Calvert MMA Academy
James Thrift
Meet Professor Jim Thrift
Founder & Head Instructor – Calvert MMA Academy® and Lineage BJJ®
Professor Jim Thrift is the founder of Calvert MMA Academy®, established in 2007, and Lineage BJJ®, and is one of the most experienced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors in Southern Maryland. A 5th-degree black belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Jim brings more than four decades of martial arts experience to every aspect of his instruction and leadership.
Calvert MMA Academy® was Jim’s first school and remains the flagship academy under his direct oversight. Lineage BJJ® later expanded that same curriculum, standard, and instructional philosophy into a second location—both operating under one system, one lineage, and one expectation of quality.
A Foundation Built Before Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Was Mainstream
Jim began training in martial arts in 1984 and built a strong foundation in traditional disciplines including Tang Soo Do, Moo Duk Kwan Taekwondo, Hapkido, Kempo, and Judo. His early training and competition experience shaped a deep respect for structure, fundamentals, and progressive development—principles that still guide his teaching today.
While working in federal service in the early 1990s, Jim was introduced to Gracie Jiu-Jitsu at a time when authentic instruction was difficult to find on the East Coast. He traveled extensively to train, study, and pressure-test the art as it was originally taught, long before Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu became widely commercialized.
Gracie Lineage and Real Instructional Depth
Jim has trained directly with multiple members of the Gracie family over several decades and earned his black belt and subsequent degrees under Grandmaster Relson Gracie. His instruction reflects the traditional Gracie emphasis on leverage, control, and composure—training designed for effectiveness, not shortcuts.
In addition to Relson Gracie, Jim has trained with Royce, Rickson, Rorion, Rolker, Rener, and Ryron Gracie, and had the rare opportunity to train with Hélio Gracie himself while attending classes at the Gracie Academy in Torrance, California.
Calvert MMA Academy®: Established in 2007
Jim founded Calvert MMA Academy® in 2007 with the goal of providing structured, trustworthy martial arts instruction rooted in proven systems rather than trends. From the beginning, the academy focused on long-term development, safety, and consistency—values that continue to define the program today.
Students at Calvert MMA include:
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Children and families
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Adult beginners
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First responders and military personnel
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Experienced practitioners and competitors
Regardless of background or goals, every student is taught under the same curriculum and expectations.
Professional Background That Shapes the Academy
Jim is a U.S. Navy veteran and retired from the United States Secret Service, where his career demanded calm decision-making, technical precision, and preparation for real-world risk. Those standards carry directly into how Calvert MMA Academy® operates—from curriculum design to instructor development and student safety.
His experience supporting defensive tactics programs and real-world security operations informs an instructional style that is structured, deliberate, and grounded in reality rather than theory.
How Training Feels at Calvert MMA
Classes at Calvert MMA Academy® are organized, professional, and purposeful. Techniques are taught with context, not just demonstration, so students understand how and why movements work. Progress is measured over time, not rushed.
Beginners are guided patiently. Advanced students are challenged appropriately. Safety, respect, and consistency are non-negotiable.
This is an academy built for people who want instruction they can rely on—not hype, ego, or revolving trends.
Private Instruction, Seminars & Specialized Training
Professor Thrift offers private and semi-private instruction for active members, as well as seminars and specialized training events focused on Gracie self-defense and practical applications. These sessions are tailored to individual goals and emphasize material students can apply immediately.
Begin Training at Calvert MMA Academy®
Begin Training at Calvert MMA Academy®
Whether you’re brand new to martial arts or looking for instruction with depth and credibility, Calvert MMA Academy® offers a clear, structured path forward.
Kids & Adults • Beginners Welcome • Structured Curriculum
Start with our FREE One-Week Intro and experience authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu taught as a complete system—clearly, safely, and with purpose.
Train with confidence. Train with purpose.
Call or text: 410-257-5425
