Instructors

Visit Lineage BJJ® – St. Mary’s County’s Premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy

Veteran-Owned. Family-Focused. Self-Defense That Works.

Located at 44723 St. Andrews Church Rd, California, MD 20619, Lineage BJJ® is Southern Maryland’s only certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu academy—founded by Professor Jim Thrift, a 5th-degree black belt under Relson Gracie, Navy veteran, and retired U.S. Secret Service professional.

Day-to-day instruction is led by Coach Kevin Southworth, a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu black belt who teaches nearly every class—from Mat Munchkins through Adult Advanced. At Lineage BJJ®, you’re not just joining a gym—you’re becoming part of a structured, disciplined, and results-driven academy built around real self-defense, family protection, and long-term development.

We proudly serve California, Leonardtown, Lexington Park, Hollywood, Solomons, Lusby, and Pax River, and we’re conveniently located just off St. Andrews Church Rd near Wildewood, next to Ballet Caliente and less than half a mile south of Harris Teeter.

What Makes Lineage BJJ® Different

✔ Authentic Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — taught as a complete self-defense system, trusted by families, military, and law enforcement worldwide
✔ Structured Programs for All Levels — from brand-new beginners to advanced practitioners
✔ Real Self-Defense & Bully Prevention — practical skills that work on and off the mat
✔ Quarterly Women’s Self-Defense Clinics — free, real-world training for personal safety
✔ Instructor-Led & Veteran-Owned — no franchises, no gimmicks, no shortcuts
✔ Largest Team of Black Belts in the Region — unmatched experience and oversight

Proven Results — Across Kids, Teens, and Adults

Lineage BJJ® doesn’t chase trophies—we build skill.
The results speak for themselves.

The Good Fight Submission Only
✔ Maryland State Champions – 4 Consecutive Years (Kids, Teens, Adults)
✔ 2025 World Champions – Kids, Teens, and Adults
✔ Submission-Only Victories — winning by control and finish, not points

Our students don’t rely on athleticism or shortcuts.
They win because they’re trained correctly.

Flexible Memberships That Fit Real Life

✔ Month-to-Month or Annual Plans with transparent pricing and price-lock options
✔ Family Memberships — train together, grow together
✔ Special Rates for Active-Duty Military & First Responders
✔ Train Up to 7 Days a Week — one membership covers both Lineage BJJ® and Calvert MMA
✔ Online Member Academy — review techniques, track progress, and learn at home

More Classes. More Access. Better Results.

We offer morning, afternoon, and evening classes Monday through Friday, plus Sunday beginner classes and open mat. On Saturdays, students can also train at our Calvert MMA® location in Sunderland.

Whether your goal is confidence, self-defense, fitness, or competition—your journey starts here.

⚠️ Spots fill quickly, and several programs currently maintain active waitlists.

Try Our FREE One-Week Intro Membership

Call: 301-377-8773
Contact Us Through Our Online Form
Sign Up for Your FREE One-Week Intro Membership

Lineage BJJ® — Where Greatness Begins®