Meet Professor Mike Tran, PhD

4th Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Step onto the mats with Professor Mike Tran, PhD, a 4th-degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu whose unique blend of scientific precision and martial arts mastery makes him one of the most respected instructors within the Calvert MMA® and Lineage BJJ® community.

With more than three decades on the mats and a professional career as a PhD microbiologist working in a civilian Department of Defense role, Professor Mike represents the rare balance of intellect, discipline, and technical mastery that defines the highest levels of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

When Professor Mike teaches, students quickly realize they are learning from someone who approaches the art with extraordinary depth, patience, and clarity.

A Lifetime Dedicated to Martial Arts

Professor Mike began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the early 1990s, when the art was still emerging in the United States. Over the years, his journey has taken him through respected academies across the United States and Canada, training in locations such as Kentucky, California, Tennessee, Colorado, and beyond.

This diverse experience has shaped a deep understanding of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu not just as a sport, but as a complete system of self-defense, strategy, and personal growth.

Today, Professor Mike proudly shares that knowledge with students at Calvert MMA® and Lineage BJJ®, helping people of all ages discover the power and confidence that comes from training.

The Science of Jiu-Jitsu

As a scientist, Professor Mike approaches Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with a unique perspective. His teaching style often reflects what he calls “equation and formula” learning—breaking techniques down into clear concepts and logical steps that allow students to truly understand what they are doing.

Instead of simply memorizing moves, students learn:

• how techniques actually work
• how to adapt them to their own body type
• how to problem-solve during live training
• how to remain calm and effective under pressure

This approach makes his classes especially valuable for students who want to develop real understanding rather than just repetition.

A Natural Teacher for Youth and Adults

One of the things that sets Professor Mike apart is his ability to connect with students of all ages.

For children, he creates a structured and engaging learning environment where kids feel safe, supported, and excited to train. Parents consistently comment on how comfortable their children feel in his classes and how much they look forward to training with him.

For adult students, his instruction dives deeper into the technical and strategic side of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, helping them understand not just how techniques work—but why they work.

Whether someone is stepping on the mats for the very first time or has years of experience, Professor Mike creates an environment where students feel encouraged, challenged, and supported.

A Teacher Who Leaves a Lasting Impact

While Professor Mike has stepped away from active competition, his dedication to the art has never slowed.

He continues to guide students with the same values that have defined his own journey:

• humility
• discipline
• patience
• lifelong learning

When he teaches, students receive his full attention and thoughtful guidance. His calm and approachable demeanor makes it easy for students to ask questions, learn at their own pace, and build confidence as they progress.

For many families and students within the academy, Professor Mike quickly becomes one of the most trusted instructors they will ever train with.

The Lineage Philosophy

At Calvert MMA® and Lineage BJJ®, Professor Mike works alongside Professor Jim Thrift, a 5th-degree Black Belt under Grandmaster Relson Gracie, and a dedicated team of experienced instructors.

Together they ensure students learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu the way it was intended to be taught—as a complete system for self-defense, personal development, and lifelong learning.

Training here means becoming part of a community that values respect, teamwork, and helping each student become the best version of themselves.

Train with Professor Mike Tran at Calvert MMA®

If you've ever thought about learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Calvert County or Southern Maryland, this is the perfect place to start.

Begin with our Two-Week New Student Foundations Pass and experience real training on the mats with Professor Mike and the rest of the Calvert MMA coaching team.

You’ll learn the fundamentals of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, meet our instructors, and see firsthand why so many students choose Calvert MMA® as their home academy.

Call today: 410-257-5425

or

Start your Two-Week New Student Foundations Pass

Come experience authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training at Calvert MMA®.