Professor Shawn Maines

Certifications

Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Professor

Additional certifications may be found on Shawn’s LinkedIn page.

Biography

Professor Shawn Maines started training Jiu-Jitsu in 2007 under Jay Jay (Amal Easton black belt) at Academy MMA in Portland, Maine.

Shawn was originally drawn to BJJ after extensive training in Judo throughout his childhood. His Judo journey started in 1979 at Uhju Kwan Judo club in Westerly, RI.

Shawn was very active in BJJ competition from white belt through purple belt and enjoyed the opportunity to train and travel throughout the country. When he reached his brown belt, he took a temporary step back from competition to address injuries.

Shawn is a valuable resource to students who are looking to make BJJ their own, and work with their bodies’ individual needs, strengths and limitations. With his promotion to black belt in 2021, he looks forward to pursuing more competitions in the future.

Shawn has a long history of professional instruction in Aviation from his time in the U.S. Army and his professional life. A favorite of Lineage students for his ability to break down complex knowledge into digestible guidance, Shawn is a popular teacher for all levels of adult classes.

Shawn relocated to Fredericksburg, VA, in 2021 but will continue to advance as a black belt under Professor Jim Thrift and he has done many guest appearances at Lineage BJJ since moving .  In the near future, Shawn will be opening his own BJJ school in down town Fredericksburg called “Watershed Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu” and represent Lineage BJJ and Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in Virginia, where he will carry on Lineage’s culture of positivity and growth-oriented instruction for students of all levels. Shawn has a deep passion for sharing Jiu-Jitsu and values instruction as an opportunity to give back to his community.

Quote from Shawn:

“BJJ appeals to me on a cognitive level. It’s a brain teaser. A chess game. What I love about teaching is watching students surprise themselves and surpass their own expectations. I love seeing personal growth.”