Calvert MMA Academy
Adult BJJ Fundamentals / Beginner Classes
Adult BJJ Fundamentals / Beginner Classes
Adult BJJ Fundamentals at Calvert MMA Academy®
Southern Maryland’s Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Program for Ages 14 & Up
If you’ve been thinking about starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, improving your fitness, or learning real self-defense, our Adult BJJ Fundamentals program is the right place to begin.
At Calvert MMA Academy®, home of Team LINEAGE®, we help beginners build confidence, discipline, and practical skill through authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in a structured, welcoming environment.
Our academy is led by Professor Jim Thrift, a 5th-degree black belt under Grandmaster Relson Gracie, and backed by one of the strongest instructor teams in Southern Maryland.
Unlike schools that focus only on sport or flashy techniques, our program teaches the principles that make Jiu-Jitsu effective: leverage, timing, control, and composure under pressure. We also incorporate wrestling and judo to help students become more complete martial artists.
Classes often fill quickly. Start with our beginner-friendly Foundations Pass and experience the difference for yourself.
Start with the New Student Foundations Pass
Call or Text 410-257-5425 | Contact Us
Why Adult BJJ Fundamentals?
Our Adult BJJ Fundamentals program is for ages 14 and up and is designed specifically for beginners, returning students, and adults who want to build a strong technical foundation.
Training is offered through both our Sunderland (Calvert MMA Academy®) and California, MD (Lineage BJJ®) locations.
This is not a sink-or-swim class. It is a structured program built to help new students learn the right way from day one.
Real Self-Defense: Learn authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu designed for real-world protection, not just scoring points in competition.
Beginner-Friendly Format: Our structured curriculum allows you to start at any time, even with zero experience.
Proven Instruction: We have one of the strongest instructional teams in the area, including multiple black belts on staff.
Championship-Level Culture: Team LINEAGE® consistently wins state championships, world championships, and submission-only events.
Two Locations. One Team.: Train with one membership under one curriculum at both academies.
What You Gain
These classes are about more than learning techniques. Students develop practical skill, physical confidence, and mental resilience in a professional training environment.
Confidence & Resilience: Gain confidence by learning how to solve problems under pressure and overcome challenges on the mat.
Discipline & Focus: Improve mental clarity, consistency, and attention to detail—skills that carry into everyday life.
Strength & Fitness: Improve endurance, coordination, mobility, and total-body conditioning through purposeful training.
Practical Self-Defense: Learn how to use leverage and technique to control larger, stronger opponents.
Online Support Tools: Access our member app, online academy, curriculum support, and progress tracking outside of class.
A Safe, Welcoming Environment
We know many adults walk in nervous, out of shape, or unsure of what to expect. That is normal. Our team is experienced in helping beginners feel comfortable from day one.
Daily Cleaning: Mats are disinfected regularly using safe cleaning products.
Hospital-Grade Air Purification: Clean air and a healthier training environment.
Hygiene & Respect: Clean habits, professionalism, and respect are part of our culture.
No Ego Training: Beginners are coached and paired in a way that supports learning, safety, and confidence.
Why Choose Adult BJJ Fundamentals at Calvert MMA Academy®?
Direct Gracie Lineage: We teach authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu under direct Relson Gracie lineage.
Experienced Instruction: Our academy has one of the deepest black belt staffs and strongest competition records in Southern Maryland.
Complete Martial Arts Development: We integrate Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and judo concepts to create more complete students.
Structured Beginner Experience: You do not have to figure it out on your own. We guide you step by step.
Lifelong Benefits: Students gain self-defense, confidence, community, and skills that serve them for years.
How to Start
The best way to begin is with our New Student Foundations Pass.
Start with Foundations: New students get a structured introduction to training before full membership.
Wear Comfortable Clothing: A T-shirt and athletic shorts or leggings are perfect for getting started. We will guide you on uniforms later if needed.
Meet the Team: You will experience our culture, instruction, and training style firsthand.
$49 Credited Toward Membership: If you join, the Foundations Pass fee is credited toward your membership.
Call or Text 410-257-5425 | Contact Us
Membership Options
Monthly or Annual Plans: Choose what fits your goals and schedule.
Two Locations, One Team: Train at Calvert MMA Academy® in Sunderland or Lineage BJJ® in California, MD.
Value-Added Tools: Our member app and academy resources help you stay on track outside of class.
Join Southern Maryland’s Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Community
Since 2007, Calvert MMA Academy® and Lineage BJJ® have helped adults across Southern Maryland build confidence, get in shape, and develop real self-defense skills through authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
If you are looking for a place to start, improve, and train the right way, this is your academy.
Start the New Student Foundations Pass
Call or Text 410-257-5425 | Contact Us
Calvert MMA Academy®
25 Dalrymple Rd, Sunderland, MD 20689
Want to learn more before starting? Read our guide on what to expect in our adult classes and why Lineage BJJ is the right choice.
