Thinking about starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or martial arts… but not sure where to begin?
You’re not alone. Most people feel that way before their first class.
That’s exactly why we created our New Student Foundations program.
At Calvert MMA Academy®, we make your first step simple, structured, and comfortable—so you can experience real training without pressure, confusion, or feeling out of place.
Whether you're brand new, getting back into training, or just exploring your options, this is the best way to see if our academy is the right fit for you.
First-time students only
This is your opportunity to experience real Gracie Jiu-Jitsu at Calvert MMA Academy®, under direct lineage from Grandmaster Relson Gracie.
No long-term commitment. No pressure.
Just real training, real coaching, and a chance to see if this is right for you.
• 4 Beginner-Friendly Classes — structured and guided so you know exactly what to do
• 14 Days to Use Them — flexible scheduling
• Personal Orientation — we walk you through everything step-by-step
• Academy Tour — meet the team and see how we operate
• InBody Scan — track your starting point and progress
• Digital Training Vault Access — beginner techniques, etiquette, and resources (valued at $300+)
No uniform needed. Just wear comfortable athletic clothing and we’ll take care of the rest.
Your $49 is credited toward membership if you join.
Most people don’t fail at Jiu-Jitsu because it’s too hard.
They quit because they never had a clear starting point.
This solves that problem.
You’ll walk in knowing exactly what to do, who to talk to, and how to progress—without feeling overwhelmed.
Click below, reserve your spot, and we’ll take care of the rest.
We’ll reach out, schedule your first class, and make sure you feel comfortable from day one.
Spots are limited and some programs have waitlists.
At Calvert MMA Academy®, the goal isn’t just to teach techniques.
It’s to help you become stronger, more confident, and more capable—in every area of your life.
That’s why people don’t just train here…
They stay.
Our programs are built for real people—beginners, professionals, parents, competitors, and families—who want authentic training in a structured, supportive, and professional environment.
Led by Professor Jim Thrift, a 5th-degree black belt under Grandmaster Relson Gracie, with over four decades of experience, the academy is built on a foundation of real instruction, real standards, and real results.
As a retired United States Secret Service professional, Professor Thrift brings a level of discipline, structure, and real-world perspective that you won’t find in most academies.
We understand that people have careers, families, and responsibilities.
That’s why our membership options are designed to make training consistent—and sustainable.
• Month-to-Month Options for flexibility
• Annual Memberships for long-term commitment and savings
• Family Plans so parents and kids can train together
• Service & Honor Programs for those who serve our communities
When you join, you’re not just getting mat time.
You’re getting a complete system for progress.
• Training up to 7 days per week across both locations
• Access to the LINEAGE® Digital Training Vault
• Monthly InBody™ scans to track your results
• Private member community for support and accountability
• Nutrition guidance and resources to support your goals
This is how students improve faster—and stay consistent long-term.
Our instruction is rooted in direct Gracie lineage through Grandmaster Relson Gracie.
Students learn:
• practical self-defense
• technical control and leverage
• problem-solving under pressure
This isn’t theory. This is what works.
We proudly support those who serve.
Our Service & Honor Programs are available for:
• Military
• Law Enforcement
• Firefighters & EMS
• Teachers & Educators
• Healthcare Professionals
We also offer a weekly first responder training program as a way of giving back to those who protect our communities.
We hold ourselves to a higher standard.
Our academy maintains one of the highest cleanliness standards in the region using family-safe, professional-grade sanitation systems.
Every class is structured. Every student is supported.
No chaos. No ego. Just focused training.
Walking into something new can feel uncomfortable.
We get that.
That’s why we’ve built an environment where:
• beginners feel welcome
• families feel comfortable
• experienced students stay challenged
You don’t have to “be ready.” You just have to start.
The hardest part is showing up the first time.
After that, everything changes.
Start with the New Student Foundations program and experience it for yourself.
Scroll up, choose your option, and reserve your spot.
We’ll take it from there.