Calvert MMA Academy® — Calvert County’s Home for Authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Located in Sunderland, Maryland, just off Dalrymple Road near 7-Eleven and one mile south of the Route 4 and Route 2 split, Calvert MMA Academy® is Southern Maryland’s premier academy for Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and real self-defense training.
Led by Professor Jim Thrift, a 5th-degree black belt under Grandmaster Relson Gracie, our academy offers authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu instruction for adults, teens, and children throughout Calvert County, including students from Huntingtown, Prince Frederick, Owings, Dunkirk, North Beach, Chesapeake Beach, Port Republic, and St. Leonard.
Unlike many martial arts schools that focus only on sport competition or point-based systems, our program teaches the complete Gracie self-defense system, originally developed by the Gracie family for real-world protection. Students learn practical techniques built on leverage, timing, and control rather than strength or size.
Team LINEAGE® students regularly compete at the highest levels, earning Maryland State Championships and Good Fight Submission-Only World Championships across youth, teen, and adult divisions.
With classes offered up to seven days per week between our Sunderland location and our Lineage BJJ® academy in California, Maryland, students benefit from one team, one curriculum, and a supportive training environment where beginners and experienced grapplers train together.
Our academy maintains a welcoming, ego-free culture focused on discipline, respect, and continuous improvement.
Many classes fill quickly and certain programs maintain active wait-lists.
Start your training journey today with our New Student Foundations Pass.
Call: 410-257-5425
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Calvert MMA Academy