Lineage News Letter - January 2025
A Year of Unmatched Excellence
As we step into 2025, we look back on an extraordinary year that solidified why Team Lineage BJJ is the premier martial arts academy in Southern Maryland. This past year, we didn’t just train—we dominated. Through relentless hard work, dedication, and a commitment to the authentic Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legacy, our team achieved unprecedented success on the mats and beyond.
From conquering the Good Fight Submission-Only Tournament to being crowned State Champions across kids, teens, adults, and masters divisions, our results speak volumes. At the World Championships, our youth secured FIRST PLACE, and our adults and masters proudly claimed SECOND PLACE, proving we are the most accomplished team in the region.
What sets Lineage BJJ apart is more than just our success—it's the authenticity and effectiveness of our training. As the largest and longest-running Jiu-Jitsu academy in Southern Maryland, we are the only school with direct lineage to the Gracie family, teaching a style designed not just to earn points but to win real fights. Our curriculum prepares students for everything from real-life self-defense situations, including defending against strikes and weapon attacks, to dominating high-level competition with unmatched submission skills.
We are proud to provide a program that welcomes all ages and fitness levels, creating an environment where camaraderie, growth, and mastery thrive. To every member of Team Lineage BJJ—your perseverance and dedication have made 2024 a year to remember. You’ve proven that hard work and commitment lead to greatness.
As we look forward to 2025, we’re ready to aim even higher, set new goals, and build on this incredible momentum. If you’re ready to train with the best, there’s no better time to join our family. This isn’t just a team—it’s a legacy, and we’re just getting started.
Thank You for Helping Us Improve
We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in our 2024 Member Survey. Your feedback is the foundation for our growth and improvement, and we truly appreciate the time you took to share your thoughts.
Our team has carefully reviewed your responses, and we’re inspired by the positive feedback as well as the thoughtful suggestions you’ve provided. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be working to address key ideas and implement changes that will enhance your experience at Lineage BJJ. Look out for updates on these improvements by mid January.
This annual survey is an essential part of how we grow together, and your input is what drives us to make each year better than the last. Thank you for being such an integral part of our community—we couldn’t do it without you!
Here’s to an amazing 2025 filled with progress, success, and even more wins on and off the mats!
Important Dates This Month:
Grill & Drill Celebration: January 25th
Let’s kick off 2025 with camaraderie, celebration, and a little extra mat time! We’re excited to announce a Grill & Drill event on Saturday, January 25th, starting at 12 noon, hosted at our Calvert location. This event is open to all members and is free of charge—a small way of saying thank you for being part of the Lineage BJJ family.
We’ll be firing up the grill and serving up hotdogs, Italian sausage, fresh fruit, and drinks while reflecting on an incredible 2024. This is not just about food and training—it’s about celebrating how, together, we dominated the competition circuit and upheld the standards of excellence that make Lineage BJJ so special.
To ensure we’ve got enough food for everyone, please reply to the post on our Facebook page and let us know if you’ll be attending. Whether you’re here to drill, hang out, or just enjoy the food, we’d love to see you there.
Let’s celebrate our achievements and build even stronger bonds as a team. See you on the 25th!
Closures / Holiday Schedules
Lineage BJJ
January 1: Closed for federal holiday
January 9: Closed for federal holiday
January 18: Women’s Self-Defense Clinic (FREE but must register prior)
January 20: Closed for federal holiday
Calvert MMA Academy
January 1: Federal Holiday - Instructor-led open mat at 6:30 PM. Regular classes are canceled.
January 9: Federal Holiday but will maintain regular schedule.
January 20: Federal Holiday - Instructor-led open mat at 10AM. Regular classes are canceled.
January 25: GRILL AND DRILL begins at 12 noon.
Upcoming Competitions
As we look ahead to the start of the 2025 competition season, here’s a list of exciting events where Team Lineage BJJ can showcase our skills and continue dominating the circuit. Mark your calendars, train hard, and let’s represent our academy with pride!
Controlled Combat: January 2025
Date: Saturday, January 18, 2025
Time: Doors Open at 7:30 AM EST, Event Begins at 9:00 AM EST
Location: Airpark Soccerplex
8340 Beechcraft Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20879
FUJI BJJ Hagerstown Winter Championship
Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025
Location: Hagerstown Field House
290 E Memorial Blvd, Hagerstown, MD 21740
Good Fight Maryland Winter Open
Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025
Location: Archbishop Spalding High School
8080 New Cut Rd, Severn, MD 21144
Grappling Industries DMV
Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025
Location: Dulles Sportsplex
21610 Atlantic Blvd, Sterling, VA 20166
Prepare to step on the mats with confidence and bring your best to these upcoming competitions. Let’s continue building on the momentum we created in 2024 and make 2025 another year of unmatched excellence. See your coach for competition registration details and guidance. Let’s go, Team Lineage BJJ!
Congratulations to December Belt Promotions!
A huge congratulations to all of our students who earned their new belts in December! Your dedication, perseverance, and commitment to growth inspire us all. Let’s celebrate the hard work and progress of each member:
Blue Belt
Nicholas H.
Jericho D.
Vinny C.
Joe D.
Grey/Black Belt
Benjamin A.
Grey/White Belt
Wyatt B.
Adrian E.
Leonardo D.
Mackenzie R.
Each promotion is a testament to the hours you’ve put in on the mats and your continuous journey toward mastery. We’re so proud of all of you—keep up the amazing work as we step into 2025!
Vinny and Jericho Blue Belt Promotion
Featured Technique of the Month: High Crotch Takedown
Technique Description:
The high crotch takedown is a fundamental wrestling technique that, when executed correctly, can effectively bring an opponent to the mat. Here's a step-by-step guide to performing the high crotch takedown, with an emphasis on proper head positioning to avoid vulnerability to a guillotine choke:
Setup: Begin in a neutral stance, maintaining a low center of gravity. Use an inside tie with a V-block setup, keeping your ear close to the opponent's shoulder and establishing control over their arm.
Level Change: Lower your stance by bending your knees and hips, ensuring your back remains straight. This positions you to penetrate your opponent's defense effectively.
Penetration Step: Step forward with your lead leg between your opponent's legs, bringing your trail leg up to maintain balance. Simultaneously, shoot your rear arm deep between their legs, aiming to grip behind their knee or thigh.
Head Positioning: Keep your head upright and firmly pressed against the side of your opponent's torso, with your ear near their ribcage. Avoid lowering your head or allowing it to drift to the outside, as this can expose you to a guillotine choke. Maintaining proper head posture is crucial for both the success of the takedown and your defense.
Grip and Control: Secure a strong grip on your opponent's leg by clasping your hands together, ensuring your elbows are tight to your body. This control limits their mobility and sets up the takedown.
Execution: Drive forward with your legs and hips, elevating your opponent's captured leg while steering them off balance. Depending on their reaction, you can transition to a double-leg finish by capturing their other leg or execute a 'run the pipe' finish by rotating to bring them down.
Finish: Once your opponent is on the mat, immediately establish a dominant position, such as side control, to neutralize any counterattacks.
By following these steps and maintaining vigilant head positioning, you can execute the high crotch takedown effectively while minimizing the risk of counterattacks like the guillotine choke.
December Student of the Month: Anna
We are beyond excited to announce Anna as our Student of the Month for December! At just 12 years old, Anna has quickly become a shining star at our Saint Mary’s Lineage BJJ location. Starting her journey in April 2024, Anna has embraced Jiu-Jitsu with unparalleled passion and commitment, consistently attending 3 to 5 classes per week and earning her second-degree white belt in record time.
Anna’s favorite part of Jiu-Jitsu? The Americana submission! This technique reflects her growing confidence, technical skill, and determination to improve every time she steps onto the mat. But for Anna, Jiu-Jitsu is more than a sport—it’s a skill and a hobby that helps her grow. When asked for advice for new students, Anna shared these wise words:
“When you first start out, you’re going to lose rolling with other people, but that’s okay. You will learn and get better.”
Anna’s dedication to improvement hasn’t gone unnoticed. In just four months, she earned a prestigious invitation to join our youth competition class, an honor reserved for students who demonstrate exceptional promise. Her coaches are continually impressed by her natural talent, quick learning, and positive attitude. Despite having no prior experience in combat sports, Anna’s hard work and resilience have already made her a standout.
Anna’s favorite part of training is rolling. For those unfamiliar, rolling is live sparring—a controlled and dynamic practice match where students test their techniques against resisting partners. Think of it as “human chess,” where you’re constantly outthinking and outmaneuvering your opponent. Anna thrives in this environment, sharpening her skills with each session and becoming a formidable competitor.
What makes Anna truly special is her character. She’s not only an exceptional athlete but also a role model to her peers, consistently carrying herself with humility, focus, and kindness. Her dedication to Jiu-Jitsu, her incredible progress, and her thoughtful approach inspire everyone around her.
Anna’s rapid rise in Jiu-Jitsu is a testament to what hard work, resilience, and a positive mindset can achieve. We’re incredibly proud of her accomplishments so far, and we know she has an amazing future ahead—on and off the mats.
Anna, congratulations on being our Student of the Month! Thank you for inspiring us all and showing what true dedication looks like. We can’t wait to see all the great things you’ll accomplish next!
Stay Connected
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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 Proven Self-Defense in 2025?
Start the new year strong with Lineage BJJ / Calvert MMA—the only Jiu-Jitsu academy in Southern Maryland with a direct lineage to the Gracie family. Our programs honor the legacy of Helio Gracie, the founder of modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and teach the same techniques that were showcased in the original UFC events, proving their effectiveness in real-life situations.
Our proven self-defense system is unmatched, blending authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu techniques with practical training to prepare you for anything—from competition to real-world self-defense. Whether you’re looking for self-improvement, fitness, or confidence, we have something for everyone. With programs for ages 3 and up, our academy is dedicated to serving the Southern Maryland community.
Membership includes access to both of our locations, allowing you to train wherever it’s most convenient. Plus, our online academy adds even more flexibility, giving you the tools to succeed at your own pace.
Take the first step today. Check out our schedule and try a class for free—completely risk-free. Whether you want to improve, defend, or compete, Lineage BJJ / Calvert MMA is here to help you achieve your goals with the most effective martial art in the world.
Contact us today to get started!
