Testimonials

Congratulations to John Perry for his promotion to Brown Belt in Jiu-Jitsu

I have had the privilege to train a student who have never quit. John Perry walked in my academy and told me, he he signed up for a Mixed Martial Arts Match. And could I prepare him for this match. He says I had a Little laugh under my breath, when I said “I can do the best I can” He didn’t realized that I have had at least 20 guys came through my doors that said the same thing that with in a few hours realized that they really didn’t have what it takes to get in the cage and represent Team GAMMA.

Lucky the event his was suppose to fight in was canceled, at that point I informed him he needed to get a GI and start preparing for the next event. He really didn’t realized what was in store for him. His toes was crusty from the mat burn and he told me later that he felt like a kid that thought he could swim but never could get any air.

John recalls me telling him that “it maybe a broken rake…. but at least it was a rake and can still get the job done!” people always worry about making it perfect but if you take action you will always do better then the people who take “no action!!”

Later after John Perry Won his first match in MMA. He told me, even though there was 5000 spectators in Dorton Arena in Raleigh NC screaming. He could hear my voice, telling him what to and what not to do. I have been honored to have trained him.

read more →

Student of the Week Amberlynne VanDusen

This weeks Student of the Week is Amberlynne VanDusen she is a Graduate Student at East Carolina University, and receiving her Masters of Science in Environmental Health next month. She just recently received her Blue Belt in Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. And have taken to the Jiu-Jitsu Lifestyle. There are very few days in the week she does’t make it to the academy to train.Here is what she had to say about training with us.

“Learning a self-defense martial art had been on the “to-do” list for some time. Growing up I watched my brother train in karate, where he learned a lot of rote forms, but fewer flexible, practical techniques. Sparring in his classes was saved for special occasions and the sparring was what interested me. I wanted the ability and confidence to practically defend myself in an altercation. So, I signed up for a handful of various women’s self-defense classes, only to find that they focused on textbook material and spent more time talking about, rather than engaging in the techniques. Moreover, instructors never offered a satisfying answer to my concern about a confrontation being taken to the ground, as if this wasn’t a realistic possibility. From karate to women’s classes, none seemed to both address realistic situations and still be fun.”

“Fast-forward to spring 2013, I happened by the All-American Martial Arts Academy in Greenville, NC. On a whim, I showed up to a try a class in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I had no clue that I’d get hooked on such an enjoyable, practical, and accessible self-defense art. I was warmly welcomed to the mats, outfitted with a GI, and included in all class activities. It was phenomenal; not only did Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu exceed everything I was looking for in a self-defense martial art, but the family-run gym is what really sealed the deal. The atmosphere I have experienced at All-American Martial Arts Academy is friendly, relaxed, and focused on learning what really works. Toward the end of every class, there is an opportunity to roll, which I would equate to as “ground sparring.” It is the time to apply the techniques, find out they really work, and have a ton of active fun. It is a satisfying workout and significantly more enjoyable than traditional exercising. True, at just 5ft, I’m typically the smallest on the mat, but this has only allowed me to be more focused on the technique; because unlike my training partner, I’m unlikely to muscle my way through a move. As such, I’m more confident in what I’m learning at All-American Martial Arts Academy because it really works. My one regret? That I didn’t start training sooner…”

 

read more →

Student of the Week Brandon Gorman

This weeks Student of the week is Brandon Gorman. He is a dedicated father and husband. Both Brandon and his wife are college professors, Brandon at UNC chapel Hill and his wife at East Carolina University. Here is what he had to say about training with us.

“My favorite thing about training at GAMMA has to be the people. The coaching is excellent, and all of the instructors are patient and thorough. They are the perfect blend of tough and flexible. The other students are also great – I think it’s rare to find serious fighters helping novices work on their game, but this happens every day at GAMMA. I’ve moved around a lot recently and taken trial classes at gyms in Raleigh and Chapel Hill and it wasn’t until I got to Greenville and started training at GAMMA that I fell in love with Jiu-Jitsu. I’m not exaggerating when I say the first time I stepped on the mat was a life-changing experience. I’m a full-time student, parent, and teacher, so it can be hard to find the time and energy to train sometimes, so I am definitely lucky to have such a fantastic community keeping me rolling.”

 

read more →

Testimonial: Jack Teller

Jack came to the All American Martial Arts Academy at the age of 30—which goes to show that it is never too late to start! He recalls his first lesson:


I had walked by the gym many times, and it always intimidated me a bit. And that is what compelled me to try it—the fear of it. Any time I discover that I have a fear, I have to conquer it; I have to overcome it.

I called and scheduled a free trial class, and when I came in I was very reluctant to get on the mats—the fear was still at work. I just wanted to observe. I remember thinking that I wanted to see how badly they beat each other, and that if they hit each other in the head a lot, I would not do it. I was not interested in losing any brain cells.

Of course, James (the owner of the gym) managed to convince me to put on a gi (the uniform worn by Jiu Jitsu practitioners) and to give it a go. He was just too nice about it, and I could not say no. I was surprised: there were all kinds of people in the class: young, old, male, female, doctors, teachers, mechanics… even folks with various disabilities were there.

The class was relaxed and very enjoyable. I remember noticing how focused the instruction was on proper technique, and on NOT using strength. We learned self-defense moves, as well as some grappling moves. No one got bashed in the head at all, and everyone smiled a lot. It was easy to meet everyone and make friends. It turned out that there was nothing at all to fear.

After the class, everyone got to “roll,” which is partnered practice for the techniques taught in the academy. This was going to be the real test, I thought. I will see if these techniques really work. I should mention that I have always been in good shape, I spent five years in the Marine Corps, and I’m over 6 feet tall. I expected to impress these folks with how well I did, so when I was partnered with a scrawny, 115 pound blue belt who seemed very shy, I almost felt insulted. What is more, I was worried that I would hurt him—after all, I was much bigger and stronger than him.

We shook hands, as is customary before “rolling,” and then he proceeded to fold me up into a human pretzel. I had to tap out. To add insult to injury (for injury attorneys, you can try here) , he did it in about 20 seconds, and without a single groan of effort or a bead of sweat on his very relaxed brow. I was sold! I had to learn how to do that! You can also click to read more here about hiring injury attorneys.

Jack Teller

read more →

Testimonial: Chantez B

My daughter had begun to seclude herself and not go out to play anymore because of the children in the neighborhood threatening her but since attending classes at the All American Martial Arts Academy, she has began to go back out to play.

Chantez B.

read more →

Testimonial: Eric W.

All American Martial Arts Academy has played a crucial role in allowing my wife with whom is visually disabled and suffering from M.S. To participate in an activity that not only allows her to be more active and healthy but maybe more importantly has given skill and confidence to defend herself should the need ever arise. Now my son is receiving the same instruction which is giving him the same confidence at school allowing him the opportunity to focus more of his attention on his schoolwork.

Eric W.

read more →

Testimonial: LaRanda M.

I have 3 boys that is in the Jiu Jitsu and MMA class. It has taught them stamina, patience and confidence. They’re very ambitious. The class has taught them order. My children at one time was bullied but not anymore. Now they can stand tall. I personally love the school, they’re family oriented. Also the school gives them the gift of concentration, focus and consistency but primarily it helps them train for becoming better people. Thank you for the wonderful teachers that are at All American Martial Arts Academy.

LaRonda M.

read more →

Testimonial: Heather H

My Daughter loves All American Martial Arts Academy. The teachers are wonderful and give personal attention to students that you would not find in a larger gym. I feel they care about each student and strive to teach them to the best of the students ability. The gym has a competitive atmosphere, but also teaches to all levels of ability.

Heather H.

read more →

Testimonial: Claudia K

My son is a shy person and he wasn’t very social, after two months in All American Martial Arts Academy his confidence grew. He is starting to make some friends and he is showing a friendly personality now. Thank you Mr. James for showing and teaching him self confidence.

Claudia K.

read more →

Testimonial: Thomas W

My two sons have been coming to All American Martial Arts Academy for 6 months now, they have learn discipline, sportsmanship and how to defend themselves. Mr. James Speight is a great instructor. He not only teaches the kids, but he generally cares for their well-being. My two sons have enjoyed coming, they have gained confidence in their ability to learn the techniques. The instructors and the older students really help the youngsters. My two sons have joined the competition team and they really feel like a part of the team. I couldn’t ask for any better place or people to instruct our kids. Thanks a lot to James Speight for his guidance and encouragement towards the students. I would recommend the facility to anyone.
Thomas W.

read more →
1
css.php