Calvert MMA Academy
Little Sharks
Little Sharks at Calvert MMA Academy®: Building Confidence for Ages 5–7
Southern Maryland’s Premier Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, BJJ, and Self-Defense Program for Young Learners
Don’t wait to empower your 5- to 7-year-old—our Little Sharks classes fill up fast and often have a waitlist! At Calvert MMA Academy®, your child is the hero, and we’re the trusted guide to spark their confidence, discipline, and growth through authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). As Southern Maryland’s only certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu academy, led by Jim Thrift, a fifth-degree black belt under Grandmaster Relson Gracie, we’re committed to your child’s success. Secure their spot today before classes are full!
Try Our Exclusive 5-Day VIP Trial Package: 2 Free Classes
Call: 410-257-5425 | Email: info@calvertmma.com
Why Little Sharks?
Little Sharks is a dynamic program for 5- to 7-year-olds, offered at both our Sunderland (Calvert MMA) and California, MD (Lineage BJJ®) locations, blending fun, learning, and foundational Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and BJJ to build lifelong skills. Children attend classes only at their signup location unless staff approve otherwise—act now to reserve a spot! Unlike sport-focused martial arts, our curriculum, rooted in the Gracie family’s self-defense system, fosters confidence and safety.
Age-Appropriate Classes: Structured sessions tailored to the attention span and physical development of young learners.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu & BJJ Basics: Fun drills introduce safe, practical self-defense moves, building a foundation for growth.
Skills for Life: Develop focus, discipline, coordination, and teamwork—perfect for school and beyond.
Elite Coaching: Our instructors, trained under Jim Thrift and the Gracie family, specialize in guiding young learners in a supportive environment.
Proven Excellence: In 2024, our academy won 1st place in the Maryland State Championships (all categories) and 1st place in the world for kids and teens at The Good Fight World Championships.
What Your Child Gains
Our classes are tailored to your child’s energy and curiosity, creating a fun, safe space to grow at their chosen location (Sunderland or California, MD):
Confidence & Resilience: Build self-esteem through mastering moves, tackling challenges with courage.
Focus & Discipline: Learn to follow instructions through engaging activities, preparing for academic success.
Coordination & Agility: Develop balance and strength with kid-friendly drills.
Self-Defense Foundation: Introduce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques, including strikes, wrestling, and judo concepts, in a safe, age-appropriate way.
Member Support: Access our Members App with an Online Academy, offering a full curriculum, Gracie games, and resources to track progress and support growth at home.
A Safe, Welcoming Environment
Our instructors are experts in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and working with 5- to 7-year-olds, creating a positive space at both locations:
Daily Cleaning: Mats disinfected with all-natural products.
Hospital-Grade Air Purification: Clean, healthy air for every class.
Hygiene Education: We teach kids accountability and provide wipes for safety.
Behavioral Expectations: To ensure a focused environment, children repeatedly unable to follow instructions may sit out after reminders. We work with parents to find the best path forward, pausing membership if needed until the child is ready.
Why Parents Choose Little Sharks
Proven Results: Parents see improved focus, discipline, and confidence that shine at home and school.
Trusted Expertise: As Southern Maryland’s only certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu academy, we deliver real self-defense, not sport techniques, under Jim Thrift’s leadership.
Lifelong Foundation: Little Sharks builds skills for a bright future, whether your child continues martial arts or not.
How to Start
Our Little Sharks program normally has a waitlist—don’t miss out! Here’s the plan:
Try Two Free Classes: Schedule our Exclusive 5-Day VIP Trial Package with 2 free classes (restrictions apply) at your chosen location (Sunderland or California, MD) to ensure:
The program meets your expectations for your child.
Our instructors confirm your child is ready to join the class.
Bring Basics: Comfy clothes (T-shirt, shorts, or leggings), a water bottle, and enthusiasm.
Join or Retry: If your child is ready, secure a spot before waitlists grow (attendance limited to signup location unless staff approve). If not, retry every 3 months—no pressure, just progress.
Sign Up for Your 5-Day VIP Trial
Flexible Memberships
Options for You: Choose month-to-month or annual plans to fit your family’s needs.
Two Locations, One Price: Access Calvert MMA (Sunderland) and Lineage BJJ (California, MD) with one membership.
Exclusive Perks: Enjoy InBody scans to track growth, our Members App with an Online Academy for home practice, and nutritional guides to fuel progress.
Join Southern Maryland’s Gracie Jiu-Jitsu & BJJ Leader
Since 2007, Calvert MMA Academy® and Lineage BJJ® have guided young heroes across Calvert County, from Sunderland to Huntingtown and Prince Frederick. Little Sharks offers your 5- to 7-year-old a fun, supportive start to Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, building confidence and skills that last. Don’t settle for sport-only martial arts—choose the real thing and start their journey today before spots are gone!
Try Our Exclusive 5-Day VIP Trial Package
Call: 410-257-5425 | Email: info@calvertmma.com
Calvert MMA Academy®: Southern Maryland’s Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Leader
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.
