Business Details
19 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense
Founded in 2007, Calvert MMA Academy stands as Southern Maryland's premier institution for authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and real-world self-defense training. Certified directly under Grandmaster Relson Gracie, we preserve and teach the original Gracie self-defense system refined over decades of and competition. Our lead instructor, Professor Jim Thrift, brings over four decades of experience, having trained directly under the Gracie family and earned a fifth-degree black belt through decades of dedicated practice. We offer comprehensive programs for all ages, from Mat Munchkins for ages 3-4 to advanced adult competition training, with a proven track record of producing state and world champions.Our two locations in Sunderland and California, MD, serve as hubs for a supportive community focused on discipline, accountability, and personal growth. With a 17-year legacy of excellence, we remain committed to delivering practical, leverage-based techniques that work under pressure rather than relying on athleticism alone. Our structured curriculum integrates wrestling, judo concepts, and striking fundamentals while maintaining Gracie Jiu-Jitsu's core principles. We maintain strict hygiene standards with daily mat cleaning and hospital-grade air purification to ensure a safe training environment for all members.
Services
BJJ Fundamentals
Youth Competition Training
Adult Intermediate BJJ
Little Sharks Program
Mat Munchkins
Jr. Grapplers
No-Gi Training
First Responder Tactics
Open Mat Sessions
Boxing/Muay Thai
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- Certified under Grandmaster Relson Gracie's original self-defense system
- Offer 5-day free VIP trial with two complimentary classes
- Produced 2024 Maryland State Champions in all divisions
- Maintain dual locations with unified membership access
- Instructors trained directly by the Gracie family lineage
Associations and certifications
- Grandmaster Relson Gracie Certification
What people say
Proven self-defense techniques
Supportive community
Experienced instructors
Positive environment
Effective training methods
Services
Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Our Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program teaches leverage-based self-defense techniques directly from Grandmaster Relson Gracie's lineage. This comprehensive system works equally well for all body types and experience levels, focusing on practical application rather than sport competition. Students learn to neutralize threats through proper technique while developing physical conditioning and mental discipline through structured drills and live training.
Self-Defense Programs
Our self-defense curriculum combines traditional Gracie techniques with modern situational awareness training. Classes emphasize real-world application through scenario-based drills that build confidence and practical skills. Participants develop the ability to de-escalate conflicts and protect themselves effectively regardless of age or physical strength through our time-tested methodology.
Youth Martial Arts
Our youth martial arts programs for ages 3-13 focus on structured physical development and character building. Through age-appropriate training, children improve focus, discipline, and coordination while learning safety fundamentals. Classes incorporate games and activities that reinforce positive social interaction along with basic self-defense techniques tailored for young learners.
Adult Beginner Classes
Adult beginner classes provide a welcoming environment for new students of all fitness levels. Instructors guide participants through fundamental techniques and positional drills while emphasizing proper form and safety. The rotating curriculum allows flexible entry points while building a strong foundation for personal growth and potential advancement to higher skill levels.
Competition Training
Our competition training program develops skilled grapplers through advanced technical instruction and live sparring sessions. Athletes receive personalized guidance for both Gi and No-Gi competition formats while maintaining Gracie Jiu-Jitsu's core principles. The program has produced multiple state and world champions through its focus on strategic development and mental preparation.
People
Relson Gracie
Grandmaster
Red belt 9th degree under the Gracie family lineage, certified instructor who developed the authentic self-defense system taught at Calvert MMA Academy.
James Thrift
Professor
Fifth-degree black belt with over 40 years of experience, trained directly under Grandmaster Relson Gracie and the Gracie family since 1995, former U.S. Secret Service agent.
Mike Tran
Black Belt
Fourth-degree black belt who trains under Professor Jim Thrift, certified in authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu techniques and competition preparation methods.
Jesse Cordova
Black Belt
Certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu instructor with extensive competition experience, assisting in both adult and youth programs at Calvert MMA Academy.
Kevin Southworth
Black Belt
Senior instructor responsible for maintaining technical standards across both academy locations, ensuring proper technique transmission from the Gracie lineage.
Questions
What is Calvert MMA Academy's core martial art focus?
We specialize in authentic Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu directly from Grandmaster Relson Gracie's lineage with emphasis on real-world self-defense applications.
Do you offer trial classes for new students?
Yes, we provide a 5-day VIP trial package with two free classes to help prospective members experience our training environment.
Are classes available for children?
We offer age-specific programs from Mat Munchkins (ages 3-4) through Jr. Grapplers (ages 8-13) with structured curricula for each developmental stage.
What makes your academy different from other martial arts schools?
As Southern Maryland's only certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu academy, we teach the original self-defense system without modifying techniques for sport.
Do you have competition training programs?
Yes, our competition team has earned multiple state and world championships through advanced technical instruction and strategic development.
What are your facility locations and operating hours?
We operate two locations in Sunderland and California, MD with training available up to seven days per week across both facilities.
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