competition

Choosing the Right Mixed Martial Arts and Jiu-Jitsu Academy

Choosing the Right Mixed Martial Arts and Jiu-Jitsu Academy

In today’s world, martial arts schools are everywhere. From strip malls to garages, it seems like anyone can open a gym and call themselves a coach. But here’s the truth—choosing the right Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) or Jiu-Jitsu academy is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your martial arts journey. Your choice will directly impact not only your skill development but also your safety, growth, and long-term success.

At Team GAMMA, we understand this better than anyone. With 25 years of history in the fight game, we’ve seen firsthand how much of a difference a well-qualified instructor and proven system make.

Why Instructor Experience Matters

When it comes to training, not all instructors are created equal. The internet has made it easy for anyone to print a certificate or claim experience. That’s why it’s crucial to do your homework and ask questions like:

  • What is your instructor’s record?

  • What level of competition has their team achieved?

  • Do they have a proven track record of long-term success?

These aren’t just surface-level questions—they’re essential. A coach who has never tested themselves in real competition may not be equipped to guide you through the grind of training, much less prepare you for success.

Team GAMMA’s Proven Pedigree

At Team GAMMA, our instructors aren’t just teachers—they’re competitors who have lived what they teach. Our head instructor, Jay Speight, has been training since the age of six years old. With a 12-2 amateur MMA record and an undefeated professional MMA career, Jay brings real-world fight experience to every class he leads.

But Jay isn’t the only success story. Over the past two and a half decades, Team GAMMA has produced many fighters and Jiu-Jitsu practitioners who have competed at high levels, both inside the cage and on the mats. When you train with us, you’re learning from seasoned professionals who know how to win and—more importantly—know how to teach.

The Difference Between Short-Term and Long-Term Success

One of the biggest mistakes people make is focusing only on the “highlight reel.” An instructor might have one or two standout fighters, but what about the team as a whole? What about their ability to build students from the ground up and keep them progressing for years?

At Team GAMMA, we don’t just create short-term flashes of success—we build champions for the long haul. With over 25 years of consistent results, our academy is proof that dedication, experience, and leadership matter.

Train Smart, Choose Wisely

If you’re serious about your martial arts journey—whether for self-defense, competition, or personal growth—you owe it to yourself to train under proven leadership. Don’t settle for the first school you come across. Ask the hard questions. Look at the track record. And remember: your time and safety are worth investing in the best.

At Team GAMMA, we’re proud of the legacy we’ve built and the students we continue to guide. Whether your goal is to step into the cage, compete on the mats, or simply grow in confidence and fitness, our team is here to take you there the right way.

Team GAMMA – 25 Years of Proven Excellence in MMA and Jiu-Jitsu.

read more →

Team GAMMA White Belt Tournament January 26th 2019 All Matches

Team GAMMA, Greenville Academy of Mixed Martial Arts, White belts Competed in the In House White Belt Tournament Combat Club. Jacksonville NC…… Greenville Academy of Mixed Martial Arts is a Full-Service Martial Arts Academy Specializing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts… Team GAMMA has been training top level athletes for 20 years..

read more →

Why Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Is Great For Children

Why Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Is Great For Children

The Jiu-Jitsu Times | Why Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Is A Great Sport for Unathletic Children.

Today I ran across a good article about why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a good activity for children. Especially the ones who don’t do well at Team Sports and or are not athletic. If you are looking for an activity for your child, this really explains why what we teach is best for your child.

It is really tough for our kids to find a place for them. A good read if you want to learn more about our style.

And if you are an adult and not athletic, you too can get the same benefits from training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

read more →

Sometimes as a Coach you have a chance to make a difference in this sport of MMA.

Recently my team went to a smaller MMA event held in Hickory Va. And I had three fighters on this card. I was asked to corner a fighter who was in between teams at this time. Later in the evening we realized that two of the opponents, of our fighter, where not showing. So I asked to move my only fighter to the first fight so we could leave early.

But where did that leave the other fighter who didn’t have a team, that ended up to be the main event, at the end of the card?

Well he came to me and let me know that he really wanted me to stay and corner him. And yes I did give my word to corner him so I and my team stayed for the whole event to help him do as well as he did. I spent about 30 minutes asking about his back ground and what tools he had to go into the cage.

Well he did so well I wanted to give him the props for this fight. Later on other coaches came to me and let me know he was a good fighter on my team. I let them know he wasn’t on my team but he listened so well to my coaching I knew I had made a difference in this match. Wished I had a few more people like him who really wanted to fight.

read more →
12
css.php