Jim Thrift

Meet Professor Jim Thrift

Southern Maryland’s Jiu-Jitsu Guide — 5th-Degree Black Belt

Your next step starts here

Looking for real self-defense, confidence for your child, or a new challenge for yourself? Jim’s got your back.

• 5th-degree black belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
• Founder of Calvert MMA Academy® (Sunderland, MD) & Lineage BJJ® (California, MD)
• 40+ years in martial arts; 30+ years in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
• U.S. Navy veteran — Fire Control Technician / Explosive Handler & Security Forces (Yorktown, VA)
• Retired U.S. Secret Service — Technical Security Investigator / Physical Security Specialist

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A life forged on the mats

Jim began in Korean martial arts under the Ki Whang Kim lineage (Mike Warren and Amos Johnson), earning a black belt in Taekwondo while cross-training in Moo Duk Kwan, Tang Soo Do, and Hapkido, plus competition in point fighting, Judo, and full-contact kickboxing.
During his Secret Service career, he discovered Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and spent three decades learning from the Gracie family (Relson, Royce, Rolker, Rickson, Rorion, Helio, Ryron, Rener, and more family members) in Torrance, Rio, Hawaii, Virginia, and Philadelphia—ultimately earning his 5th-degree black belt under Grandmaster Relson Gracie.

Service that hits hard

From the Navy to the Secret Service, Jim’s experience is built on preparation and protection. As a Technical Security Investigator / Physical Security Specialist with the U.S. Secret Service, he worked in protective intelligence (counterterrorism squad), explosive countermeasures, fire and life safety, chemical/biological countermeasures, and other technical countermeasures, as well as advanced security operations, supporting 250+ protective missions worldwide. He has been certified by the Maryland Police Training Commission and has trained law enforcement in applied Gracie Jiu-Jitsu for real-world use.

Guiding idea: Train with intent. Protect what matters. Grow every day.

Your home for growth

In 2007, Jim founded Calvert MMA Academy® and later expanded with Lineage BJJ®. Two academies, one mission: build skill, confidence, and community through authentic Jiu-Jitsu.

• Safe, clean training spaces
• Programs for beginners through competitors
• A welcoming culture that teaches discipline, resilience, and respect

Private Lessons & Security Consulting

Level up faster with private and semi-private Gracie Jiu-Jitsu (1:1 or small groups of 2–3 active members who can split the cost)—and sharpen your real-world safety with professional security and safety consulting for individuals, families, churches, schools, and businesses.

What you’ll get

·       Custom Self-Defense Mastery: Personal, scenario-based training that builds calm, repeatable responses to real threats.

·       Fortified Physical Security: On-site assessments covering access control, locks/key control, badging, CCTV/video design & evidence handling, perimeter lighting/fencing, doors/glazing/panic hardware.

·       Proactive Site Evaluations: Event walk-throughs and red-team style gap checks to expose vulnerabilities before others do.

·       Workplace & Emergency Readiness: Violence-prevention, emergency action planning, and explosive threat assessment.

·       Smart Travel & Awareness: Situational-awareness coaching plus TSCM (Technical Surveillance Countermeasures) awareness/coordination.

Powered by a military background and 25+ years with the U.S. Secret Service, this training blends proven tactics with practical coaching so you leave prepared—not just informed.

Ready to level up? Call or text 301-377-8773 to schedule your private, semi-private, or group session.

Ready to begin?

Join Southern Maryland’s premier Jiu-Jitsu community and take your first step today.

• Kids & Adults • Beginners welcome
• Flexible schedules • Supportive coaches

See Why Families Pick Us— Click Here to Start Your Free Week

Call or text: 301-377-8773

Calvert MMA Academy® & Lineage BJJ® — Where Greatness Begins.