Lineage News Letter - December 2024
GOOD FIGHT: Sub-Only Worlds – December 14, 2024
We’re thrilled to announce that our team has qualified for FREE entry to Sub-Only Worlds! After taking FIRST PLACE in both the Adult and Youth Divisions at the Maryland State Championship earlier this year, all active members of Team Lineage BJJ now qualify to compete at Sub-Only Worlds free of charge. This victory is a testament to everyone’s hard work, dedication, and our focus as a submission-based school. We couldn’t be prouder of this incredible accomplishment—let’s bring home even more wins!
Important Details
Online Registration Deadline: December 9, 2024, at 11:59 PM
Event Date: December 14, 2024
Active Team Members: Your free entry applies to any active member of Team Lineage BJJ wishing to compete. Do NOT pay online. Select the “Pay at the Door” option when registering to redeem your free access.
Location: Olympic Hall @ Spooky Nook, 2913 Spooky Nook Rd., Manheim, PA 17545
Let’s Compete Together!
This is a huge opportunity to represent Team Lineage BJJ on the world stage. As a submission school, not a point-fighting academy, this event perfectly aligns with our philosophy and skills. Win, lose, or draw, we are incredibly proud of everyone who steps up and competes. Let’s wish everyone luck—and hope to see plenty of gold, silver, and bronze medals come home!
Hopefully, we can also bring back a team trophy(s) to mark another incredible achievement. Get out there, give it your best, and most importantly, have fun while representing yourself and the team with honor!
📣 Bonus Fun: Hershey Park Group Discount 🎢🍫
A huge thank you to Carla P. for arranging a fantastic opportunity to visit Hershey Park! If we gather at least 15 more people, we’ll secure a 50% group discount for Sunday, December 15th. Tickets are valid for any one day and expire January 1, 2025.
If you’re interested and haven’t purchased your tickets yet, please fill out the form by December 8 to join in on the fun:
Hershey Park Interest Form
Holiday Gear Prep: Get Your Lineage BJJ Merchandise in Time for the Season!
We’re excited to announce that new merchandise is here! We’ve stocked beanies, baseball caps, T-shirts, and hoodies, with youth hoodies arriving next week—hopefully before the competition. Merchandise is currently available at our St. Mary’s location, and the newest items will also be available at the Calvert location this weekend on a first-come, first-serve basis.
You can order online at Lineage BJJ Shop or Calvert MMA Shop, or purchase in person. Now through the end of the year:
Non-logoed merchandise is available at wholesale pricing (our cost).
Logoed merchandise: Buy two or more items and get 20% off (in person purchases only).
Volunteer Coaches: As a thank-you to all of our volunteer coaches who regularly step in to help, you’re eligible to purchase items at wholesale pricing. Please note that discounts for coaches are only available in person—online orders cannot apply the discount at this time.
We recommend placing orders now to ensure availability. If we run out, we’ll do our best to restock before the holidays!
Note: Tumblers are on backorder, and we’re expecting shipment next week—thank you for your patience!
Important Dates This Month:
Closures / Holiday Schedules
Lineage BJJ
December 14: Coaches are heading to Pennsylvania for the Good Fight Submission-Only Worlds. Classes will have light attendance, with normal schedule kids' classes focusing on games and positional drills.
December 24–25: Closed.
December 26–27: Instructor-led open mats at 10 AM for all members. Regular classes are canceled.
December 28–29: Closed.
December 30–31: Instructor-led open mats at 10 AM for all members. Regular classes are canceled.
January 1: Closed.
Calvert MMA Academy
December 14: Coaches are heading to Pennsylvania for the Good Fight Submission-Only Worlds. Morning class at 10 AM is normal; evening class is canceled.
December 24–25: Closed.
December 26–27: Instructor-led open mats at 10 AM for all members. Regular classes are canceled.
December 28: Instructor-led open mat at 8 AM. Regular classes are canceled.
December 30–31: Instructor-led open mats at 10 AM for all members. Regular classes are canceled.
January 1: Instructor-led open mat at 6:30 PM. Regular classes are canceled.
Upcoming Competitions
IBJJF New Jersey Fall International Open
Date: December 7–8, 2024
Location: Meadowlands Exposition Center, 355 Plaza Drive, Secaucus, NJ 07094
Competitors: Porter and Jack
Live Stream: Available on FloGrappling and YouTube
Good Fight Sub-Only Worlds
Date: December 14, 2024
Location: Olympic Hall at Spooky Nook, 2913 Spooky Nook Rd., Manheim, PA 17545
Note: Free admission for youth and adult competitors who won at States. Select “Pay at the Door” when registering.
Grappling Industries DMV
Date: December 21, 2024
Location: Dulles Sportsplex, 21610 Atlantic Blvd, Sterling, VA 20166
FUJI BJJ Hagerstown Winter Championship
Date: February 1, 2025
Location: Hagerstown Field House, 290 E Memorial Blvd, Hagerstown, MD 21740
Good Fight Maryland Winter Open
Date: February 1, 2025
Location: Archbishop Spalding High School, 8080 New Cut Rd., Severn, MD 21144
Mark your calendars—these competitions are open to all our members! Whether you're stepping on the mats to compete or cheering on our team, it’s time to prepare and make your mark. Let’s represent Lineage BJJ strong! 💪
Please note: Event details are subject to change. Always verify with the official event organizers before making arrangements.
Congratulations to November Belt Promotions:
Grey / White: Luke W., Breno M., Skyler P.
Grey: Bodhi A
Yellow / White: Landon W., Michael L.
Yellow: Anthony L.
Blue Belt: Becky P.
Congratulations to all on your promotions!
Featured Technique of the Month: Armbar from Knee on Belly
Technique Description:
This month, we’re focusing on a fundamental yet highly effective submission: the armbar from the knee-on-belly position. Whether in competition or self-defense, this technique offers a quick and controlled way to secure an arm lock.
From the knee-on-belly position, when your opponent attempts to pull their arm down to the ground, you can take advantage of their movement. Allow them to pull slightly but intercept before they fully retract. Shoot your arm underneath to control their arm by locking it in the bend of their elbow. Apply chest pressure to the back of their tricep to maintain control. Next, shift your head toward their knees, which enables you to position yourself for the finish. Fall back with the arm secured, keeping your knees pinched tightly together, and finish the armbar by lifting your hips to apply pressure until they tap.
Steps to Execute:
Control Their Arm: Allow your opponent to pull their arm slightly but intercept it by locking their arm into the bend of your elbow.
Apply Chest Pressure: Use your chest to pressure the back of their tricep, keeping their arm secure.
Lean Toward Their Knees: Shift your head toward their knees, which aligns your body for the transition.
Secure the Armbar: Fall back while keeping their arm tightly secured. Pinch your knees together to immobilize their arm.
Finish the Submission: Lift your hips to apply pressure to the arm and secure the tap.
Additional Tip:
Maintain consistent chest pressure and control to prevent your opponent from escaping. Precision and patience are key to ensuring the armbar is tight and effective.
This technique emphasizes control, leverage, and timing, making it a powerful addition to your arsenal. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be executing this armbar with confidence and precision!
Member Spotlight: Porter Foley
This month, we’re thrilled to spotlight one of our most dedicated and impressive members: Porter Foley! At just 14 years old, Porter has been training for about 3 ½ years, starting as restrictions eased following the COVID pandemic in 2020. Fun fact: his journey began with a mix of encouragement (and let’s be honest, a bit of “parental persuasion”) from his family—and the unique circumstance of having the academy’s founder as his next-door neighbor! Let’s just say, when that’s the case, skipping Jiu-Jitsu isn’t really an option! 🙂
Porter holds the rank of yellow-white belt, a testament to his hard work, dedication, and passion for the sport. His journey has been remarkable, and he continues to inspire those around him!
Here’s the kicker: Porter admits that for the first year, he wasn’t a fan of Jiu-Jitsu. But over time, he discovered his passion and hasn’t looked back. Now, he trains daily, sometimes multiple times a day when school breaks allow, and his dedication is nothing short of inspiring.
Porter’s favorite part of Jiu-Jitsu? Rolling! For those unfamiliar, rolling is live sparring—a dynamic and controlled practice match where students test their techniques against a resisting partner. Think of it as “human chess,” where you’re constantly working to outsmart and outmaneuver your opponent. Porter thrives in this environment, sharpening his skills with every roll.
Porter isn’t just a student—he’s a leader. As a volunteer coach, he’s giving back to the community, inspiring the kids he instructs, and helping build the next generation of champions. His patience, encouragement, and dedication on the mat set an incredible example for young grapplers, showing them not just how to train, but how to carry themselves with humility and perseverance.
When it comes to competition, Porter is making waves. Recently, he stepped up to the adult divisions and is already making a name for himself. In November, he went 5-0 in competition, with the highlight being an incredible achievement: tapping out an adult black belt! His favorite techniques? Any and all Gi chokes—if you’re rolling with Porter, you better protect your collar!
When asked for advice for new students or anyone considering Jiu-Jitsu, Porter keeps it simple but impactful: “To get better, just keep showing up.”
Porter’s growth, dedication, and willingness to give back embody what Jiu-Jitsu is all about. His technique improves every day, and he carries himself with the humility and determination of a true martial artist.
Porter, we are so proud of you! Thank you for your hard work, your commitment to the art, and the way you inspire everyone at Lineage BJJ / Calvert MMA. Keep striving for greatness—we can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!
Stay Connected
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Join our private Members-Only group: Facebook Group
For Coaches and Helpers: Join our Coach’s Corner
Contact Us
Lineage BJJ
Email: info@lineagebjj.com
Phone: 301-377-8773
Address: 44723 St. Andrews Church Road, California, MD 20619
Calvert MMA Academy
Email: info@calvertmma.com
Phone: 410-257-5425
Address: 25 Dalrymple Road, Sunderland, MD 20689
Ready to Transform Your Fitness and Learn Real Self-Defense?
Whether you’re looking for self-improvement, real self-defense skills, or a fun and challenging workout, Lineage BJJ / Calvert MMA has something for everyone. With two locations owned and operated as one academy, we proudly serve the Southern Maryland community, offering programs for ages 3 and up.
We are Team Lineage BJJ, and our teachings honor the Lineage of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, directly under the Gracie family. Our programs stay true to the principles of Helio Gracie, offering authentic techniques that are as effective in self-defense as they are in competition.
Memberships include access to both schools, so you can train wherever it’s most convenient. Plus, we offer an online academy, giving you even greater flexibility and value.
Check out our schedule today and try a class for free—completely risk-free. Whether you’re looking to improve, defend, or compete, Lineage BJJ / Calvert MMA is here to help you achieve your goals. Contact us today to get started!
