What to Expect in Our Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Programs—and Why Lineage BJJ® is the Right Choice
At Lineage BJJ and Calvert MMA, we understand that starting something new can feel overwhelming. That’s why our adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) programs are designed to be both rewarding and exciting. While many schools may have legitimate black belts, some are far removed from their original lineage and rarely train directly under their instructors. Additionally, a lot of instructors today rely on techniques learned from social media, YouTube, or other sites, which can lead to a diluted approach to teaching. At our academy, we are deeply rooted in the authentic teachings of the Gracie family. With direct mentorship and decades of hands-on training under Grandmaster Relson Gracie and his family, we ensure that every technique you learn is pure, effective, and true to the art’s origins.
Our lineage is directly connected to the founders of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Having trained extensively with Grandmaster Helio Gracie, his sons, grandsons, nephews, and other high-ranking practitioners, our techniques are built on decades of expertise. This connection predates the explosion of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu’s popularity through the UFC, and it’s what sets us apart. At Lineage BJJ, you’ll train in a system that is true to its origins and battle-tested for effectiveness in both real-world and competitive settings.
Whether you’re stepping onto the mats for the first time or looking to elevate your skills as an experienced martial artist, we provide a structured environment where every move and principle is rooted in a tradition of excellence.
Why Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu isn’t just another martial art—it’s a revolutionary system built on leverage, technique, and strategy. Unlike other martial arts that rely on brute strength or speed, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu empowers individuals of all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels. It’s designed to give you the tools to defend yourself effectively, no matter your opponent's size or strength.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is unique because of its focus on real-world self-defense. These techniques aren’t just about performing well in a controlled environment—they’re practical, reliable, and built for real-life situations. Whether you’re walking into a business meeting, navigating your daily life, or protecting yourself in an unexpected situation, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu equips you with the confidence and capability to handle it.
As the only academy in Southern Maryland certified to teach authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Lineage BJJ ensures that what you learn is grounded in the principles and techniques taught by the Gracie family. When you train with us, you’re learning the art as it was intended: pure, effective, and life-changing.
What Sets Lineage BJJ Apart?
Authenticity and Legacy
Our curriculum is directly connected to Grandmaster Relson Gracie, ensuring every technique is rooted in decades of proven effectiveness. Unlike sport-focused BJJ schools, which prioritize competition and points, we emphasize the Gracie Self-Defense System—a system designed for real-life situations with no referees, time limits, or rules. These techniques prepare you for high-stakes, unpredictable scenarios, such as defending against larger, stronger opponents.
Direct Training with Relson Gracie
For nearly 30 years, our founder, Professor Jim Thrift, has trained directly with Relson Gracie and his family. Relson, widely regarded as one of the greatest self-defense instructors in the Gracie family, continues to guide our academy. He visits annually to refine our techniques, test our knowledge, and ensure every student receives the highest standard of instruction. This direct mentorship allows us to maintain technical expertise few other schools can offer.
Success in Competition
While our primary focus is self-defense, our training excels in competitive settings as well.
In 2024, we claimed the Maryland State Championship at the Good Fight Submission-Only Tournament, earning first place in the youth, teen, adult, and masters categories.
At the World Championships, we earned first place in the youth and teen divisions and second place in the adult and masters divisions.
These achievements highlight not only the effectiveness of our techniques but also our ability to dominate in submission-focused grappling—a style that mirrors real-world combat scenarios.
Transparent Pricing That Reflects Real Value
At Lineage BJJ and Calvert MMA, we offer a variety of membership options tailored to meet the diverse needs of our students. From individual memberships to family plans, annual commitments to flexible month-to-month agreements, and exclusive discounts for our Hometown Heroes, our pricing structure is designed to ensure everyone has access to world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Why We Don’t List Pricing Online
We understand that one of the most common questions people ask is, “How much does it cost?” While it’s natural to ask, focusing solely on price when choosing a martial arts academy can lead to costly mistakes. Not all academies are created equal, and price shopping doesn’t reveal the true value of the training you’ll receive.
Here’s what makes our academy stand out:
World-Class Instruction: Led by Professor Jim Thrift, a 4th-degree black belt trained directly by Relson Gracie, our instructors bring decades of experience and technical mastery.
Authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu: You’re learning techniques directly tied to the Gracie family’s proven self-defense system.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Clean, safe, and equipped for success.
Community Support: A family-friendly environment where you’re more than a member—you’re part of a team.
Cheaper academies often cut corners on instruction, safety, and resources, which can jeopardize your progress and experience. At Lineage BJJ and Calvert MMA, we deliver unmatched value that far exceeds the cost of tuition.
How Our Pricing Works
Our memberships are tailored to your goals and needs. Here’s what we consider:
Are you looking for an individual or family membership?
Do you prefer a month-to-month plan or an annual membership with discounted rates?
Do you qualify for Hometown Heroes discounts? These include special rates for:
First responders (law enforcement, EMTs, and firefighters)
Active-duty military
Nurses, doctors, and healthcare professionals
Teachers and educators
By understanding your needs, we can create a personalized membership plan that ensures you receive the full benefits of training at our academy.
What to Expect in Our Adult Programs
Our adult programs are open to anyone aged 14 and up, with no prior experience required. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced practitioner, our classes are tailored to ensure you feel supported, challenged, and excited to learn.
Fundamentals Classes for Beginners
Core techniques, including escapes, transitions, and key positions.
Practical self-defense skills applicable to real-world situations.
Training in both traditional Gi and NoGi settings.
Guided First-Class Experience
New students are paired with experienced practitioners to guide them through techniques and answer questions.
Advanced Training
Complex submissions, escapes, and transitions.
Judo throws, wrestling takedowns, and positional sparring.
Self-Defense at Its Core
80+ core techniques and 150 variations of the Gracie Self-Defense System.
Achievements and Recognition
In 2024, our academy claimed the Maryland State Championship and earned world titles, showcasing our effectiveness in both practical self-defense and competition.
Take the First Step
Start your journey today. Schedule your free VIP trial class now:
At Lineage BJJ and Calvert MMA, we’re ready to help you transform your life through authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Let us guide you to a healthier, more confident you.
