Lineage BJJ
About Lineage BJJ®
Authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in California, Maryland
Most people visiting this page are not looking for “just another gym.”
They are parents trying to make the right decision for their child.
They are adults looking for real self-defense, confidence, and structure.
They are people who want to improve their lives—but want to make sure they choose the right place.
That is exactly why Lineage BJJ® exists.
We help people become stronger, safer, more confident, and more capable—on and off the mat.
Why Choosing the Right School Matters
If you are new to martial arts, many schools can look the same at first.
Everyone talks about confidence.
Everyone says their program works.
Everyone has belts, mats, and promises.
The quality of instruction matters far more than the price.
Weak coaching, poor structure, or training built more for appearance than effectiveness usually isn’t realized until you’ve already invested time, money, and trust.
At Lineage BJJ®, your training should be something you can trust from day one.
Our Story
The story behind Lineage BJJ® did not begin with a marketing plan or a trendy gym concept. It began in January 1984, when our founder started training long before Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was widely known in the U.S.
- 1993: First learned about the Gracie family while on a presidential protection assignment in Chicago—focusing on leverage, timing, control, and real-world effectiveness.
- 1995: Met Relson Gracie in Hawaii and began pursuing authentic Gracie instruction long-term.
- 1996–1997: Formal training expanded to Steve Maxwell’s academy in Philadelphia and The Fighters Garage in Falls Church, VA.
- 1999: Advanced training with Scott Devine and in the U.S. Secret Service reinforced the foundation.
If this art was going to be taught in Southern Maryland, it had to be taught the right way.
Why Lineage BJJ Was Created
In 2007, Calvert MMA Academy® was founded as Southern Maryland’s first certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu school under Relson Gracie.
The name Lineage was adopted to honor Hélio Gracie and the responsibility of carrying his self-defense system forward with integrity.
- Knowledge passed down through the Gracie family
- Jiu-Jitsu taught as a complete system
- Standards that matter
- Instruction built for real life—not just ideal conditions
What Makes Lineage BJJ® Different
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu was developed long before modern sport rules and points systems. It was proven in real-world conditions:
- No guarantees
- No easy reset button
- No ideal circumstances
- No requirement that your opponent be your size
At Lineage BJJ®, self-defense is the foundation. Sport training builds on top. Students learn control, awareness, timing, and decision-making. Techniques are taught with context—not just repetition. Instruction combines the original Gracie self-defense system, modern coaching methods, and hands-on training with elite athletes—giving students both tradition and evolution.
Experience Lineage BJJ®
Meet the coaches, tour the academy, ask questions, and see how beginners start the right way.
Try Our New 10-Day Free Trial: Risk-free and see why families, adults, and kids trust Lineage BJJ®.
Or call/text: 301-377-8773. We’ll help you get started honestly, clearly, and without pressure.
Lineage BJJ® — Where Greatness Begins®
