There are many reasons that people seek out martial arts training. For some people, the goal is self-improvement and to get their bodies into the best shape possible. For others, the primary reason is that they want to learn methods of self-defense. A question we hear a lot is this: What is the best martial […]
Martial arts training is something that people of all ages and sizes can do. One of the most common questions we hear when people are signing up for our martial arts classes is this: Does size give people an advantage in a martial arts fight? Size does matter in the martial arts, but not necessarily […]
There are a variety of ways to control the Armbar position. However, there is one way you definitely don’t want to do it. Watch our latest video and get these great tips. We hope you enjoyed our video. If you did give us a thumbs up and make sure to subscribe. Pendergrass Academy of Martial […]
Martial arts classes are a popular activity for children because they provide a healthy outlet for kids’ energy as well as an opportunity to socialize. What some parents may not realize is that one of the biggest benefits of martial arts for kids is that it helps them form the fitness habit from an early […]
In martial arts, students learn more than the physical skills associated with Taekwondo or Karate. Each one of martial arts has core tenets that students must learn and apply both to their martial arts training and to life. The most important of these — because it relates to all the others — is something called […]
Training with the Opposite Sex Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a male-dominated art. However, more women are taking up an interest in training Jiu-Jitsu. As this becomes the case, it’s important to understand the unique challenges faced when it comes to training with the opposite sex. So, what are some of the concerns; For women: Fear of […]
Protect Your Heart with Martial Arts Valentine’s Day has just passed, but February is still all about the heart. Every year, the American Heart Association celebrates Heart Month to raise awareness about heart disease and heart health. What you may not know is that martial arts are great for the heart. In fact, the cardiac […]
We get a lot of questions about martial arts and weight loss. If you’re someone who wants to lose weight, then martial arts training could provide part of the solution. Here are 6 ways that studying martial arts can help you lose weight. #1: Burning Calories There’s a reason that exercise is at the core […]
There are few things quite like working out with a partner or spouse – a loved one of any sort. No matter type of martial arts you both practice, there are some benefits to exercising together. From perfecting your form to keeping each other motivated, you’ll find them here Read on to find out more. […]
Hey all! We have another YouTube video to share with you. Check it out below! Pendergrass Academy of Martial Arts proudly serves the Wake Forest, Wakefield, and Raleigh NC areas. For more information about us check out: www.bjjnc.com. For more information on our adult program go to https://www.bjjnc.com/program/bjj/ or for our kids’ program go to […]
We’re back and in our new video, we share one of our favorite chokes with you: North / South Choke from Side Control. We’re going to start off in traditional side control. Without your opponent noticing your going to grab the very bottom of your far side lapel. You are holding side control and you […]
Watch our latest video as Professors Guy and Rob demonstrate how to enter into the 4-11 position from the sitting up guard. Starting in the sitting-up guard position, you’ll have one knee down and one knee up. This is so you’ll be able to do a basic hook sweep. Sometimes, your opponent will grab your […]
This month at the Pendergrass Academy we’re covering leg entanglement positions. Such as Standard Ashi Garami, Cross Ashi Garami, and both inside and outside Ashi Garami. In our latest YouTube video, we demonstrate switching side to side Ashi Garami. Check it out and subscribe to our channel. Pendergrass Academy of Martial Arts proudly serves the […]
If you are looking for a way to improve your health or get in better shape, you may not need to hit the gym. Instead, you should head to our martial arts school. Men’s martial arts could be the fitness solution that you have been searching for. Discover the benefits of martial arts for men’s […]
Bullying has become an epidemic in recent years. Yes, there have always been bullies, and yes, those bullies have always caused serious and lasting damage to their victims; however, bullying in the 21st century has changed – and not for the better. According to Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center, one in four students has reported […]
Check out our latest youtube video: ‘NO HANDS’ Guard Retention Drill. To begin the person on top will be standing, not kneeling. The person on the bottom will have both hands tucked inside his belt. The main focus of this drill is for the person on the bottom to use their legs only to help […]
As people grow older, they begin to find ways to be more productive and make use of their time. For senior citizens, in particular, find that there is even more time they need to utilize and want to do so effectively. Many will go out and find other jobs while others will pursue hobbies and […]
Stay heavy with your front knee on his chest. Make sure not to expose your heel. Keep your foot flat. Grabbing your opponent’s toes.Sticking your hip out will help to push his foot off.Next, you will step around your opponent’s head.After stepping around, you’ll slide into a high side control position. Now check out our […]
Starting inside your opponent’s knee shield. TIP: You never want your inside leg to be on the floor. You want to bring it up and staple his leg to the ground. Lift your other leg to put more weight on his leg. Otherwise, he’ll have the ability to pull his knee out and square back […]
Have you ever read our signs on the outside of our training room floors?? If not here’s an overview. GENERAL ETIQUETTE: We strive to maintain a positive atmosphere and sense of community at PAMA. Here’s how YOU can help: Please come to class with a positive attitude and remember to greet your instructors and classmates! […]
Starting in De La Riva, oftentimes you may have a cross sleeve grip or a cross collar grip but your opponent will break those grips. When your opponent breaks your grips you’ll extend your leg and kick up. It would be great to go for a sweep, but as you sit up and post your […]
To start you’ll be holding a knee shield. Your opponent will weave his outside arm through the middle of the legs. If you don’t do anything, your opponent will smash (press down on your legs). He’ll then sprawl out and come around to get the pass. This is the pass you are trying to counter […]
Grade school can be quite an experience for any child. It is a place where a child learns academically and where a child must learn to socialize and function in the world. Unfortunately, there are a lot of negative experiences that a child may have when going through school. Whatever those experiences, it would be […]
You’ll be starting with a right hand on your opponent’s lapel. Your left hand will secure a sleeve grip. Your opponent will typically reciprocate these hand placements. As you shoot your arm under your opponent’s arm, you will cross-step. As you start pulling your opponent down you want to aim to land in between […]
Professor Guy demonstrates 3 of the most important movements in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. 1.SHRIMPING 2. BRIDGING 3. 4-POINT BASE TURN Check out the video to get further details on these movements. Pendergrass Academy of Martial Arts proudly serves the Wake Forest, Wakefield, and Raleigh NC areas. For more information about us check out: www.bjjnc.com. For more […]
In today’s video Professors, Rob and Guy are going to demonstrate two options when your opponent stacks you while you’re attacking the armbar from the bottom position. There are a couple of counters you can do. Check out our pictorial before you move on to the video. Step 1: Jump the Shoulder Step 2: Step […]
In today’s video Professors, Rob and Guy demonstrate a sweep first in order to set up for the armbar. You will use your opponent’s defense, the way he posts his foot to stop the sweep. In doing this it will open up your attempt for the armbar. Step 1: Step 2: Step 3: Step 4: […]
We’ll be starting off inside the half guard. Our opponent is going to go for the Kimura. So you’ve got to block his attempt. Now, this is just to buy you some time until you can pass the half guard. Next: You’ll knee slice and bring your hand back to the floor for stability purposes. […]
Anytime your opponent has an underhook and is halfway to your back you want to slow him down. To do this, you will do a small Whizzer and grab his collar with four fingers. Then pull his lapel out. By pressing his lapel toward the mat, you’re keeping him from coming up on his […]
There are 6 techniques that Professor Guy and Rob demonstrate in this compilation from the half guard position. Check out this mini-seminar. Here is just a sample of techniques that will be shown in the video. Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Check out the mini-seminar to get great details on all these techniques from […]
Starting off in butterfly guard, you’ll arm drag and come up to the back. Perhaps your opponent defends on this side and makes it difficult for you to get a second hook in. Instead of your opponent turning into you and then jumping to the opposite side the alternative would be to look for crotch […]
Join us for another video and blog. This technique is a Rolling Back Take. This technique can be done from many different positions. In our case, we’ll be starting in the butterfly guard (pic 1). We’ll have a 2 on 1 sleeve control. Next, you’ll exit your left hook, and you’ll drag your opponent across, […]
Here are some things to keep in mind step by step. Give this pictorial a quick view before you watch the video. #1: The primary attack is always going to be the choke, using a Kimura Grip. #2: The primary method is going to be to control the wrist, and fall to the […]
We hope you enjoyed “Walls, Ceilings, and Excuses.” We hope you were able to pick out some useful information. Pendergrass Academy of Martial Arts is proud to serve the Wake Forest, Wakefield, and Raleigh NC areas. For more information about us check out our website at www.bjjnc.com
In today’s video/blog, Professors Rob and Guy demonstrate an Open Guard Sweep from a failed Tomoe Nage Throw. This is a follow-up video to last week’s technique Tomoe Nage Throw. This sweep happens when your opponent reacts appropriately making it difficult to do the throw. Thank you for checking out our blog go to our […]
In today’s video/blog, Professors Rob and Guy demonstrate a Tomoe Nage Throw. This is a good technique to use when your opponent locks up and stiff arms you, making it hard to get in tight to go for any takedown or throw. Check out more details in the video: We hope you enjoyed today’s blog/video. […]
Today’s technique is from the bottom closed guard position. Attacking for a standard Armbar. However, when your opponent starts to stack into you, you’re going to spin underneath. Starting with a traditional grip position – where you control one arm, hip out, start to spin for the Armbar, and attack. With your free arm, you’ll […]
In this quick pictorial, Professor Guy and Professor Boo demonstrate a counter to the kimura defense. Pic #2: Prof. Boo will tripod up, bringing his leg out. Pics #5, #6 & #7: You can either settle into the crucifix position or (pic #6) you can scissor your legs and start to attack from this […]
Have a White Belt Mindset, always be willing to learn. If you think you already know everything, you won’t grow or will grow slower. Private Lessons (individualized, vs group class) – problems you are having, tweaking them – new technique – how to deal with training partners (ex. Say they always pass your guard) […]
Summer is here. The kids are out of school – and you’re wondering what you can do to help them fill their days with something other than endless rounds of video games and YouTube videos. We have the ideal solution in our martial arts summer camp for kids. The children who attend our camps will […]
Let’s say someone walks up from behind you, they reach around and grab your neck. Most likely what they are trying to do is pull you backward and drag you. If you’re able to respond, you’re going to throw them overhead. First, make sure your fingers are deep in the forearm and the bicep. Secondly, […]
Check out this quick step by step with pictures: Starting off in Knee on Belly position with your hand in your opponent’s collar. Next, you’ll take a big step while lifting opponent slightly. Make sure your hooks are in. Lastly, finishing the choke. Now check out our video: We hope you enjoyed our […]
To start we’re going to pop up to knee on belly. Next… you’ll put your knee on his chest. So you’re going to have two knees on his chest for a split second. Next… You’re going to take the arm that’s closest to his head, and you are going to grab the outside of […]
During these times of uncertainty and routine changes, come some words of support. In today’s blog, Guy and Rob interview Krista Beattie. She works from home as well as home schools her son. She discusses some tips to use that may help to ease everyone’s home situation. We hope you enjoy this interview and can […]
Here are some simple tips to remember: Now watch the video and get all the details. Thank you for checking out our blog and video. We hope you enjoyed it. Remember Pendergrass Academy of Martial Arts is proud to serve Wake Forest, Wakefield and the Raleigh Area. Check out our website at www.bjjnc.com. […]
*** Updated 10:00 pm on Thursday, March 12th, 2020*** The team at Pendergrass Academy is committed to the health and safety of our Members. We will use this page (as well as communicate via our Facebook Group and Page and E-Mail) to keep you posted. We are taking this 1 day at a time as […]
In our last video guest instructor, Jeff Crum demonstrated an arm weave half guard pass. In this video, Jeff again demonstrates what to do if your partner is blocking you from getting side control. Watch this simple tip that he gives. Keep it in mind the next time you’re on the mat. Check out our […]
Our first key to holding side control is head control. If you can control the head, you can control the rest of the body. Most people think of side control with head control as a cross face with the shoulder. That’s not always the case. Sometimes we bring the arm over and get more of […]
Tip#1: When you throw the first strike, you’re going to step into it. This alone will help increase the power of your strike. Tip#2: When you do step into that strike, you’re going to rotate your hips. This will help with the upper body rotation and give a little more power. This is going to […]
Pendergrass Academy of Martial Arts is proud to serve Wake Forest, Wakefield and the Raleigh Area. Check out our website at www.bjjnc.com. You can also check out our adult program here: https://www.bjjnc.com/program/bjj/
3 Martial Arts Benefits: Physical – The most common New Year’s resolution you will hear is to get in better shape. The physical benefits from martial arts are obvious. Martial arts will get you in shape in a way you find fun. Your body gets more comfortable with itself, so you have better control over […]
This technique will start in the side control position. Our arm is underneath his arm. Last week we talked about putting our hand on our cheek. If he were to bring that hand over our head, we can catch him in the Americana. With the hand on the cheek, we’re going to put our other […]
Starting from side control, placing your hand on your cheek-this way if your opponent ever passes his arm back over you can automatically catch this. Take your knee that’s closest to him and drag it close to his armpit. Your hand will be on his head to help lift the head as you pass your […]
Join the guys in this round table discussion about the advice they would give their less experienced selves as white belts in Jiu Jitsu. It is an interesting video to watch and learn a few things for yourself. You will probably be able to take away something and apply it to your own training. […]
If you are looking for a way to improve your health or get in better shape, you may not need to hit the gym. Instead, you should head to our martial arts school. Martial arts could be the fitness solution that you have been searching for. Discover the benefits of martial arts for your health. […]
This technique will start from the De La Riva position. Whether you have double sleeve control or same side collar, or cross side collar control; your opponent is always going to be grabbing the pants. Therefore his sleeves are going to be in close proximity. Next, you’re going to do a cross sleeve control, go […]
Self Awareness You have society on your side. Potential criminals (for the most part) won’t just obnoxiously run up to you in front of a crowd and take your things. These criminals are looking for an opportune situation. As long as you are aware of your surroundings, you can prevent yourself from ever falling into […]
In this weeks blog we’ll share with you our YouTube link to our latest video: 4 Options from the Three Quarter Mount Position. Watch as Professors Guy and Rob show you some techniques such as the knee slice from the Three Quarter Mount Position. Learn other ways to make a submission while in the Three […]
To Start we’ll reach for the same side collar grip. Our other hand is going to block our opponent’s hand to make sure he doesn’t get the under grip control. So be sure to watch for that. Next, when he reaches over to get his grip, if he doesn’t change his stance you’re going to […]
Thanksgiving is this coming Thursday. While many Americans look forward to Thanksgiving Day as an opportunity to eat whatever they want without counting calories, it’s important not to lose sight of fitness – even as you face down a plate of turkey with all the fixings. Here are some ideas to help you enjoy your […]
We’re going to start off with a shoulder lock, then we’ll go into an armbar. Then we’re going to go into the triangle and lastly we’ll go into an omoplata. These techniques are based on your opponent defending these positions. Start off in the guard position. In this case we are wearing the gi so […]
If you are looking for a way to improve your health or get in better shape, you may not need to hit the gym. Instead, you should head to our martial arts school. Men’s martial arts could be the fitness solution that you have been searching for. Discover the benefits of martial arts for men’s […]
Back Take off of the Army Guillotine from the Turtle Position So we’re starting off in the Turtle position. We have one hook in, again maybe he’s defending the hook on the other side. Maybe you just don’t want to climb over and go to the back. He’s defending the neck on the same side […]
Starting in the turtle position, you already have one hook in. Your opponent isn’t defending the opposite side. It’s very common that your hand is going to come in on the same side as your body is. Because your opponent won’t be defending the opposite side we are going to slice our hand in from […]
Step 1: Starting in a standard side control position. Your partner my have his frame in place. You are going to switch your arms, block his hips and sprawl. Step 2: You’ll start to walk north/south. Then taking your right hand cut into his elbow. Step 3: Continue to walk sideways […]
In this weeks blog, Professors Guy and Rob will explain 4 details that increase your chances of securing the traditional armbar from the closed guard position. Key #1: Grab the wrist. This is so your opponent can’t curl his arm. One of the basic defenses against the armbar is having the ability to curl your […]
Bullying has become an epidemic in recent years. Yes, there have always been bullies, and yes, those bullies have always caused serious and lasting damage to their victims; however, bullying in the 21st century has changed – and not for the better. According to Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center, one in four students has reported […]
In this weeks blog we’re going to show you a technique we like to refer to as the Renzo Choke. It was originally taught to us by our old instructor, a long time ago, Renzo Gracie. In this side control attack you’ll utilize your lapel furthest away from your opponents head. The idea is that […]
Today we thought we’d share 8 mistakes that are commonly made by beginners to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. If you find yourself reading this blog and think ‘hmm, this is me’ then take heed! These examples will help you as you begin your journey. #1: Focusing on Attacks rather than Defense. It’s cool to learn sweeps, it’s […]
This weeks 2 minute technique is a Deep Half Guard Sweep to the Double Under Pass. Here’s another breakdown to the technique using pictures. Step #1: Starting in the combat stance. You’ll hug the leg, shin on shin. If you push into him a little he’ll push back and that will help you rotate. […]
Learning to tie your belt is often a challenge, like learning to tie your shoes. However, with practice it becomes easier and easier. Pretty soon you’ll tie your belt like a pro. See below the step by step instructions with pictures to help you. Step #1: Hold your belt at the half way point. A […]
This weeks 2 Minute Technique is from the Deep Half Guard. In this video you’ll learn how to take your opponent’s back by using his lapel. Yeah, his own lapel! Check it out below: Step #1-2: Starting in combat base, you’re going to (#2) spin using your right leg to help kick his leg away. […]
In this weeks 2 Minute Technique Professors Guy and Rob demonstrate the Kimura from Half Guard into the Inverted Armbar. Here is a quick break down using photos to learn the technique step by step. Have you ever been in the Half Guard going for the Kimura and you can’t finish it because your opponent […]
This weeks 2-minute technique is How to Take the Back from the Turtle Position. You’ll learn step by step instructions on what to do to take your opponents back. Step 1: Grabbing your opponents lapels, you’ll pin them to the mat to gain more control. Step 2: You’ll tripod up, resting your head on your […]
Help your child be on their ‘A’ game this school year by joining us for our Free Focus for Better Grades Seminar! At this event kids will have the opportunity to: Train under skilled instructors Learn how to work with a partner Break a board Earn their first belt Our seminar will take place on […]
We’ll be supporting both Wakefield Elementary School PTA and Forest Pines Drive Elementary PTA. Donations can be dropped off in person at the academy. Please, see Sue or Renee when you make your donation. PAMA Back to School Supply Drive Bus PAMA Summer Camper gives to the Supply Drive Each child that donates to the Supply Drive will be […]
Take a quick look at the 5 fundamental submissions you can do from the mount position. These are 5 submissions that you really want to practice. SUBMISSION #1: Basic Paint Brush also known as the Americana. SUBMISSION #2: Cross Choke SUBMISSION #3: Ezekiel Choke SUBMISSION #4: Arm Triangle or also known […]
A common question we get a lot especially in our beginner classes is “How do I keep the mount?” Although it’s a dominant position to attack from, people don’t feel comfortable in it, so what would you recommend? First of all, have an understanding of what some of the most common problems are. For instance, […]
Here are some of our Google reviews for our Adult BJJ Program. Thank you all for the kind words. We enjoy reading your feedback and as always look forward to seeing you on our mats. Proudly serving the Wake Forest and North Raleigh area (Wakefield). For more information about our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu programs check […]
Here are some more of our Google Reviews. These are based on our Kids Martial Arts Program. We always enjoy reading a good review. We appreciate our parents putting their trust in us to teach their children a Martial Art that we are so passionate about – BrazilianJiuJitsu. Thank you all so much! Proudly serving […]
Today we are going to share with you a variation of the Sumi Gaeshi Throw using the Kimura control. One of the common things that people do on a takedown is a Single Leg. So when my brother shoots in for a single his head is on the inside. You can do the Sumi Gaeshi […]
Here are some of our Google Reviews from some of our students and drop ins. We are always grateful for the kind words and are happy to welcome new and old students into the PAMA family! -Thank you. Proudly serving the Wake Forest and North Raleigh area (Wakefield). For more information about our Brazilian Jiu […]
Today we’re back and this blog complements the last blog – Learn How to Control & Attack the Weak Side. This particular blog is about Transitioning from the Back Mount to the Crucifix and back to the Back Mount. It’s very common that when we end up on the weak side our opponent can put […]
In a previous blog we left off transitioning to the back mount position on the weak side. That’s where we’re going to pick up today. So, in this position whichever arm is over your partner, that’s going to be the strong side. Based on the transition that we did we ended up on the weak […]
Disclaimer: The stretches suggested in this blog are not intended as a substitute for proper medical advice. Consult your physician or health care professional before performing any new exercise or exercise technique, particularly if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you are elderly, or if you have any chronic or recurring conditions. Any application […]
In this weeks How to video we wanted to share with you a sitting up style guard pass that will transition into a back mount. So, Rob is in a sitting up style position. An effective way to get him on his back is by scooping his ankles, lifting up and putting him on his […]
Here at the Pendergrass Academy we’d like to share 5 Great Stretches that are sure to improve your overall flexibility. These stretches are imperative to any Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. The primary muscles we’ll focus on are the lower back, the legs and the shoulders. These stretches will require using our belt. If you don’t have […]
This month at the Academy we’ve been focusing a lot on Omaplatas. So, we wanted to bring you guys one more strategy for the Omaplata. When we sit up to try to attack, it’s very common that our partner tries to beat us on the posture battle. When this happens we can create a situation […]
Ok, guys, we’re back! I’ve got Professor Boo here with me. This video is a follow up to the Omaplata technique that we did in our previous video last week. Professor Boo is going to show one of his favorite escapes when he gets caught in the Omaplata. While in the Omaplata, we always, especially […]
Join Professor Guy and Professor Boo as they demonstrate another weekly How To. This weeks video is an Omaplata Sweep. Watch the video to gain some insight on this technique. That is the Omaplata Sweep starting from the closed guard position. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Click on the bell to get our latest video. […]
It might not seem possible, but summer is almost here. The kids will be out of school – and you’ll be wondering what you can do to help them fill their days with something other than endless rounds of video games. We have the ideal solution in our martial arts summer camp for kids. The […]
So how long does it take to get good at Jiu-Jitsu? Well, that’s going to vary from person to person. There’s a lot of variables that can play a part in how quickly you improve. Everybody learns at a different rate. Jiu-Jitsu is a tactile sport, that’s primarily how you learn. You learn by hearing […]
Do you have a shy kid? We at the Pendergrass Academy feel that Martial Arts is a good combination of an individual sport and a team sport. When you’re on the mat training you’re working with other people. However when you actually apply what you’ve learned it becomes an individual sport. It’s a good combination […]
Martial Arts in the Military When you think of the US military, you probably think of high-tech weaponry – smart bombs and things like that. What you might not know is that the martial arts play an important role in military training. Being proficient in hand-to-hand combat can save soldiers’ lives. There are several forms […]
Guy and Rob recently went on a road trip to Tampa, Florida. It was a Jitz University Conference where they presented on strategies that can be used to gain 5 star reviews on google. There were other great presenters there as well. This is just a compilation of their road trip to Tampa. We hope […]
These are 5 of the most practical submissions from Side Control. These submissions are used quite a bit and some of them pair really well together. #1: Basic Wrist Lock: It’s very common for your partner to frame up and have one hand in the neck typically. So we’re going to take our chin and […]
Martial Arts for Mother’s Day Flowers might be the traditional gift for Mother’s Day, but they’re also what’s expected. Giving your mom a martial arts membership or enrolling her in a class might not be the usual choice, but there are many good reasons to consider giving your mom exactly that this Mother’s Day. […]
Here is a video from our Archives. It’s from a Gustavo Machado Seminar back in 2009. Although, the image quality may be inferior to what we usually film today, there are still some good tips to be had! Subscribe to our YouTube channel and click on the bell to get our video updates. Give us […]
As a student in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu there are a few things that we want to keep in mind while we train. We always want to be considerate of our training partners because without partners we can’t really train Jiu-Jitsu. Here are some quick tips to keep in mind: Tip 1: Wash your gi and […]
Alright, we’re going to look at a Single Leg X Entry when your opponent is standing in front of you. And we’re going to be playing a butterfly, shin on shin type guard. Once they stand and try to pass your guard (open that guard and try to pass) we’re going to look at a […]