About Calvert MMA Academy: Home of Lineage BJJ

Southern Maryland’s Martial Arts Community Since 2007

Your Path Starts Here—We’re Ready to Help

Life can feel heavy: stress creeping in, worries about safety, or kids needing focus in a busy world. You’re looking for a place to grow—somewhere real, supportive, where you and your family can find strength together. That’s us—Calvert MMA Academy. Since 2007, we’ve been Southern Maryland’s home for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, and self-defense that makes a difference. We’re not about showing off—we’re about building you up, step by step.

Click Here for Your Free VIP Trial Class and see what we’re all about!

Our Story: A Journey of Heart and Purpose

It started with Jim Thrift, a U.S. Secret Service gun carrier who found Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 1993 through friends training with the Gracie family. When Royce Gracie wowed the world at the first UFC, Jim saw something special—a way to help people feel safe and strong. In 1995, he met Grandmaster Relson Gracie in Hawaii, a teacher who cared about keeping self-defense real. That stuck with Jim. He trained across the U.S. and Brazil, from Virginia’s Fighters Garage to sessions with Helio Gracie and his sons, all while balancing a D.C. job—because he believed in this art.

By 1999, Jim linked up with Scott Devine, a high-ranking Relson Gracie brown belt who had recently moved from Hawaii to Maryland to join the Uniformed Division of the U.S. Secret Service. At that time, non-Brazilian BJJ black belts were extremely rare in the U.S.—so a brown belt was a big deal. Scott mentored Jim as his senior on Team Relson Gracie, and they trained wherever they could—Scott’s house, the Secret Service Academy. Scott later left the Service as a sergeant around 2005, and his departure left a huge void in the local training community. That moment helped spark the formation of Calvert MMA.

In 2007, Jim, Matt Almborg, and Toney Waldecker started Calvert MMA Academy—Southern Maryland’s first certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu school under Relson. It’s not about being the loudest—it’s about being the truest, a place where families like yours find something lasting.

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What We’ve Built Together

We’re proud of what our community’s done—not to brag, but to show what’s possible:

• 2024 Maryland State Championships: 1st place in youth, teen, and adult divisions at The Good Fight—our students shine because they care.

• World Championships: 1st for youth and teens, 2nd for adults and masters at The Good Fight—proof we grow together.

• Gracie Connection: We’ve hosted Relson Gracie and top instructors—not for flash, but to learn and share.

From Mat Munchkins (ages 3–4) to adult programs (14 and up), we’re Southern Maryland BJJ that welcomes everyone—self-defense, focus, family.

Click Here for Your Free VIP Trial Class and find your place with us!

What Makes Us Different

• A Safe Space: Mats cleaned daily with kid-friendly products, air systems keeping things fresh—we care about your health.

• Learning That Lasts: We teach hygiene, safety, and respect—no bullies here, just accountability and growth. Minor bumps? We’ve got wipes and quick fixes ready.

• Real Gracie Jiu-Jitsu: Certified by Team Relson Gracie—self-defense that works for life, not just sport. It’s for every age, every size, with a touch of Vale Tudo—striking and grappling made simple.

You’re Family Here

Calvert MMA Academy isn’t about tough-guy hype—it’s a community. Jim’s journey wasn’t about ego; it was about helping people—parents finding peace, kids gaining confidence, adults building balance. We’re not here to outshine anyone—we’re here to lift you up, whether it’s fitness, self-defense, or just connecting with good folks.

Get Started with a Free VIP Trial Class and feel the warmth of Southern Maryland’s best!

Ready to Try?

One free VIP Trial Class—no pressure, just a chance to meet us, see the academy, and feel at home. Click Here for Your Free VIP Trial Class and take that first step today!

Questions? Contact Us Now—we’d love to chat. Call: 410-257-5425  Email: info@calvertmma.com

Your Growth Starts Here. Your Community Lives Here.