Calvert MMA & Lineage BJJ is Southern Maryland's #1 Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Martial Arts Academy. 

Top-Ranked for Authentic BJJ and Self-Defense

Authentic Training. Real Self-Defense. No Substitutes.

Most people don’t realize they’ve been training at the wrong school—until it’s too late. At Calvert MMA Academy®, home of Lineage BJJ®, we teach what works: on the mat, in the ring, and when it matters most—in real life.

Our system comes directly from Grandmaster Relson Gracie, who remained undefeated for 22 consecutive years as the Brazilian National and State Champion in both his weight class and the open weight division. The self-defense system we teach was originally developed by his father, Hélio Gracie, and Hélio’s brothers, then refined and preserved through Relson’s leadership. Unlike many modern BJJ schools focused solely on sport, we teach the original Gracie self-defense system—exactly as it was intended. Relson has personally tested Professor Jim Thrift in both the application of these techniques and their instruction, ensuring they are taught with accuracy and authenticity. Jim has trained directly under Relson, Hélio, and several members of the Gracie family, carrying on their legacy with precision and respect.That legacy continues here in Southern Maryland.

Class availability is limited. Contact us today to check availability.

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Includes 2 Free Classes | No Cost | No Obligation
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📞 410-257-5425  📧 info@calvertmma.com

Why Calvert MMA Academy®?

Certified Under Grandmaster Relson Gracie

Relson Gracie is more than a name—he’s a symbol of what Jiu-Jitsu was meant to be. His undefeated 22-year run in competition, combined with a flawless record in real-world self-defense, sets him apart from every other instructor in the family. We teach his system, as it was meant to be used.

Led by One of the Highest-Ranking Instructors in the Region

Professor Jim Thrift, a 5th-degree black belt, trained directly under Grandmaster Relson for over two decades. Fewer than 0.02% of Jiu-Jitsu practitioners worldwide ever reach this level. With Relson at 9th degree, you’re learning just four steps below the highest possible rank—from someone who earned it the hard way.

Jim is a retired U.S. Secret Service gun carrier and a Navy veteran. He teaches regularly at both locations and oversees a team of instructors personally vetted for their skill, professionalism, and integrity. Our academy includes multiple black belts on staff, ensuring students are trained the right way—every time.

Two Locations. One Membership.

Train up to 7 days a week at both Calvert MMA in Sunderland and Lineage BJJ in California, MD—unified under the Lineage® banner. No hidden fees. No tiered access. Just world-class training from a single, trusted team.

Instruction You Can Trust

Not all Jiu-Jitsu schools are created equal. Many promote too quickly, rely on underqualified instructors, or focus more on selling belts than building skills. We’ve seen it firsthand—local “black belts” submitted in open sparring by our purple belts, blue belts, and even a teenage yellow belt. One of our female purple belts submitted an adult male black belt from a nearby school—a result of precise technique, not strength.

Some instructors succeed on athleticism or brute force alone—but when strength fades, the technique has to stand on its own. Ours does. Our system, directly under Grandmaster Relson Gracie, is tested, proven, and rooted in leverage and timing—not power. We don’t say this to brag. We share it so you can make an informed decision about where and how you train. If you’re looking for pure, proven technique, no one comes close.

Competition Results That Speak for Themselves

• We don’t just compete—we win. The results below are just a glimpse of what our team accomplished in 2024, and we’re already off to a strong start in 2025.

• 1st Place Overall – Maryland State Championships (Adults & Youth)

• 1st in the World – Youth Division, Good Fight World Championships

• 2nd Overall – Adult Division, Good Fight Worlds

These are just a few of the many victories our students have earned—with more to come.

Who Trains Here?

We serve real people—not just elite athletes. No matter your age, size, background, or fitness level, you’ll be welcomed and supported here. With the structure of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, world-class coaching, and a standard of instruction you won’t find anywhere else in Southern Maryland, you won’t just improve—you’ll unlock potential you didn’t know you had.  Adults (Ages 14+)

Our beginner classes are ideal for new students, while those with prior grappling experience may qualify for more advanced sessions. We recommend all new members start with fundamentals to ensure a smooth transition.

Kids & Families

We teach focus, discipline, and real self-defense—not just games:

• Mat Munchkins (Ages 3–4)

• Little Sharks (Ages 5–7)

• Junior Grapplers (Ages 8–13)
  Youth classes fill fast. Waitlists are active in some programs.

First Responders & Active Military

We understand the reality of your schedules, demands, and responsibilities. Our training aligns with the control and composure needed in high-pressure environments.

Competitors

Train with a top-ranked team that consistently wins—without sacrificing the core purpose of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Competition is always optional. Everyone trains together, and everyone is supported.

What You’ll Learn

Our curriculum is rooted in Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, designed from the ground up for self-defense—originally refined from Japanese Judo by the Gracie family.

We also integrate:

• Wrestling for takedowns and control

• Judo for balance and throws

• Boxing & Muay Thai concepts when appropriate

This is a complete system—not a sport-focused school or mixed martial arts gym. Every technique we teach is built to work under pressure.

Membership Options

• Train 2x/week or Unlimited

• Month-to-month or Annual (with rate lock)

• Full access to both locations

• Member App with curriculum videos, training logs, and nutrition support

• Monthly InBody scans to track your results

Some plans are nearing full capacity—reserve early to avoid delay.

Ready to See the Difference?

Come train with us. Tour the academy. Meet the team.
Our 5-Day VIP Trial includes 2 free classes—no pressure, just results.

👉 Sign up now
📞 410-257-5425  📧 info@calvertmma.com
📍 25 Dalrymple Rd, Sunderland, MD 20689

The Lineage® Standard

We’re not a belt factory. We’re not a fight club.
We’re a true academy, built on discipline, accountability, and respect. Whether you’re here to compete, build confidence, protect your family, or just train with good people—we’ve built a place for you.

From teens to seniors, first-timers to black belts, every student matters here. We help you become the best version of yourself—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

If you're in Calvert, St. Mary’s, Charles, or Anne Arundel Counties, this is your academy.

Calvert MMA Academy® — Where Real Training Begins, and Excellence Thrives.