Jr. Grapplers

Jr. Grapplers at Calvert MMA Academy®

Southern Maryland’s Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, BJJ, and Self-Defense Program for Ages 8–13

The Jr. Grapplers program at Calvert MMA Academy® helps students ages 8–13 build confidence, discipline, focus, and resilience through authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and age-appropriate self-defense training.

Students train in a structured, positive environment where they learn real skills, develop stronger character, and grow both on and off the mat.

Calvert MMA Academy® is led by Professor Jim Thrift, a 5th-degree black belt under Grandmaster Relson Gracie, and is home to Team LINEAGE®, one of the most trusted names in youth martial arts in Southern Maryland.

Classes often fill quickly. Call or contact us through the website to check availability.

Start with the New Student Foundations Pass

Call or Text 410-257-5425 | Contact Us

Why Jr. Grapplers?

Jr. Grapplers is a structured program for students ages 8–13, offered at both our Sunderland (Calvert MMA Academy®) and California, MD (Lineage BJJ®) locations.

Students normally train at their signup location unless otherwise approved by staff.

Age-Appropriate Training: Structured classes that build responsibility, discipline, emotional resilience, and focus.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu & BJJ Fundamentals: Students learn authentic techniques rooted in Gracie self-defense, wrestling, and judo.
Life Skills That Stick: Kids develop confidence, teamwork, perseverance, and the ability to overcome challenges.
Championship Proven: Team LINEAGE® has produced 2025 Good Fight Submission-Only World Champions and multiple state champions across youth divisions.
One Membership, Two Locations: Students benefit from one team, one curriculum, and access to both academies.

What Your Child Will Gain

Our Jr. Grapplers program helps students grow physically, mentally, and emotionally through structured training and positive coaching.

Confidence & Resilience: Students learn how to handle pressure, setbacks, and progress with maturity.
Discipline & Focus: Classes teach students how to listen, stay on task, and work with purpose.
Strength & Coordination: Drills improve agility, balance, coordination, and athletic development.
Real Self-Defense: Students learn age-appropriate self-defense skills rooted in authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
Progress Tracking: Families receive access to our member app with at-home drills, curriculum tools, and training resources.

A Safe, Supportive Environment

Our instructors create a structured and welcoming environment where students are encouraged to grow, improve, and succeed.

Clean & Healthy: Daily mat sanitation using safe, non-toxic products.
Hospital-Grade Air Purification: Clean air and a healthy training space.
Positive Accountability: We teach hygiene, manners, sportsmanship, and personal responsibility.
Clear Expectations: Students are expected to follow class structure and instructor direction, and we work with parents to support each child’s progress.

Why Parents Choose Jr. Grapplers

Clear Results: Parents often report improved confidence, discipline, maturity, and emotional strength.
Authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu: Not just sport BJJ—our system teaches real self-defense under direct Relson Gracie lineage.
Optional Competition Track: Students can compete if they want to, but competition is never required.
Real Skills for Real Life: Students learn practical skills that matter on and off the mat.
Foundation for Life: Jr. Grapplers teaches lessons that carry far beyond childhood.

How to Start

Classes often reach capacity. The best way to begin is with our New Student Foundations Pass.

Start with Foundations: New students begin with a structured introduction to training before full enrollment.
Wear Comfortable Clothing: A T-shirt, shorts, or leggings is perfect for getting started.
Meet the Team: Your child can experience the environment, instructors, and training style before committing.

Reserve Your Child’s Foundations Pass

Membership Options

Monthly or Annual Plans: Choose the option that works best for your family.
Both Locations, One Team: Train at Calvert MMA Academy® in Sunderland or Lineage BJJ® in California, MD.
Value-Added Tools: The member app and training resources help support long-term progress.

Join Southern Maryland’s Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Community

Since 2007, Calvert MMA Academy® and Lineage BJJ® have helped young students across Southern Maryland build confidence through authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and real self-defense training.

Give your child more than just an activity. Give them skills, structure, confidence, and a team that will help them grow stronger physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Start the New Student Foundations Pass