Instructors

Head Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructors - Rob and Guy Pendergrass
Guy and Rob have been actively involved in the martial arts since 1988.  Each began their training in Shotokan Karate and Tae Kwon Do, eventually earning black belts in each of those respective styles.  During this time both Guy and Rob competed at the local and state level winning numerous tournaments in both kata and kumite.  Eventually they moved on to college where they began studying the art of Wing Chun Kung Fu in Greenville, NC.  There Guy and Rob learned the finer points of trap fighting.  Then in 1996 they learned of a revolutionary style called Brazilian Jiu Jitsu after watching the Ultimate Fighting Championships.  It was at that time that Guy and Rob began training in the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  They have had the honor of training with many great instructors such as Gustavo Machado, Renzo Gracie, Matt Serra, Rickson Gracie, Rolles Gracie Jr., and Ricardo Almeida to name a few.  Guy and Rob also lived and trained in New York City at the Renzo Gracie Academy from 1999 to 2000.  After returning home Guy and Rob began training with Gustavo Machado under Renzo's recommendation.  Both Guy and Rob have competed in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at the local, state, and national level winning in those events.  Each have also competed in Mixed Martial Arts at the amateur level winning on numerous occassions.  Currently, each are ranked as Black Belts in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Gustavo Machado.
 

Assistant Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor - Sean Zorio
Sean’s first experience in combat sports was wrestling at Wake Forest Rolesville High School during the 2000-2001 season.  Then in August 2006 he began his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training at the Pendergrass Academy of Martial Arts.  Sean is one of the most personable and nicest guys you’ll ever meet.  He is an excellent instructor and assists with both the Adult Beginner and Kid Jitsu programs.  Sean currently holds the rank of purple belt.


Muay Thai Instructor - Bishop Holmes
For the past decade, Kru Bishop Holmes has dedicated himself to the Art of Muay Thai.  Having his start with the Sitan Gym of Philadelphia, Kru Holmes was the first student to study and train directly under Master Rami Ibrahim.  For 8 years Kru Holmes was molded into a Muay Thai artist by way of Master Ibrahim’s direct guidance.  Kru Holmes then received the proper blessings and traveled to Bangkok, Thailand to study and train.  While there he became a certified instructor under the World Muay Thai Council and Ministry of Education in Rangisit Thailand.


Guy and Rob's Teacher/Guest Instructor - Gustavo Machado
Gustavo Machado began his martial arts journey at the age of 16 under Jean Jacques Machado, who soon promoted Gustavo to blue belt.. When Jean Jacques left Brazil, Gustavo began training at the Gracie Barra academy in Rio de Janeiro. Gustavo has since trained with BJJ legends such as Mauricio "Tinguina" Mariano, Roberto "Gordo" Correa, Ryan Gracie and Marcelo Langunho. Gustavo was a very active competitor, winning and placing in numerous competitions throughout his study. At the age of 19, he was awarded his purple belt by professor Carlos Gracie Jr. It was at this time Gustavo began teaching under the authority of his teacher. In 1996 Gustavo received his brown belt. In 1998, he followed his dream and moved to Virginia Beach, Virginia to open his own academy. He is now the head instructor and founder of Gustavo Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as well as the president and founder of the Virginia Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation. Gustavo is also the founder of the Renzo Gracie Competition Team of Virginia Beach. In October of 2000, Gustavo was promoted to Black Belt by Professor Roberto "Gordo" Correa.