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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

Age is Just a Number: Building Confidence in Older Adults through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

January 10, 2025

Age is Just a Number: Building Confidence in Older Adults through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

As we age, staying active and maintaining a sense of confidence can become increasingly challenging. Many older adults may feel limited by their physical abilities or worry about the risks associated with exercise. However, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers a unique opportunity for older individuals to stay fit, regain confidence, improve balance, and keep their minds sharp. In this post, we’ll explore the positive impact that BJJ can have on older adults and how it can enhance their overall well-being.

Regaining Confidence Through BJJ

One of the most impactful benefits of BJJ for older adults is the boost in self-confidence. Learning and progressing in BJJ provides a sense of accomplishment that many older individuals might feel is difficult to achieve in other forms of exercise. As they master new techniques, whether a simple sweep or a submission, they experience personal growth and resilience.

BJJ focuses on leveraging technique over strength, which means practitioners of all ages, including older adults, can excel without relying on excessive physical power. For example, an older adult may come into BJJ initially feeling unsure about their fitness or abilities. After a few months of training, they master techniques and develop new skills. This success in learning martial arts can lead to a sense of accomplishment and confidence in other areas of life.

Improving Balance and Physical Health

BJJ is an excellent exercise for improving balance, coordination, and flexibility. Older adults often experience a decline in balance, which increases the risk of falls and injuries. BJJ training includes movements that require stability, posture, and an awareness of body mechanics, which help to improve overall balance.

The constant movement, rolling, and grappling during training also strengthen muscles and joints, reducing stiffness and improving mobility. For instance, in a typical BJJ class, older practitioners will engage in drills that require them to shift their weight, perform sweeps, or escape from different positions on the mat. Helping train their bodies to stay agile, flexible, and balanced, making daily tasks easier and safer.

Staying Mentally Sharp

Another crucial benefit of BJJ for older adults is its positive effect on mental sharpness. BJJ requires constant problem-solving, quick thinking, and mental engagement. The strategic nature of the sport, where practitioners must think several moves ahead, keeps the brain active and sharp.

This mental stimulation has been shown to help improve cognitive function and memory, as well as reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline. Such as practitioners learn more advanced techniques and combinations, they must remember sequences and adjust their strategies based on their opponent’s actions. Keeping the mind engaged and challenges cognitive skills in ways physical activities might not.

In conclusion, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers older adults more than just a way to stay physically active – it provides an opportunity to regain confidence, improve balance, and stay mentally sharp. By focusing on technique and mental strategy, BJJ makes it possible for individuals of all ages to feel empowered, regardless of their physical limitations.

Whether you’re looking to get in shape, improve your balance, or challenge yourself in a new way, BJJ can be a powerful tool for enhancing physical and mental well-being. Join us at Pendergrass Academy of Martial Arts. www.bjjnc.com

 

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