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Pendergrass Academy of Martial Arts

5 ★★★★★ 365 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Raleigh, North Carolina

Kickboxing gym Beginners welcome Kids & teens Cardio kickboxing

Plan your first class

  • Beginner-friendly all fitness levels welcome, including total beginners — no experience needed, and you get in shape by training, not before
  • Cardio kickboxing classes high-energy cardio kickboxing on the bags and pads — a fun, sweaty workout built for fitness and weight loss, at your own pace
  • Kids & teen classes kids and teen kickboxing classes — built around confidence, focus, and fun
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule bjjnc.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 919-819-1908

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

Hours shift for holidays and class-schedule changes — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

Kickboxing classes on the schedule at Pendergrass Academy of Martial Arts, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Kickboxing 16 mentions

“Sue is amazing and really made me feel comfortable enrolling her and really helped me understand the benefits of BJJ for my daughter.”

All gyms that run kids kickboxing →

🦵 Muay Thai 2 mentions

“I showed a coworker of mine that went to train Muay Thai in Thailand a video of my daughter and he exclaimed “OH SHE GOES TO PENDERGRASS?”

All gyms that run muay thai →

Other martial arts here

Kickboxing gyms are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at Pendergrass Academy of Martial Arts — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🦵 Muay Thai 2 mentions

“I showed a coworker of mine that went to train Muay Thai in Thailand a video of my daughter and he exclaimed “OH SHE GOES TO PENDERGRASS?”

Other gyms that also teach muay thai →

🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 6 mentions

“Sue is amazing and really made me feel comfortable enrolling her and really helped me understand the benefits of BJJ for my daughter.”

Other gyms that also teach brazilian jiu-jitsu →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“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 gyms that also teach self-defense →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the gym's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want muay thai, boxing, or MMA alongside your kickboxing, confirm the current schedule with the gym.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 365 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, motivating coaching 3 mentions

“My instructor, Professor Boo is incredibly knowledgeable and takes the time to break down techniques in a way that’s easy to understand.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 7 mentions

“As an adult who’s never done anything like this before, I can tell you that the people here are warm and welcoming.”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“My daughter absolutely loves him and his daughter coach Casey!”

🏆 active competition / fight team 2 mentions

“Whether your goal is self-defense, competition, or just getting in better shape, this academy provides the tools and support to help you succeed.”

🧠 builds confidence & relieves stress 2 mentions

“If you are looking to be challenged, be part of a tight community, build your self-confidence and experience one of the best forms of fitness out there, this is the place!”

🤝 friendly, family gym 16 mentions

“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.”

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.

★★★★★ — Ryan, Aug 2024

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.

★★★★★ — Todd, Dec 2025

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.

★★★★★ — Elaina, Dec 2025

My experience at Pendergrass Academy was nothing short of phenomenal. As someone visiting from out of town, I was amazed by the warm and inviting atmosphere that greeted me from the moment I stepped through the doors.

★★★★★ — Michael, Oct 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 365 reviews →

New to kickboxing? 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 class is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or coordinated to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale every drill to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable gyms build the basics (stance, footwork, and punches and kicks on pads and bags) first, and any contact eases in gradually under a coach's control. Third, all fitness 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first kickboxing class at Pendergrass Academy of Martial Arts

Nervous about walking into a kickboxing 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 — stance, footwork, and punches and kicks on pads or a heavy bag — not hard sparring. Go at your own pace and rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: comfortable athletic clothes you can move and sweat in, and supportive trainers. What to bring: water, and hand wraps and gloves if you have them — many gyms lend loaner gloves for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gloves and wraps (and shin guards once you start sparring). Sparring is optional and eases in gradually, once your basics 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.

Kickboxing is a contact sport. Warm up, pace yourself, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Pendergrass Academy of Martial Arts

2921 Wakefield Crossing Dr #100, Raleigh, NC27614

Get directions

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.