Meet Professor Jim Thrift

Your Southern Maryland Jiu-Jitsu Guide – 4th Degree BJJ Black Belt

Your Next Step Starts Here—Jim’s Got Your Back

Whether you’re looking for self-defense, building your child’s confidence, or pushing your own limits, Professor Jim Thrift is here to guide you.

✔ 4th-degree black belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
✔ Founder of Calvert MMA Academy® (Sunderland, MD) & Lineage BJJ® (California, MD)
✔ Over 40 years of martial arts experience
✔ U.S. Navy veteran & retired U.S. Secret Service professional

Southern Maryland proud—start your journey today!

Click Here for Your Free VIP Class – No Risk, All Reward!

A Life Forged on the Mats

Jim’s martial arts journey began in high school, where he trained in Korean martial arts under the lineage of Ki Whang Kim through his instructors Mike Warren and Amos Johnson in Annapolis Maryland. He officially earned his black belt in Taekwondo, while also training in:

✔ Moo Duk Kwan
✔ Tang Soo Do
✔ Hapkido

In the ’80s and ’90s, Jim competed in point fighting, Judo, and full-contact kickboxing, proving his skill across multiple disciplines. While serving with the U.S. Secret Service, he discovered Gracie Jiu-Jitsu—a game-changer for real-world self-defense.

Over the next 30+ years, Jim trained with Relson, Royce, Rolker, Rickson, Rorion, Helio, Ryron, and Rener Gracie, as well as many other members of the Gracie family. His training took him to the Gracie Academy in Torrance, CA, Rio de Janeiro, Hawaii, Virginia, Philadelphia, and beyond.

His dedication and skill earned him his 4th-degree black belt under Grandmaster Relson Gracie, and now, he brings that elite-level experience to Southern Maryland.

Service That Hits Hard

Jim’s expertise goes beyond the mats—his career in national security and law enforcement sets him apart.

✔ U.S. Navy Veteran
✔ 25-year U.S. Secret Service Professional
✔ Over 250 Protective Missions Worldwide
✔ Counterterrorism & Foreign Intelligence – Member of the Critical Protective Analysis Group within the Secret Service’s Counterterrorism & Protective Intelligence Division
✔ Explosive Countermeasures & Technical Surveillance – Specialized in advanced security operations
✔ Technical Law Enforcement Leadership – In June 2018, Jim was awarded the honorary title of Technical Law Enforcement Officer by the Director of the U.S. Secret Service, making him the first individual in agency history to receive this title.

Certified by the Maryland Police Training Commission, Jim has also trained law enforcement professionals in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, teaching real-world self-defense techniques that work when it matters most.

His teaching style is hands-on, practical, and focused on real results—on and off the mats.

Your Home for Growth

In 2007, Jim founded Calvert MMA Academy®, bringing authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu to Southern Maryland. He later expanded with Lineage BJJ® in California, MD, continuing Helio Gracie’s legacy.

Two academies, one mission—building confidence, skill, and community.

✔ Top-tier training facilities
✔ Comprehensive programs for all skill levels
✔ A welcoming environment—beginners to elite competitors

Bully-proofing kids near Lexington Park
Building self-defense and confidence near Pax River

Jim’s schools aren’t just about martial arts—they’re about personal growth, discipline, and lifelong skills that empower students on and off the mats.

Real Talk, Real Results

Jim’s teaching philosophy is simple:

"Greatness doesn’t happen overnight—it’s built through small steps, discipline, and consistency. If you stay open to learning, embrace challenges, and help others grow, success follows naturally."

That’s the Lineage BJJ® mindset—martial arts training that builds confidence, discipline, and resilience.

Why Train with Jim?

With 40+ years of experience across multiple martial arts disciplines, Jim offers an unparalleled depth of knowledge, including:

✔ Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
✔ Kempo
✔ Judo
✔ Sambo
✔ Aikido
✔ Taekwondo

Self-defense training near Solomons
Competition training near Lusby
Confidence-building near Hollywood
Bully-proofing near Pax River

Jim’s teaching is patient, honest, and focused on your growth. Parents trust him as a mentor, and adults respect him as a coach and guide.

Join the Team—Start Today!

Jim Thrift is committed to mentoring students and building a strong, supportive martial arts community at Lineage BJJ®.

Are you ready to take the next step? Join Southern Maryland’s premier Jiu-Jitsu academy and start your journey today!

Click Here for Your Free VIP Class – No Risk, No Pressure!

Have questions? Call us at: 301-377-8773

Contact Us NOW – We’re Here to Help!

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