About Calvert MMA Academy®

  Our Story: The Journey of Calvert MMA Academy®

 Since its founding in 2007, Calvert MMA Academy® has been the cornerstone of martial arts excellence in Southern Maryland. But our story begins long before that—with a passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), a relentless pursuit of mastery, and a deep connection to the legendary Gracie family.

 The Early Days: A Passion for Jiu-Jitsu

In 1993, while working for the United States Secret Service, Jim Thrift was introduced to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu through colleagues who were training directly with the Gracie family. That same year, Royce Gracie’s dominance in the inaugural UFC event showcased the revolutionary effectiveness of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu to the world, solidifying Jim’s interest in this transformative martial art.

A pivotal trip to Hawaii in 1995 introduced Jim to Grandmaster Relson Gracie, whose dedication to preserving the original self-defense focus of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu left a lasting impression. This encounter deepened Jim’s commitment to learning the art, setting him on a journey to train with some of the most respected practitioners in the world.

By 1997, Jim was traveling across the United States and to Brazil, immersing himself in Jiu-Jitsu training. He balanced a demanding career in Washington, D.C., with long drives to train at renowned locations like the Fighters Garage in Virginia, where elite-level practitioners gathered to share and refine techniques.

 Training Under Legends

In 1999, Jim began training with Scott Devine, who had recently moved to Southern Maryland to work with the U.S. Secret Service. Already a respected brown belt under Relson Gracie, Scott became an instrumental figure in Jim’s training. Together, they trained at Scott’s home, the U.S. Secret Service Training Academy, and later at both the Fighters Garage and Fight Works Academy in Virginia.

Jim Thrift also had the rare privilege of training directly with Grandmaster Helio Gracie, five of Helio’s seven sons, and many of the Gracie family’s grandchildren and nephews. These experiences provided Jim with a profound understanding of the art, both as a self-defense system and a competitive discipline.

In 2003, Scott Devine earned his black belt from Relson Gracie, becoming one of his first black belts. When Scott later moved to Georgia to join the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), Jim seized the opportunity to bring authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu to Southern Maryland.

 The Founding of Calvert MMA Academy®

In 2007, alongside Matt Almborg and Toney Waldecker, Jim Thrift founded Calvert MMA Academy®. Their vision was clear: to create a school that combined the authenticity of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu with a supportive, family-oriented environment where students of all levels could thrive.

From the start, Calvert MMA Academy® became Southern Maryland’s first and only certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy under Relson Gracie, offering unparalleled access to genuine teachings rooted in the Gracie family’s legacy.

 A Legacy of Excellence

Over the years, Calvert MMA Academy® has grown into a leader in martial arts, achieving remarkable milestones:

• 1st Place at the Maryland State Championships in youth, teen, and adult divisions at "The Good Fight" Submission-Only Tournament in 2024.
• World Champions at "The Good Fight" World Championship, securing 1st place for youth and teens and 2nd place for adults and masters.
• Hosting seminars with Gracie family members and world-class martial artists and champions.

Our programs, including the flagship Lineage BJJ®, emphasize real-world self-defense, competition readiness, and personal growth. From Mat Munchkins (ages 3-4) to advanced adult classes, we offer something for everyone.

 Safety and Innovation: A Commitment to Excellence

At Calvert MMA Academy®, safety and innovation are at the heart of everything we do:

• Rigorous Cleaning Protocols: Our mats are disinfected daily using all-natural, child-safe cleaning products. Additionally, our air handling systems sterilize and disinfect the air, ensuring a clean and healthy environment for training.
• Educational Initiatives: We educate students on proper hygiene, injury prevention, and training etiquette, fostering a culture of accountability and safety.
• Proactive Health Measures: While we’ve successfully prevented major outbreaks like MRSA or staph, minor issues are swiftly addressed, and we provide body wipes and cleaning supplies for students’ convenience.

 Authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Experience

As part of Team Relson Gracie, our curriculum stays true to the teachings of the original Gracie Academy in Rio de Janeiro and its global headquarters in Torrance, CA. Here’s what makes us stand out:

• Real-World Self-Defense: Techniques designed for practical, real-world applications rather than sport-specific scenarios.
• Accessible for Everyone: Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is for all ages, sizes, genders, and fitness levels.
• Vale Tudo Integration: Our curriculum includes striking and grappling techniques for those seeking a comprehensive martial arts education.

 Join the Calvert MMA Academy® Family

At Calvert MMA Academy®, you’re not just joining a gym—you’re becoming part of a family. Our students and instructors share a bond rooted in mutual respect, personal growth, and a love for the art. Whether your goal is self-defense, fitness, or competition, you’ll find a path to success here.

 Click here to sign up for your free VIP trial class and experience the difference for yourself.

 This is where your journey begins. Let’s write the next chapter together.