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 Grandmaster Relson Gracie, Navy veteran, and retired U.S. Secret Service officer.

Day-to-day instruction is led by Coach Kevin Southworth, a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu black belt who teaches nearly every class—from Mat Munchkins to Adult Advanced. At Lineage BJJ®, you're not just signing up for martial arts—you’re joining a tight-knit, results-driven community focused on real self-defense, family protection, and championship-level training.

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

What Makes Lineage BJJ® Different

✔ Authentic Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) – Trusted by military, law enforcement, and families worldwide
✔ Structured Programs for All Levels – From brand-new beginners to advanced grapplers
✔ Real Self-Defense & Bully Prevention – Practical techniques that work on and off the mat
✔ Quarterly Women’s Self-Defense Clinics – Free, real-world training for personal protection
✔ Proven Competitive Success – From The Good Fight Submission Only Tournament (2024):
  • 1st Place – Maryland State Championships (All Divisions)
  • 1st Place – World Champions (Kids & Teens)
  • 2nd Place – World Ranking (Adults)
✔ Veteran-Owned & Instructor-Led – No franchises, no gimmicks—just results
✔ Largest Team of Black Belts in the Region – No one’s closer to the source or more experienced

Flexible Memberships That Fit Your Life

✔ Month-to-Month or Annual Plans – Transparent pricing with price-lock options
✔ Family Memberships – Train together, save together
✔ Special Rates for Active-Duty Military & First Responders – A thank-you to those who serve
✔ Train Up to 7 Days a Week – One membership covers both Lineage BJJ® and Calvert MMA®
✔ Online Member Academy – Learn from home, review techniques, and track your progress

More Classes. More Access. More Results.

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

Whether you want to get in shape, defend yourself, or train to compete—your journey starts here.

Spots fill fast, and many of our programs currently have active wait lists. Don’t delay.

Try Our Exclusive FREE One-Week Trial Membership

Call: 301-377-8773
Email: info@lineagebjj.com
Sign Up Today