Meet Professor Mike Tran, PhD

4th Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

One of the Most Respected Coaches You’ll Ever Train With

When people talk about great instructors, they usually focus on skill.

With Professor Mike Tran, it goes much deeper than that.

He is the kind of coach students remember for the rest of their lives.

A 4th-degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with over 30 years on the mats, Professor Mike brings a rare combination of technical precision, patience, humility, and genuine care for his students.

He’s also a PhD microbiologist working in a civilian Department of Defense role—someone who understands complexity, systems, and problem-solving at a high level.

And he brings that same clarity into every class he teaches.

A Lifetime in the Art

Professor Mike began training in the early 1990s, long before Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu became mainstream.

He didn’t just train in one place—he sought knowledge wherever he could find it.

Over the years, his journey has taken him across the United States and Canada, training in places like:

• Kentucky
• California
• Tennessee
• Colorado
• and beyond

That experience matters.

Because it gave him a deep understanding of Jiu-Jitsu—not just as a collection of techniques, but as a complete system of movement, control, and problem-solving.

The Way He Teaches Changes Everything

Some instructors show moves.

Professor Mike teaches understanding.

His approach is what he often describes as “equation-based learning.”

He breaks things down in a way that makes sense—step by step—so students don’t just copy movements, they actually understand:

• why a technique works
• when to use it
• how to adapt it to their body
• how to troubleshoot when things don’t go perfectly

That’s where real growth happens.

And it’s why students who train with him don’t just improve—they start to think differently on the mat.

Great With Kids. Exceptional With Adults.

Not every great technician can teach.

Not every great teacher can connect.

Professor Mike does both.

With kids, he creates an environment that is structured, safe, and positive. Parents consistently say their children feel comfortable, supported, and excited to come to class.

With adults, he brings depth.

He helps students slow things down, understand the details, and build skill the right way—without ego, without pressure, and without confusion.

Whether someone is brand new or experienced, he meets them where they are—and helps them move forward.

A Coach Who Actually Cares

This is what separates Professor Mike.

He’s not just knowledgeable.

He’s invested.

When he teaches, you can feel it.

He pays attention. He listens. He adjusts. He helps.

There’s no ego. No intimidation. No shortcuts.

Just honest coaching from someone who wants to see you improve.

That’s why so many students—and parents—trust him so quickly.

He’s the kind of instructor you’re lucky to have access to.

Part of Something Bigger

At Calvert MMA Academy® and Lineage BJJ®, Professor Mike works alongside Professor Jim Thrift and a team of highly experienced instructors.

Together, they maintain a standard that is:

• consistent
• structured
• rooted in authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu

Every class reflects that standard.

Every student benefits from it.

Train with Professor Mike Tran

If you’re looking for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Calvert County or Southern Maryland, this is the kind of instruction you want.

Real experience. Real teaching. Real results.

Start your New Student Foundations Pass

Call or text: 410-257-5425

Come train with someone who truly knows what he’s doing—and cares that you learn it the right way.

Train with purpose.
Train with understanding.
Train with Team LINEAGE®.