Junior Grapplers is Lineage BJJ®’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program for children ages 8–13.
This stage is where kids begin to mature—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Junior Grapplers is designed to meet them there, providing structure, challenge, and accountability while continuing to make training positive and engaging.
This is not daycare and not chaotic “energy burn.”
It’s a
program with standards, designed to prepare students for teen training, competition (optional), and real-world confidence.
Parents throughout St. Mary’s County choose Junior Grapplers because it delivers real development, not just activity.
Authentic Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Students learn safe, effective self-defense and foundational sport Jiu-Jitsu, taught with control, awareness, and responsibility.
Structured, Coach-Led Classes
Classes emphasize discipline, listening, effort, and teamwork—skills that directly support school performance and personal growth.
Flexible Scheduling
Morning, afternoon, and evening classes are available to support busy family and Pax River schedules.
Two Academy Locations
One membership allows access to both Lineage BJJ® (California, MD) and Calvert MMA® (Sunderland), with training available
up to 7 days per week.
Proven Youth Development
Our youth programs consistently produce confident, respectful students—on and off the mats. Competition success is a byproduct, not the goal.
Every Junior Grapplers class is designed to build skills that last.
Confidence Under Pressure
Students learn how to stay calm, problem-solve, and handle challenges without panic or aggression.
Discipline & Focus
Clear expectations and structured drills reinforce accountability, patience, and follow-through.
Athleticism & Coordination
Training improves balance, strength, agility, and body awareness in a safe, age-appropriate way.
Positive Social Skills
Students learn respect, teamwork, and how to train responsibly with partners of different sizes and abilities.
Junior Grapplers training is rooted in Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, with supporting elements introduced as students progress.
Instruction may include:
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu self-defense fundamentals
Positional control and escapes
Age-appropriate sport Jiu-Jitsu concepts
Introductory takedown skills drawn from judo and wrestling
Everything is taught with safety, structure, and progression in mind.
Lineage BJJ® is a family-focused academy with high standards for cleanliness and safety.
Mats and training areas are cleaned daily
We use child-safe, all-natural cleaning products
Coaches are patient, professional, and experienced with this age group
Parents are welcome to observe from designated seating areas
We are located just off St. Andrews Church Road in California, MD, near Wildewood—next to Ballet Caliente and about half a mile south of Harris Teeter.
Ages 8–13
Comfortable clothing (T-shirt and shorts; gi after enrollment)
Water bottle recommended
Classes are structured and coach-led
Enrollment may be limited to maintain quality and safety
The best way to see if Junior Grapplers is the right fit for your child is to experience it firsthand.
Start with our FREE One-Week Intro , where your child can attend two coached classes and get comfortable with our environment and instructors.
Call or text:
301-377-8773
Or reach out through our
online contact form
to get started.
Lineage BJJ® – California, MD
Calvert MMA® – Sunderland, MD
Want to learn more before getting started?
We’ve put together a helpful guide for parents explaining what to expect from our Jiu-Jitsu classes, how our kids programs are structured, and how we keep training safe and age-appropriate.
Parents: What You Need to Know About Our Jiu-Jitsu Classes