Derrick Pendergrass

Derrick has been actively training since the age of 6 years old.  He has held the rank of black belt since 1991 and is currently a 4th degree.  

Derrick has traveled the nation, and overseas, competing.  He has won state championships throughout the southeast competing as a child.  In 1992, he won the National Blackbelt League World Championship in Atlantic City, NJ.  He was also recognized as a member of the National Blackbelt League Hall of Fame in 1992 and 1993.  

In 1999, Derrick traveled to Madrid, Spain and competed in the World Games as a member of Team USA.  Representing as the lightweight fighter, Derrick was marginally defeated by Austria finishing with bronze.  His fondest memory of this experience was being told by the Austrian fighter, and his coach, that he won the fight and later watching Austria win gold.  

Derrick competed as a sponsored competitor for Team Unity for several years and won his division as well as grands in almost every tournament Team Unity sent him to.  He also served as a coach while with Team Unity.  

In 2017, Derrick competed in the World Games again with Team USA in Orlando, Fl.  This year, Derrick returned with home 7 Gold medals.