a more fluid and efficient rolling experience rather than trying to force complex moves you haven’t perfected yet.

In Conclusion, The 80/20 rule in BJJ encourages you to focus on the most effective techniques and positions rather than overwhelming yourself with a long list of moves. Practicing and improving the basics can help you do better on the mats. Focusing on high-impact techniques makes your training more efficient and effective in rolling and competition.

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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