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Pendergrass Academy of Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 365 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Raleigh, North Carolina
Plan your first class
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth muay thai classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule bjjnc.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (919) 819-1908
Hours
| Monday | 6:15–7:15 AM, 11 AM–12 PM, 4–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 4–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:15–7:15 AM, 11 AM–12 PM, 4–9 PM |
| Thursday | 4–9 PM |
| Friday | 6:15–7:15 AM, 11 AM–12 PM, 5–7 PM |
| Saturday | 8:15–11:45 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Sue is amazing and really made me feel comfortable enrolling her and really helped me understand the benefits of BJJ for my daughter.”
“Whether your goal is self-defense, competition, or just getting in better shape, this academy provides the tools and support to help you succeed.”
Other martial arts here
“Sue is amazing and really made me feel comfortable enrolling her and really helped me understand the benefits of BJJ for my daughter.”
What members say
“Along wtih excellent instruction, the professors are always kind, ready to help you improve, and keeping an eye out for your safety.”
“As an adult who’s never done anything like this before, I can tell you that the people here are warm and welcoming.”
“She is now an 8 year old who is stronger, smarter and more caring of others due to lessons she has learned from the PAMA family.”
“Not only did Sue take great care to make sure I was well informed regarding the details of membership but I was able to meet one of the owners, Rob Pendergrass, on my first visit.”
“My daughter absolutely loves him and his daughter coach Casey!”
“Whether your goal is self-defense, competition, or just getting in better shape, this academy provides the tools and support to help you succeed.”
From the reviews
As an adult who’s never done anything like this before, I can tell you that the people here are warm and welcoming. From Sue helping me understand the logistics and paperwork to Guy Pendergrass coaching all my classes and personally helping me understand what I am doing, and why, the whole place is great.
The folks at PAMA are the best. They love what they teach and it shows. Along wtih excellent instruction, the professors are always kind, ready to help you improve, and keeping an eye out for your safety. The facility is top notch. Plenty of mat space and reasonably sized classes.
I absolutely LOVE PAMA! I signed my four year old daughter up around September and have been so impressed with her progress in the short time she has been enrolled! Sue is amazing and really made me feel comfortable enrolling her and really helped me understand the benefits of BJJ for my daughter.
We started with this Academy back in November, I might say I am very impressed on how efficient their communication from start to finish has been, nothing has been left guess. I know what we need and by when we need it in a timely manner.
New to muay thai? Start at Pendergrass Academy of Martial Arts
Pendergrass Academy of Martial Arts comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. If you've never thrown a punch or a kick, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the conditioning to you. Second, you won't be thrown into sparring — reputable gyms build fundamentals (stance, footwork, and the basic strikes of the "art of eight limbs") for weeks before any contact, and sparring stays optional. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first muay thai class at Pendergrass Academy of Martial Arts
Nervous about walking into a muay thai gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling the basics on pads and bags — not fighting. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: shorts or athletic wear and a t-shirt; you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and hand wraps if you have them — many gyms lend gloves for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gloves, wraps, a mouthguard, and shin guards. Sparring is optional and comes later, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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