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Jr. Grapplers

Jr. Grapplers at Calvert MMA Academy®: Building Confidence, Discipline, and Leadership for Ages 8–13

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

If you want your child to gain more than just an after-school activity, the Jr. Grapplers program at Calvert MMA Academy® is designed to help them grow into a stronger, more confident version of themselves.

Through authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), and age-appropriate self-defense training, students build confidence, discipline, focus, and resilience in a structured, positive environment.

Led by Professor Jim Thrift, a 5th-degree black belt under Grandmaster Relson Gracie, Calvert MMA Academy® is home to Team LINEAGE® and 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: 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) and California, MD (Lineage BJJ®) locations. Students train in a safe, encouraging environment that blends technical development, real self-defense, and personal growth.

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 Gains

Our Jr. Grapplers program helps students grow both physically and mentally 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 with 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. 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: Unlike point-based or overly scripted martial arts, our students learn practical skills that matter.

  • Foundation for Life: Jr. Grapplers students learn lessons that carry into adulthood.

How to Start

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

  • Start with the Foundations Pass: New students begin with a structured introduction to training before full enrollment.

  • Bring Comfortable Clothing: A T-shirt, shorts, or leggings is perfect for getting started.

  • Meet the Team: Your child gets to experience the environment, instructors, and training style before committing.

Reserve Your Child’s Foundations Pass

Flexible Memberships

  • Monthly or Annual Plans: Choose the option that works best for your family.

  • Both Locations, One Team: Train at Calvert MMA (Sunderland) or Lineage BJJ (California, MD).

  • Value-Added Tools: InBody scans, the online academy, and training resources help support long-term progress.

Join Southern Maryland’s Gracie Jiu-Jitsu & BJJ Leader

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.

Don’t settle for sport-only martial arts. Give your child the tools to grow stronger physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Start the New Student Foundations Pass

Call: 410-257-5425 | Contact Us

Calvert MMA Academy®
25 Dalrymple Rd, Sunderland, MD 20689

Want to learn more about how our youth Jiu-Jitsu programs work? Read our guide for parents on what to expect in class and discover how we support your child’s success—on and off the mats.