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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

Beginner’s Guide to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Beginner’s Guide to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for beginners can feel intimidating, especially if you don’t know what to expect.

Beginner’s Guide to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Pendergrass Academy of Martial Arts – Wake Forest, NC

Starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for beginners can feel intimidating, especially if you don’t know what to expect. New uniforms, unfamiliar movements, and the concept of live training often raise questions.

That’s completely normal.

This guide is designed to walk you through the beginner BJJ journey step by step. Whether you’re thinking about trying your first class or you’ve already stepped on the mat, these resources will help you train with confidence, avoid common mistakes, and build real progress over time.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu isn’t about being tough on day one. It’s about learning, improving, and developing skills.

Getting Started: What to Expect as a Beginner

If you’re brand new to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, start here. These articles answer the most common beginner questions and help you feel prepared before your first class.

   • Your First BJJ Class: What to Expect (and What Not to Worry About)

   • What Do I Need for My First BJJ Class?

   • How Long Does It Take to Get a Black Belt in BJJ?

These guides focus on:

  • Removing fear
  • Clarifying expectations
  • Explaining how progression works
  • Helping you show up ready to learn

If you’re still deciding whether to try Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, these are the best places to begin.

Common Beginner Struggles (And How to Get Through Them)

Every white belt experiences frustration at some point. That’s part of the process.

These articles address the most common beginner challenges and explain how to move through them the right way:

   • Your First Live Roll: What to Expect and How to Stay Calm

   • The Top 5 Mistakes Every Beginner Makes in BJJ (And How to Fix Them Fast)

   • Why Live Rolling Isn’t as Scary as You Think

Understanding these early hurdles can make the difference between quitting and staying consistent.

Many beginners feel overwhelmed, compare themselves to others, or think they should be improving faster. The truth is, progress in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu happens in layers. These resources will help you build confidence the right way.

Progress, Confidence, and Staying Consistent

Progress in BJJ doesn’t always look obvious. In fact, many improvements are subtle before they become visible.

These articles will help you recognize growth, stay motivated, and build long-term confidence on the mats:

   • How to Know You’re Improving in BJJ (Even When It Doesn’t Feel Like It)

   • How to Stay Consistent as a White Belt

   • The Most Important Skill in Jiu-Jitsu Isn’t a Technique

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a marathon, not a sprint. Successful students are those who stay patient, stay curious, and keep showing up.

Why Train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Pendergrass Academy?

At Pendergrass Academy of Martial Arts, our beginner programs are structured, safe, and supportive. We don’t throw new students into chaos. We guide you step by step through:

  • Foundational movements
  • Position awareness
  • Controlled training progression
  • Confidence building
  • Long-term development

We proudly serve students in Wake Forest, Wakefield, and Raleigh, NC, and we’re committed to helping beginners feel comfortable from day one.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re thinking about trying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, there’s no perfect moment — just the moment you decide to begin.

👉 Learn more about training with us at www.bjjnc.com

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