Jim Thrift

Professor Jim Thrift

5th-Degree Black Belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu

Jim Thrift is the founder of Lineage BJJ® and Calvert MMA Academy® and one of the most experienced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors in Southern Maryland.

Jim began training in martial arts in 1984 and was introduced to Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in the early 1990s while working in federal service. At a time when authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu was difficult to find on the East Coast, he traveled extensively to train, study, and learn the art as it was originally intended to be taught.

He has trained directly with multiple members of the Gracie family over several decades and earned his black belt and subsequent degrees under Grandmaster Relson Gracie. His instruction reflects the core Gracie philosophy: leverage over strength, control over chaos, and preparation for real situations—not just ideal ones.

Professionally, Jim is a U.S. Navy veteran and retired from the United States Secret Service, where his work required calm decision-making under pressure, attention to detail, and real-world readiness. Those same standards carry over into how he teaches Jiu-Jitsu—structured, deliberate, and focused on long-term development rather than shortcuts.

Jim founded Calvert MMA Academy® in 2007 and later expanded with Lineage BJJ®, creating two academies operating under one curriculum and one standard. He remains actively involved across both locations, teaching, mentoring instructors, and ensuring consistency in instruction, safety, and student development.

While competition is available and encouraged for those who want it, Jim’s primary focus remains the same: teaching Jiu-Jitsu as a complete system that students can rely on—for self-defense, personal growth, and confidence both on and off the mat.

How This Shows Up on the Mat

Students who train under Professor Thrift notice a few things quickly.

Classes are organized, purposeful, and calm—even when the training is demanding. Techniques are explained clearly and in context, so students understand not just what to do, but why it works. Progress is measured over time, not rushed.

Beginners are guided patiently. Experienced students are challenged appropriately. Safety is treated as a responsibility, not an afterthought.

This approach reflects decades of training in environments where preparation mattered. The result is a culture where students train seriously, respect one another, and improve steadily—without ego or intimidation.

Many families choose Lineage BJJ® and Calvert MMA® because they want instruction they can trust. Many adults stay because the training makes sense, the standards are consistent, and the environment feels professional without being rigid.

This is not a school built around hype or personalities.
It’s built around teaching the art correctly and helping people grow into it.

Private Lessons, Seminars & Specialized Training

In addition to regular classes, Professor Thrift offers private and semi-private instruction for individuals and small groups. These sessions are tailored to the student’s goals—whether that’s self-defense, competition preparation, technical refinement, or confidence building. Active members receive discounted private lesson rates.

Jim is also available for seminars and special training events. Recent seminars have focused on Gracie self-defense and real-world applications, including stand-up control, clinch work, and street-oriented decision-making that differs from tournament-only approaches.

These sessions are designed to give students practical insight they can immediately apply—on the mat and beyond.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

The best way to understand our approach is to experience it firsthand.

Start with our FREE One-Week Intro, meet the coaches, and see how our training works in real life.

Call or text: 301-377-8773  |  Text us
Or reach out through our online contact form with any questions.

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