PROGRAMS
Pyles Jiu Jitsu offers kid and adult classes.
Private lessons are available. Gi and No-gi
MIGHTY MITES JIU JITSU
Introducing our Mighty Mite Jiu Jitsu Program — specially designed for children ages 3 to 5! Developed by a Jiu-Jitsu black belt in collaboration with a licensed physical therapist, this one-of-a-kind program supports your child’s emotional and physical development through age-appropriate milestones. More than just martial arts, it's a nurturing foundation for life, preparing little ones for the next step into our youth program. With our unique blend of fun, structure, and the power of our 10 Pillars of Development, your child will grow with confidence, coordination, and care in every class. Let the journey begin!
KIDS BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU
Our Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Program in Mount Airy is the Heart of Our Academy.
We believe that our young students are the future champions—not just on the mats, but in life. To ensure every child has the opportunity to grow and succeed, we offer a structured 3-tier program: Bronze, Silver, and Gold, tailored to meet kids at their current level while challenging them to grow.
Each level of our kids’ martial arts program is thoughtfully designed to build both mental resilience and physical strength, empowering your child with the tools they need to thrive.
At Mount Airy Martial Arts, we go beyond techniques and takedowns. Our classes are rooted in world-class Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instruction and enriched with powerful life lessons that help shape confident, respectful, and self-aware young individuals.
Most classes conclude with group discussions or role-playing scenarios that encourage kids to reflect, engage, and think critically about the world around them. In a safe and supportive environment, we address real-life challenges in proactive, age-appropriate ways.
Topics we explore include:
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Conflict avoidance and peaceful resolution
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Bully prevention and assertiveness
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Mental self-defense and emotional regulation
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Respect for adults, peers, and self
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Stranger danger and awareness
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Standing up to peer pressure and saying no to drugs
These lessons help students connect what they learn on the mats with real-world situations—instilling values, confidence, and character that last well beyond their time in class.
It’s more than martial arts. It’s a foundation for life.
ADULTS BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU
Our Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Program in Mount Airy delivers world-class training for competition, self-defense, and total-body fitness.
Whether you're stepping onto the mats for the first time or you're an experienced grappler, our program meets you where you are—and takes you further.
What sets us apart? We’re one of the few academies with a structured, proven curriculum designed to ensure every student makes consistent progress. No one gets left behind. With expert instruction, a supportive environment, and a clear path for growth, you'll build skill, strength, and confidence—on and off the mats.
EQUIP FOR WOMEN
EQUIP Women’s Self-Defense empowers women with the skills to survive real-world threats. With 1 in 5 women assaulted in NC, this women-only program teaches practical, proven techniques developed over 20 years to defend against attacks—standing or on the ground, before, during, and after an incident.
You’ll gain mental and physical tools to stay safe in a variety of situations, all in a supportive, no-pressure environment. Graduates receive certificates for each level, and those who complete the full program earn an EQUIP T-shirt and Self-Protection Kit.
Be prepared. Be confident. Try EQUIP today.
PRIVATE INSTRUCTION
Private Instruction is available for both children and adults, with flexible options including one-on-one, partner, and small group sessions (3–4 people).
Whether you're new to Jiu Jitsu or looking to take your skills to the next level, private training offers a personalized path to progress. It’s the ideal choice for those who want to:
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Accelerate their learning
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Sharpen technique with focused, detailed instruction
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Master complex positions and transitions faster
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Get individual feedback tailored to their goals
Progress faster. Train smarter. Book your private session today.
SEMINARS
Kevin Pyles is available for a limited number of seminars each year—and they fill up quickly.
Whether you're a traditional martial arts academy looking to integrate Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or an established BJJ school seeking next-level instruction, Kevin brings over 24 years of experience and a reputation as one of the most detail-focused instructors in the field.
Seminars are customized to meet your academy’s goals, with practical, high-level techniques that can immediately elevate your team’s performance.
Ready to learn from one of the best?
Contact us today for availability and booking details.
Verbal Jiu Jitsu
Anti-Bullying & Bully Prevention at Pyles Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Empowering Kids with Confidence, Safety, and Respect
At Pyles Jiu-Jitsu Academy, we believe that every child deserves to feel safe, confident, and respected. Our anti-bullying program is grounded in the latest research and real-world experience — combining proven physical and verbal strategies to help kids deal with bullies effectively and peacefully.
Led by Kevin Pyles, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, licensed physical therapist, and certified bully expert, our approach is designed to teach not just self-defense, but self-control, self-respect and a strategic de-escalation communication style.
The Role of Verbal Jiu Jitsu
Words can protect, defuse, and redirect aggression.
Verbal Jiu Jitsu teaches kids how to use words tactically to prevent and de-escalate bullying situations. As a certified expert, Kevin Pyles teaches students how to:
Stay calm and in control when provoked
Redirect insults and verbal attacks
Use tone, body language, and respectful assertiveness to gain compliance without violence
What is Bullying?
Bullying is not just “kids being kids.” According to the CDC and StopBullying.gov, bullying is any unwanted aggressive behavior among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. It can take several forms:
Physical (hitting, pushing, spitting)
Verbal (name-calling, insults, threats)
Social/Relational (spreading rumors, exclusion)
Cyberbullying (online harassment via social media, texting, etc.)
Bullying can cause long-term physical and emotional damage, including anxiety, depression, and decreased academic performance.
What Makes Our Program Different?
Led by the areas only Anti-Bullying Specialist – Kevin Pyles brings decades of experience in martial arts, physical therapy, and conflict communication strategy.
Holistic Approach – We address the mental, physical, and emotional components of bullying.
Safe, Supportive Environment – We foster discipline, respect, and community.
Real-Life Roleplay Scenarios – Students learn to apply their skills in realistic, age-appropriate simulations.
Parental Involvement Encouraged – We provide parents with tools to help reinforce these skills at home and school.
Why Jiu-Jitsu for Bully Prevention?
Confidence is the first line of defense. Children who project confidence and self-control are statistically less likely to be targeted by bullies. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that emphasizes leverage, technique, and control rather than brute strength. It empowers children to:
Stay calm under pressure
Maintain personal boundaries
De-escalate situations through communication with minimal harm
Defend themselves safely, efficiently and effectively without striking
Outcomes You Can Expect
Increased self-confidence and self-awareness
Better emotional regulation and focus
Improved conflict resolution and communication skills
Decreased fear and anxiety related to bullying
Positive peer interactions and leadership development
We believe that bullying prevention starts with education, empowerment, and empathy. Our mission is to help kids grow into confident, kind, and capable individuals — both on and off the mats.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
At Pyles Jiu Jitsu, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive community. Join us for events, seminars, and social gatherings to connect with fellow Jiu Jitsu enthusiasts and build lasting friendships.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELLNESS
Beyond physical fitness, Jiu Jitsu promotes mental wellness by enhancing focus, resilience, and problem-solving skills. Join our classes to experience the holistic benefits of this martial art.