Beginning something new can feel intimidating. At Calvert MMA Academy®, we make it simple.
Our Foundations Pass is designed specifically for beginners who want to experience real Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts training before committing to membership.
Whether you’re brand new to martial arts or returning after time away, the Foundations Pass allows you to experience real classes, real coaching, and the culture of our academy before enrolling.
First-time students only
Your introduction to training at Calvert MMA Academy®, part of the direct Gracie family lineage through Grandmaster Relson Gracie.
The Foundations Pass allows new students to experience our academy, instructors, and training environment in a structured and welcoming way before committing to membership.
• 3 Training Days – attend beginner classes designed specifically for new students, with no experience required
• Academy Orientation – meet our instructors and learn how classes work
• Facility Tour – see our professional training environment
• InBody Body Composition Scan – understand your starting point and track your progress
• Digital Training Vault Access – temporary access to our member app with beginner techniques, etiquette guidance, grappling resources, and nutrition tools valued at over $300
No uniform is required for the intro classes. Simply wear athletic clothing.
Your 3 training days must be used within 14 days.
If you decide to join, your $49 Foundations Pass is fully credited toward membership.
Most new students enroll after completing their Foundations Pass.
We offer simple training options designed to fit your schedule and goals.
8 Classes Per Month
$179 per month (annual agreement)
12 Classes Per Month
$199 per month (annual agreement)
Unlimited Training
$219 per month (annual agreement)
Month-to-month memberships are also available.
Families train together at Calvert MMA Academy®.
Family plans provide discounted training for multiple household members and are one of the most popular options for parents and children training together.
Ask about our Family Championship Plans during your visit.
We proudly offer special programs for those who serve our communities.
Active members of the following professions receive annual pricing while training month-to-month:
• Military
• Law enforcement
• Firefighters and EMS
• Teachers
• Nurses and doctors
If you are traveling to Southern Maryland or training with another academy, we welcome visitors to train with us.
Because we maintain many friendships with other teams and instructors, visiting students should contact us before registering online so we can help arrange the best option for your stay.
We offer:
• Day passes
• Short-term training options
• Courtesy training for affiliated teams when arranged in advance
Please call or text before signing up so we can coordinate your visit properly.
Calvert MMA Academy® is more than a gym. It is a professional martial arts academy built on respect, discipline, and real-world self-defense.
Students train under instruction rooted in the direct Gracie family lineage through Grandmaster Relson Gracie.
Instruction is led by Professor Jim Thrift, a 5th-degree black belt under Relson Gracie, with more than four decades of martial arts experience.
Our academy maintains one of the highest cleanliness standards in the region using all-natural, family-safe cleaning solutions and professional sanitation procedures designed to keep students and families safe.
Whether your goal is self-defense, fitness, competition, or personal growth, Calvert MMA Academy® provides the instruction, structure, and community to help you succeed.
The best way to experience Calvert MMA Academy® is to step onto the mats.
Start with the Foundations Pass and see why so many families across Southern Maryland choose Calvert MMA Academy® for their martial arts journey.
Reserve your spot today.
At Calvert MMA Academy®, our mission is simple: help every student become stronger, more confident, and more capable—both on and off the mats.
Our programs are designed for beginners, experienced practitioners, families, and professionals who want authentic martial arts training in a structured and supportive environment.
Calvert MMA Academy® is led by Professor Jim Thrift, a 5th-degree black belt under Grandmaster Relson Gracie, with more than four decades of martial arts experience. As a retired United States Secret Service professional, Professor Thrift brings a unique perspective to training that emphasizes discipline, professionalism, and real-world self-defense.
Every student’s schedule and goals are different. Our memberships are designed to support consistency while remaining flexible for real life.
• Month-to-Month Memberships for maximum flexibility
• Annual Memberships for students who want to commit and save
• Family Membership Plans that make training accessible for parents and children
• Service & Honor Programs for military, first responders, healthcare professionals, and educators
Membership at Calvert MMA Academy® includes access to a complete training program.
Students benefit from:
• Training up to seven days per week across both academy locations
• Access to the Lineage Digital Training Vault through our member app
• Monthly InBody™ body composition scans to track progress
• A private member community for support and communication
• Nutrition resources, recipes, and wellness guidance
Training doesn’t stop when class ends. Our goal is to provide students with the tools and structure needed for long-term progress.
Our academy teaches Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu rooted in the direct Gracie family lineage through Grandmaster Relson Gracie.
Students learn practical self-defense, technical control, and intelligent problem-solving—skills designed to work in real-world situations, not just in ideal training environments.
We proudly support those who serve our communities.
Calvert MMA Academy® offers special programs for:
• Active-duty military
• Law enforcement
• Firefighters and EMS
• Teachers and educators
• Healthcare professionals
Active first responders are also invited to participate in our weekly first responder training program, offered as a way to give back to those who protect our communities.
Calvert MMA Academy® maintains one of the highest cleanliness standards in the region.
Our facility uses all-natural, family-safe cleaning solutions and professional sanitation procedures to maintain a healthy training environment for students of all ages.
Cleanliness, supervision, and structured instruction are part of the program—not an afterthought.
When you join Calvert MMA Academy®, you’re not just joining a gym—you’re becoming part of a community built on respect, discipline, and continuous improvement.
Students train together, support one another, and grow both on and off the mats.
Whether your goal is self-defense, fitness, personal development, or competition, our team is here to help you succeed.