Judo Program

Stronger Stand-Up. Safer Takedowns. Better Jiu-Jitsu.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu doesn’t begin on the ground—and neither should complete training.

Lineage Judo program is designed to strengthen the standing phase of grappling, improve takedowns, and develop confident, controlled transitions to the ground. This program directly supports Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition performance while maintaining practical, real-world self-defense principles.

Our approach emphasizes balance, timing, control, and safety, making judo an ideal complement to Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for adults and youth competitors alike.

Class Schedule

Every other Saturday
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
One-hour structured class
Included with eligible memberships

At our St. Mary’s County location, Lineage Judo is taught by Coach Bryan, a lifelong martial artist whose judo foundation was developed in Hawaii—where stand-up grappling is deeply ingrained in martial arts culture.

What This Class Focuses On

Each session follows a structured, safety-first format and includes:

• Proper breakfalls and safe landing mechanics
• Balance, posture, and off-balancing principles (kuzushi)
• Clinch control and grip fighting
• Traditional judo throws adapted for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition
• Standing control and situational awareness for real-world self-defense

This class is not about flashy throws or brute force.
It is about efficiency, control, and bringing the fight to the ground on your terms.

Who This Program Is For

To maintain safety and quality instruction, participation is intentionally limited.

• Adult members of all experience levels
• Approved youth competition team members
• Other youth students with coach approval only, based on maturity, focus, and ability to safely keep pace with the class

No prior judo experience is required.

Why Judo Matters for BJJ Competition

Many Jiu-Jitsu practitioners spend years reacting to takedowns instead of controlling them.

Judo training helps students:

• Dictate where the match takes place
• Improve grip fighting and balance under pressure
• Reduce scramble chaos and injury risk
• Score cleaner, more decisive takedowns

For competitors, this means better match control.
For everyone else, it means safer, smarter stand-up skills.

Optional Competition & Ranking Pathway

Lineage BJJ® is in the process of establishing an official school membership with USA Judo, anticipated in 2026.

Once in place:

• Members who wish to pursue judo competition may optionally obtain an individual USA Judo membership
• Eligible students will be able to compete in sanctioned judo tournaments
• Competitors will represent Lineage under our academy banner
• Students training in the Judo Program may also become eligible for official judo rank recognition through USA Judo, separate from and independent of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu rank

Participation in judo competition and pursuit of judo rank are always optional. Students may pursue Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, judo, both, or neither, depending on their individual goals.

How to Get Started

Adult members are welcome to attend.
Youth students interested in the program should speak with a coach to determine approval.

Not a member yet?

Start with our FREE One-Week Intro , experience our coaching and structure, and see how programs like Lineage Judo fit into the complete Lineage BJJ® system.

Call or text 301-377-8773
Or contact us through our online form to get started.