Calvert MMA Academy
Relson Gracie
Grandmaster Relson Gracie
9th Degree Red Belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
The Standard Behind Everything We Do
When you step onto the mats at Calvert MMA Academy®, you are not just learning techniques.
You are connected directly to one of the most important figures in the history of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu— Grandmaster Relson Gracie, 9th Degree Red Belt and son of Grandmaster Hélio Gracie, the founder of modern Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
That matters.
Because in today’s world, not all Jiu-Jitsu is the same—and not all instruction comes from a true source.
A Legacy Earned, Not Claimed
Relson Gracie is widely respected within the Gracie family and across the Jiu-Jitsu world as one of the most complete practitioners of his generation.
During his competitive career in Brazil, he became Brazilian National Champion for 22 consecutive years—retiring undefeated.
More importantly, he was known not just for winning, but for how he won—through technical precision, control, efficiency, and composure.
These are the same principles that define authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
While many people today are introduced to Jiu-Jitsu through sport or social media, those who truly understand the art recognize that Relson Gracie represents one of the purest living links to its original purpose—real self-defense.
Direct Lineage You Can Feel on the Mats
For more than 30 years, Professor Jim Thrift has trained directly under Grandmaster Relson Gracie.
This is not a distant affiliation or a name on a wall.
Relson has personally:
• guided Jim’s development
• tested his technical ability
• evaluated his teaching
• and entrusted him to carry the system forward
That level of connection is rare.
It ensures that what is taught at Calvert MMA Academy® and Lineage BJJ® is not a watered-down version of Jiu-Jitsu, but a system that remains true to its roots—structured, proven, and effective.
Many schools talk about lineage.
Very few can demonstrate it this clearly.
Learning From a Living Legend
Grandmaster Relson Gracie continues to stay connected to our academy and our students.
He regularly visits Calvert MMA Academy® and Lineage BJJ® to teach seminars, workshops, and private training sessions.
These are not just events—they are opportunities to:
• refine technique directly from the source
• ask questions and gain deeper understanding
• and ensure that the system we teach remains aligned with its original intent
Very few academies can offer their students the opportunity to train with a 9th Degree Red Belt and direct member of the Gracie family.
Fewer still maintain an ongoing relationship at that level.
The Complete System—Not Just Part of It
At Calvert MMA Academy®, we believe Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu should be taught as a complete system.
That means students learn:
• Real-world self-defense rooted in the original Gracie system
• Modern competition training for those who choose to compete
Many schools focus on one or the other.
Our connection to Grandmaster Relson Gracie ensures that we preserve both.
Because the original purpose of Jiu-Jitsu was never just sport—it was effectiveness under pressure, in real life.
Why This Matters to You
If you're new, this may be the first time you're hearing about lineage.
But over time, you’ll realize something important:
Who you learn from—and where that knowledge comes from—matters.
It affects:
• how you learn
• how quickly you improve
• and how effective your training really is
At Calvert MMA Academy®, you are not guessing.
You are learning from a system that has been tested, refined, and passed down directly from one of the most respected figures in the history of the art.
Train Where the Lineage Is Real
When you train here, you're not just joining a gym.
You are stepping into a system that connects directly back to the origins of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—and continues forward through every class we teach.
That is the Lineage®.
Start Your Training at Calvert MMA Academy®
If you’ve been thinking about starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Calvert County, St. Mary’s County, or Southern Maryland, now is the time.
Begin with our New Student Foundations Pass and experience the difference for yourself.
Call or text: 410-257-5425
Come see why so many students choose Calvert MMA Academy®—and why they stay.
