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Pendergrass Academy of Martial Arts proudly serving Raleigh since 2007
Pendergrass Academy of Martial Arts has classes in Raleigh, perfect for kids, teen, and adult martial arts lessons.
Who we Are And why You Should Train Here
Since we’ve opened, we’ve been dedicated to changing the lives of people one person at a time, through martial arts, education and coaching. We strive to provide a safe, comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for all students and family members. We take pride in creating an environment for individuals to achieve, develop and succeed in their personal goals.
We strongly believe that martial arts can be for everyone, regardless of age, gender or experience levels. Throughout all of our programs, students will not only learn the necessary skill sets to protect themselves, we stand behind our realistic and practical approach, confident it will enable every member to achieve greatness and live their best life..
Get To Know Our World Class Instructors
Professor Rob & Guy Pendergrass
Professor Rob and Guy are the owners and head instructors of Pendergrass Academy of Martial Arts. With 35 years of martial arts experience as students, competitors, instructors, and leaders within the community. As natives they care deeply about the impact they have through the martial arts lessons they deliver within our local community.
Both Rob and Guy are 3rd degree Black Belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Their passion started as teens where they first took Shotokan Karate and Tae Kwon Do. Their love of the martial arts followed them into college where they practiced Wing Chun Kung Fu and eventually Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 1994.
Rob and Guy both are active members of the Martial Arts Industry Association and have spoken at top conferences in and outside of the martial arts industry. They have spoken at Jitz Con, 7 Figure CEO, and the Movement Summit to name a few. With their incredible programs created for kids and adults they have been featured in Black Belt magazine, local publications, as well as, winners of the Best of the Best 2022 in Wake Forest and Raleigh area.
In addition to running a highly successful martial arts academy, they also run the George Pendergrass Foundation, a 501 c3 non-profit that raises money for blood cancer research. Formed after their father passed in 2003 from Leukemia, they began a series of tournaments and grapple-thons to raise money each year to fund research and support for families.
Dedicated to giving back to our community, it is our mission to make a difference to those we are fortunate enough to teach and guide through the lessons and values of the martial arts.
Professor Boo Holbrook
1st degree Black Belt Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and native of Wake Forest, NC.
Sue Hughes
Program Director – Blue Belt Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and originally from Long Island, NY.
Matt Greer
Co-head Muay Thai Instructor – From Yonkers, NY. 15 years of experience and began his training in Sanda (Chinese Kickboxing). Coach Matt has also trained in Thailand.
Johnnie Ray Tyson
Co-head Muay Thai Instructor – From Wilmington, Delaware. Coach Johnnie spent much of his training in Philadelphia, PA.
Beth Jones
Kids Instructor – Coach Beth is a Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and is originally from Webster (town), NY.
Sean Rodriguez
Assistant Kids Instructor – Coach Sean is a Green/Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Sean is also a member of our Teens Muay Thai program. He is originally from Glendale, CA.
Maddie Moore
Assistant Kids Instructor – Coach Maddie is a Grey/Black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. She is also in our Teens Muay Thai program. Maddie is a member of our STORM TEAM.
Essie Horne
Assistant Kids Instructor – Coach Essie is a Blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Essie is also a member of our STORM TEAM.
Ky Simpson
Assistant Kids Instructor – Coach Ky is a Grey/White belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. She is also a member of our STORM TEAM.