Who we are

Our Story

What we do

Classes for Growing, not just Learning

We are all about growing together as a team, not just learning new moves. At Triangle Academy, we have classes that serve a wide variety of skill sets and the unique individuals that come together to train.

Triangle Academy of Jiu-Jitsu

Franklin, Tennessee

Founded by owner & head instructor Clay Mayfield, Triangle Academy opened doors on October 1, 2018. Since Day 1, it has been our mission to provide world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Franklin and the surrounding areas.

We are committed to maintaining a clean and safe environment, and creating a supportive and healthy culture in our gym and community. We want every student who walks in the doors to feel like they are part of a Family and Team.

There is no single ‘type’ of person who trains BJJ. Every class is a wide spectrum of professions and personalities, from nurses and lawyers to college students and construction workers. We have professional athletes, stay-at-home moms, and everything in between. The common denominator is simply that every person is working hard to be a better version of themselves!

Pedigo Submission Fighting

World Champion team represented by Triangle Academy

The Team that Triangle Academy represents, Pedigo Submission Fighting is named after head coach Heath Pedigo.

Heath began his training in the early 1990’s watching VHS tapes and drilling techniques with his brothers; he traveled the US seeking quality instructors, and was one of the first-generation pioneers of BJJ in early MMA, with an undefeated record. He received his black belt from Rickson Gracie’s student Rodrigo Vaghi, and runs the Pedigo Submission Fighting Headquarters in Mount Vernon, Illinois.

PSF is widely regarded as the most dominant Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu team in the Midwest, and one of the top US-based BJJ teams in the World. Though a small organization with a handful of affiliates (including Triangle Academy), Pedigo is legendary for its hard-working team members, and emphasis on relentless drilling and conditioning.

This team has produced dozens of Pan-American and World champion titles, and continues to represent the highest standard of competition training.

What they Ask

Frequently Asked Questions

How Old Does My Child Need to Be?

Our group classes start at 5 years old and up. The Ninjas Class is 5-8 Years Old. Juniors Class is 9-13, and all Adult Classes are 14+

My Child Has ADD/ADHD – Is That Okay?

Absolutely. Jiu-Jitsu is great for children with attention or hyperactivity disorders, because it gives them a healthy way to harness that energy, and slowly teaches them to focus for longer and longer periods of time!

Should I Get In Shape Before Signing Up?

No way! If you’re not already in shape, our classes are the fastest, funnest way to get there. Guaranteed.

Plus, you gain a support group of people keeping you accountable, encouraged, and motivated!

Will A Medical Condition / Past Injury Keep Me From Training BJJ?

Probably not. But we advise speaking with your doctor first. He / she will know better than anyone – and may be able to tell us what exercises you can & can’t do.

BJJ Seems Intense - Is It Safe?

BJJ is intense! That’s why we love it. But injuries are VERY rare. We’ve gone the extra mile to create a program that will help you prevent injuries rather than bring them on. Minor bumps & bruises are just a part of training, but it is extremely rare to have a serious injury at Triangle Academy.

Will I Be The Only Woman In Class?

Not at all. At Triangle Academy, we put a big emphasis on our Women’s BJJ program. There are lots of girls and women in class – and we offer regular Women’s Self Defense seminars.

My Child Is Aggressive/Combative – Will Training Martial Arts Encourage This Behavior?

Absolutely not. Students are taught the 5 BullySafe Rules, which explain when it is appropriate and inappropriate to use the techniques they are learning.

If I Want To Compete, Is This The Right Place For Me?

Definitely. Triangle Academy is a part of the legendary Pedigo Submission Fighting competiton team. Most of our coaches are Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champions, and will work with you to strengthen any weaknesses you have, exploit your strengths, improve your physical fitness and master your technique.

Whether you want to compete locally, or dream of winning a World Title, Triangle Academy can help you get there!

What If I'm Not Interested In Competing?

Many of our students do compete, but classes are a blend of professional athletes, hobbyists, and people just looking for a great workout. Even if you don’t want to compete and simply enjoy learning Jiu-Jitsu, that’s perfectly fine!