Calvert MMA Academy
Youth Competition Team Class
Youth Competition Team at Calvert MMA Academy®: Forging Champions for Ages 8–13
Southern Maryland’s Elite Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), and Self-Defense Program for Young Athletes
The Youth Competition Team at Calvert MMA Academy® is more than just a class—it’s a badge of honor. This invitation-only program is for standout students from our Little Sharks and Jr. Grapplers programs who demonstrate exceptional effort, skill, and maturity. Nominations come from our coaching staff, and while some experienced grapplers may be invited sooner, it typically takes 3–6 months of consistent training to be considered.
Unlike other martial arts like karate or taekwondo that rely heavily on strength, speed, or flashy movements, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is a lifelong skill rooted in leverage, timing, and real-world effectiveness. Parents should be extremely proud when their child earns an invitation—this program is for the best of the best.
Led by Jim Thrift, a fifth-degree black belt under Grandmaster Relson Gracie, our academy is Southern Maryland’s only certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu school and its most accomplished team.
Try Our Exclusive 5-Day VIP Trial Package: 2 Free Classes
Call: 410-257-5425 | Email: info@calvertmma.com
Why Youth Competition Team?
Elite Access: Invitation-only for top students—this is not a class open to general enrollment.
Advanced Gracie Jiu-Jitsu: High-level Gi and NoGi techniques not shown in beginner classes.
Proven Dominance: 1st place at the 2024 Maryland State Championships and 1st at The Good Fight World Championships for kids and teens.
Mental Toughness: Drills, strategy, and live sparring build resilience, decision-making, and confidence under pressure.
Gracie Roots, Real Results: Our curriculum is based on the same techniques used by generations of Gracie champions—not sport fluff.
What Your Child Gains
Leadership & Maturity: This class pushes students to be role models on and off the mats.
Discipline & Responsibility: Students are held to a higher standard of attendance, hygiene, focus, and sportsmanship.
Strength & Athleticism: Every session improves movement, control, and physical awareness.
Self-Defense and Tournament Readiness: Not just point scoring—this is Jiu-Jitsu for life.
Online Tools for Growth: Access our Members App with home drills, curriculum tracking, and tournament prep resources.
A Safe, Focused Environment
Daily Cleaning: Mats cleaned using non-toxic solutions.
Air Quality: Hospital-grade air purification systems in every facility.
Accountability Culture: Students are expected to model respect and responsibility.
Why Parents Trust This Program
Invitation = Excellence: Getting nominated is a sign of consistent effort and standout behavior.
The Only Certified Gracie Academy in the Region: We don’t cut corners—your child learns from certified experts.
Better Than the Rest: Jiu-Jitsu develops problem-solving, patience, and true resilience—not just trophies or belts.
How to Join
Nominations Required: Current students must be nominated by an instructor to join. Prior grappling experience may accelerate this, but most earn their spot over time.
What to Bring: Comfortable clothes (T-shirt and shorts); Gi provided after acceptance.
Flexible Membership Options
Month-to-Month or Annual Plans
Access to Both Locations: Calvert MMA (Sunderland) and Lineage BJJ (California, MD)
Members App Tools: Curriculum tracking, InBody scans, nutrition resources, and more
Join Southern Maryland’s Gracie Jiu-Jitsu & BJJ Leader
Since 2007, Calvert MMA Academy® and Lineage BJJ® have shaped Southern Maryland’s strongest grappling team—from Sunderland to Prince Frederick and beyond. The Youth Competition Team isn’t just training—it’s a launching pad for life.
Try Our Exclusive 5-Day VIP Trial Package
Call: 410-257-5425 | Email: info@calvertmma.com
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.
