Meet Coach Jack Sudduth

Jack Sudduth is one of the most active Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitors in the Mid-Atlantic region and a key member of the coaching staff at Calvert MMA Academy in Sunderland, Maryland. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt with an exceptional work ethic, Jack has built an impressive competitive résumé with over 450 competition matches and counting, maintaining a win rate of over 60% against some of the toughest competitors in the region. As of March 2026, he continues to compete regularly across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast tournament circuits.

What sets Jack apart is not just the number of matches he has competed in, but the level of competition he consistently seeks out. Rather than competing only within his belt and division, Jack frequently moves up in belt divisions to face higher-ranked competitors, challenging himself against more experienced athletes. He also regularly competes in the Absolute Division, where there are no weight classes, often stepping onto the mat against opponents significantly larger than himself—sometimes more than twice his size. His willingness to take on these challenges has earned him respect throughout the regional grappling community.

Jack serves as the Captain of the Calvert MMA Grappling Competition Team, helping mentor teammates and prepare students for tournaments throughout the region. With hundreds of real matches behind him, he brings valuable insight into competition strategy, preparation, pacing, and mental toughness that benefits both competitive athletes and everyday students.

Beginning March 2026, Jack will serve as the Lead Instructor at our Calvert MMA location, working directly under Professor Jim Thrift, a 5th-degree Black Belt under Grandmaster Relson Gracie and founder of Calvert MMA and Lineage BJJ. In this leadership role, Jack will oversee the day-to-day instruction and help guide students alongside our experienced black belt staff including Professor Jim Thrift, Professor Kevin Southworth, and Coach Sean S.

Together, this leadership team ensures that every student training at Calvert MMA receives structured instruction rooted in authentic Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, whether they are training for self-defense, personal growth, fitness, or competition.

Jack’s Jiu-Jitsu journey began on March 1, 2021, and in just a few short years he has built one of the most active competitive records in the region. Training nearly every day and competing constantly, he has developed a reputation for discipline, resilience, and relentless work ethic—qualities that inspire the students he teaches.

Despite his intense competition schedule, Jack is known for his approachable coaching style and ability to connect with students of all skill levels. He works closely with both youth and adult students, helping beginners feel comfortable while also pushing experienced grapplers to elevate their technique and performance.

For students interested in competition, Jack provides real-world insight from hundreds of matches on the tournament mats. For beginners, he focuses on building strong fundamentals and confidence in a safe, structured training environment.

Students training with Coach Jack also benefit from the broader experience of Team Lineage, including the leadership of Professor Jim Thrift and the academy’s experienced black belt staff. This combination of high-level competition experience and traditional Gracie Jiu-Jitsu instruction creates a unique training environment rarely found at most academies.

Whether your goal is learning practical self-defense, improving your fitness, building confidence, or competing at a high level, training with Coach Jack Sudduth means learning from one of the most active competitors in the region and a coaching team dedicated to helping every student improve.

Train with Coach Jack at Calvert MMA

Calvert MMA Academy is one of the leading Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academies serving Calvert County, Southern Maryland, and the surrounding region. Our programs welcome beginners, experienced martial artists, competitors, and families looking for authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu instruction in a positive, supportive training environment.

If you’ve ever thought about trying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, this is the perfect place to start.

Begin with our Two-Week New Student Foundations Pass and experience real training on the mats with Coach Jack and the rest of Team Lineage.

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

Call us today: 410-257-5425

or

Start your Two-Week New Student Foundations Pass  by CLICKING HERE

Take the first step and experience the difference at Calvert MMA Academy.