About Calvert MMA Academy®

Home of Team LINEAGE®

Southern Maryland’s Martial Arts Community Since 2007

Your Path Starts Here — We’re Ready to Help

Life can feel heavy. Stress builds. Safety matters. Kids need focus and confidence in a busy world.

Most people who walk through our doors are looking for the same thing: a place to grow, get stronger, and become the best version of themselves.

That’s exactly what we’ve built at Calvert MMA Academy® — the home of Team LINEAGE®.

Since 2007, our academy has helped families across Southern Maryland discover the power of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, and real-world self-defense training.

We’re not here to show off.

We’re here to build people up — step by step.

Whether you're looking for confidence, self-defense, fitness, or community, you'll find it here.

Start with Our New Student Foundations Pass

Most new students begin with our

Two-Week New Student Foundations Pass , designed specifically for beginners.

The Foundations Pass allows you to experience real training, meet our instructors, and get comfortable on the mats before committing to membership.

New Student Foundations Pass — $49

• 4 beginner-friendly training sessions
• 14 days to complete your sessions
• Introduction to our academy and instructors

If you decide to enroll, your $49 Foundations fee is credited toward membership.

Reserve your Foundations Pass today.

Call 410-257-5425
Email Contact Us

Our Story

A Journey Built on Purpose

Calvert MMA Academy began with a simple mission: teach real martial arts that help people.

Founder Jim Thrift first discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 1993 through friends training with the Gracie family. When Royce Gracie shocked the world at the first UFC, Jim recognized something powerful — a martial art that allowed smaller individuals to defend themselves against larger opponents using technique instead of strength.

In 1995, Jim met Grandmaster Relson Gracie in Hawaii. Relson was known throughout the Gracie family for preserving the practical self-defense roots of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

That philosophy stuck.

Jim continued training across the United States and Brazil, including time with Hélio Gracie and other members of the Gracie family, while balancing a demanding career in Washington, D.C.

In 1999, Jim began training closely with Scott Devine, a senior Relson Gracie brown belt who had recently moved from Hawaii to Maryland to join the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division.

At that time, non-Brazilian black belts were extremely rare in the United States. Devine became Jim’s senior training partner and mentor, and they trained wherever they could — including Scott’s house and the Secret Service Academy.

When Devine left the area in the mid-2000s, the local training community lost one of its most experienced instructors.

That moment helped spark the creation of something new.

In 2007, Jim Thrift, Matt Almborg, and Toney Waldecker opened Calvert MMA Academy®, Southern Maryland’s first certified Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu academy.

From the beginning, the goal wasn’t to be the loudest martial arts school.

The goal was to be the most authentic.

A place where families could train together and build something lasting.

What We’ve Built Together

We’re proud of what our community has accomplished — not to brag, but to show what’s possible when people train consistently and support each other.

2025 Good Fight Submission-Only World Championships

Team LINEAGE® earned World Championships in the kids, teens, and adult divisions, demonstrating the strength of our program across every level.

Multiple Team State Championships

Our academy has won multiple consecutive Maryland State Team Championships across youth, teen, and adult divisions, reflecting the consistency of our training system.

Direct Gracie Lineage

Our academy operates under Grandmaster Relson Gracie, and we regularly host seminars with Relson and other respected instructors to continue learning and sharing knowledge with our students.

These accomplishments are not just about medals.

They represent the culture of discipline, teamwork, and continuous improvement that defines Team LINEAGE®.

Programs for the Whole Family

Calvert MMA Academy offers programs for every stage of life:

• Mat Munchkins (Ages 3–4)
• Little Sharks (Ages 5–7)
• Junior Grapplers (Ages 8–13)
• Adult Gracie Jiu-Jitsu (Ages 14+)

Whether your goal is self-defense, competition, confidence, or fitness, you’ll find a welcoming environment where everyone helps each other grow.

What Makes Our Academy Different

Authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu

Our curriculum comes directly from Grandmaster Relson Gracie, preserving the original self-defense focus of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

A Positive Training Environment

We maintain an ego-free culture where beginners and experienced students train together respectfully.

Safety and Cleanliness

Our academy emphasizes cleanliness and safety, including:

• daily mat sanitation
• hospital-grade air purification
• strong hygiene standards

A True Martial Arts Community

Many of our students train together for years, forming friendships that extend far beyond the mats.

You Belong Here

Calvert MMA Academy® isn’t about tough-guy hype.

It’s about helping people grow.

Parents gain peace of mind.
Kids gain confidence.
Adults gain strength, discipline, and balance.

Whether you’re stepping on the mat for the first time or continuing your martial arts journey, you’ll find a supportive community here.

Start Your Journey Today

If you’ve been thinking about trying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, there has never been a better time.

Begin with our Two-Week New Student Foundations Pass

New Student Foundations Pass — $49

If you enroll, the $49 fee is credited toward membership.

Call 410-257-5425
Contact Contact Us

Calvert MMA Academy®
25 Dalrymple Rd
Sunderland, MD 20689

Serving families across Calvert County, Huntingtown, Prince Frederick, Owings, Dunkirk, North Beach, Chesapeake Beach, and St. Mary’s County.