Mat Munchkin's

Your Child’s First Step Toward Confidence

Southern Maryland’s Premier Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Program for Ages 3–4

If your child is 3 or 4 years old, the Mat Munchkins program at Calvert MMA Academy® provides a fun, structured introduction to movement, confidence, and discipline through authentic Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Located in Sunderland, Maryland, and led by Professor Jim Thrift, a 5th-degree black belt under Grandmaster Relson Gracie, our academy is known throughout Southern Maryland for teaching real Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in a positive, supportive environment.

Because classes are intentionally kept very small (6–8 students), the Mat Munchkins program is extremely popular and often maintains an active wait-list.

Parents interested in the program should contact the academy to be added to the wait-list.

When a space becomes available, families are invited to schedule a Mat Munchkins Readiness Visit to ensure the program is the right fit for their child.

Call 410-257-5425
Email info@calvertmma.com

What Is the Mat Munchkins Program?

Mat Munchkins is a specialized Gracie Jiu-Jitsu program designed specifically for 3- and 4-year-olds.

At this age, the goal is not competition or complex techniques. Instead, we focus on developing:

• listening skills
• focus and attention
• balance and coordination
• confidence and independence
• teamwork and social skills

Classes combine movement games, playful drills, and simple Gracie Jiu-Jitsu concepts that help children build a strong foundation for both martial arts and school readiness.

Programs are offered at both of our Southern Maryland locations:

Calvert MMA Academy® — Sunderland, MD
Lineage BJJ® — California, MD

Because class sizes are small, students normally attend only the location where they enroll unless staff approval is given.

Small Classes. Big Impact.

Mat Munchkins classes are intentionally limited to 8–10 children per class.

This allows instructors to give every child the attention they need while maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.

Because of these small class sizes, wait-lists are common, and new students are invited to join the program only when space becomes available.

What Your Child Will Learn

Each 30-minute class is designed specifically for the attention span and energy level of preschool-aged children.

Your child will develop:

Confidence & Social Skills

Children learn how to interact positively with others, take turns, and build friendships in a supportive environment.

Focus & Listening

Structured activities teach children to follow instructions and stay engaged—skills that carry over into school and everyday life.

Coordination & Movement

Fun drills help improve balance, agility, and body awareness.

Early Self-Defense Concepts

Children are introduced to basic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu movement and safety concepts in an age-appropriate and playful way.

Parent Support Tools

Members receive access to our Member App and Online Academy, which includes curriculum support and progress tracking.

A Safe and Positive Training Environment

Parents choose Calvert MMA Academy® because we maintain a clean, structured, and welcoming training environment.

Our facilities include:

• Daily mat sanitation using all-natural cleaning products
• Hospital-grade air purification systems
• Strict hygiene standards for students and instructors

Our instructors specialize in working with young children and are trained to guide students with patience, encouragement, and positive reinforcement.

Why Parents Choose Mat Munchkins

Families across Calvert County and Southern Maryland choose our program because it delivers real results.

Parents often notice improvements in:

• confidence
• focus
• listening skills
• discipline
• social development

As Southern Maryland’s certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu academy, our program focuses on real martial arts principles and character development, not sport-only training.

How the Enrollment Process Works

Because the Mat Munchkins program has limited class sizes, enrollment follows a simple process:

1. Join the Wait-list

Contact the academy to add your child to the Mat Munchkins wait-list.

2. Schedule a Readiness Visit

When a space becomes available, families will be invited to schedule a:

Mat Munchkins Readiness Visit — $25

This short introductory class allows our instructors to determine if the program is the right fit for your child.

3. Secure Your Spot

If the program is a good fit, families may enroll and reserve the available class position.

Join Southern Maryland’s Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Community

For approximately two decades, Calvert MMA Academy® and Lineage BJJ® have helped families across Southern Maryland develop confidence, discipline, and resilience through martial arts training.

The Mat Munchkins program is often a child’s very first introduction to structured physical activity and teamwork.

Because spots are limited, we recommend contacting the academy early to join the wait-list.