About Us

Cris Rodriguez

With 29 years of Martial Arts Experience and 22 years of Teaching Experience, Professor Cris Rodriguez is a 1st Degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt, 3rd Degree TKD Black Belt, and Co-Owns Gracie PAC MMA, a BJJ & MMA School in Tampa, Florida, with her wife Stephanie.

She has been obsessed with Internet Marketing for the past 10 years and is the Founder of Grow Pro Agency, a Digital Marketing Agency for Martial Arts Academies with over 310 clients. As a Partner in Marketing with Schools, their core focus is to help school owners gain the freedom they want in their business.

She is also the Digital Marketing Consultant for the Martial Arts Industry Association and runs her own Mastermind Program called “The A Team”.

She is a best selling author of the book “The Best Known Dojo” and hosts the “7 Figure CEO” Podcast.

She earned her Elementary Education Degree from the University of South Florida which has helped her to become an expert in Children’s Jiu Jitsu Training & Development.

Cris lives in Tampa, Florida with Stephanie and their three sons Darion, Nate, & Cruz.

Rob and Guy Pendegrass

Prof. Rob and Guy are owners and head instructors at Pendergrass Academy of Martial Arts, bringing 35 years of martial arts experience as students, competitors, instructors, and leaders in the community.

Both are 3rd degree Black Belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and began their martial arts journey in their teens, practicing various disciplines before settling on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 1994. They have spoken at top conferences in and outside of the martial arts industry, including Jitz Con, 7 Figure CEO, and the Movement Summit. 

Their incredible programs have earned them features in Black Belt magazine and local publications, as well as, winning the Best of the Best 2022 in the Wake Forest and Raleigh areas.