Calvert MMA Academy is located in Southern Maryland (Calvert County, MD.) approximately 1/2 mile north on Rt. 2 from the Rt.2/4 split in Calvert County. Our physical address is 25 Dalrymple Road (Suites 103 & 104) Sunderland MD 20689. We occupy the center suites within the same shopping strip with the 7-11.
FREE - Introductory Jiu-Jitsu / Muay Thai / MMA lesson for new students.
Discounts are offered to active members of the U.S. Military, Law Enforcement Community, Firefighters, EMT/Paramedics, and Families.
Private Lessons / Semi-Private / Group Lessons are available - call for availability / pricing.
Visitor Mat Fee - $25 (non-association members).
We don't list our monthly prices on this site because we have found when people are new to the martial arts, they make the common mistake of calling schools "price shopping". If you are serious about training, don't make this mistake! There are other schools in the area offering lower prices for their programs, but Calvert MMA is the only legitimate martial arts academy in the county to offer BJJ, MMA, and Muay Thai (just compare our instructor bio's, state, national, international titles, pro fight records and coaching experience to the other area schools...you'll find they don't have a fraction of our knowledge, experience or competition wins). With this said, I invite all potential students to try any other martial arts school in the area first, then take advantage of our free class. I promise you, for the quality of instruction, you will not find a better school at a lower price in Calvert County!
We conduct quarterly Women's Self-Defense Seminars at the academy. We also offer private, semi-private, and group lessons by request. Please contact us if you would like more information.
Our youth Jiu-Jitsu program accepts students ages 7-13. Our classes emphasize teaching self-defense techniques. The techniques taught provide students the skills necessary to defend themselves against larger, stronger opponents without becoming the aggressor or being violent. With proper student attitude, class attendance, and practice, we guarantee to provide your child with the skills necessary to prevent bullying, to develop his / her self-confidence and leadership skills. With student safety being our utmost concern, we reserve the right to remove any child from our program who is disruptive or acting in an unsafe manner during class.
As a parent or guardian, when looking for a martial arts program for your child, we urge you to visit our school before signing a contract anywhere else. Unlike the majority of expensive local martial arts schools, at Calvert MMA we are not "Black Belt Baby Sitters", we don't charge unreasonable / exorbitant tuition fees, we don't "Sell Belts" and we don't teach "Flashy" ineffective techniques which will give your child false confidence. FBI violent crime statistics have consistently shown over the past few decades; 80 to 90 percent of all physical assaults (fights) end up on the ground. Imagine how disillusioned your child will feel when they realize all of the techniques taught to them at a traditional stand-up striking school (i.e. Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Kung Fu, etc...) are useless on the ground and against larger / stronger opponents. At Calvert MMA, our instructors take a personal interest in the success of each student and we teach realistic, "Tried and True" self-defense techniques which have been proven street effective by over 85 years of research, development, testing, and refinement by the Gracie Family. Calvert MMA Academy is the only martial arts school in Southern Maryland certified / authorized by Master Relson Gracie to teach his family's style of Jiu-Jitsu, so don't be fooled by the claims of some local Calvert County martial arts schools offering "Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu". We are Calvert's only legitimate BJJ school!
In addition to our youth Jiu-Jitsu program, Calvert MMA Instructors will invite students as they progress in their training to participate (at no additional charge) in our Saturday Muay Thai / Free Style Kick Boxing class. Calvert MMA doesn't just stop there...we want your child to be the best he / she can be on and off the mats. To inspire members of our youth program to preform well academically, Calvert MMA awards youth members a free 15 minute one-on-one lesson with an instructor, if he / she earns straight A's on their report card. NOTE: A parent or guardian must be present durning the private lesson.
Students training at Calvert MMA Academy, will have opportunities to participate in local, national, and inter-national accredited Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and San Shou competitions.
"My family has lived in Calvert County for over 20 years now. When we first moved here there was pretty much just the bowling alley and a few gas stations. The County has grown at a very rapid pace over the last 10 years or so but still not too many affordable/fun/learning activities for young children. That is why I am pleased with Calvert MMA Academy.
My son who is 10 years old, has been attending the Calvert MMA Academy for a month now. He has class twice a week, at times that a working family can attend without any problems. The teachers are wonderful. They are very professional while at the same time show a patience and respect for the children that I have not seen at any other martial arts center we have attended. The classes are small enough so that if your child needs extra help in a certain area there is room for individual instruction without the extra cost most academies' charge. Everyone truly wants everyone to be successful at Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. The academy teaches the children to be safe. With detail instruction on how to protect yourself without being the aggressor in a bad situation.
There is a young instructor, Zach, that donates his time to help out teaching the youth class our son is in. He has been with this academy since the beginning. This young man shows a lot of character and patience with the children. I have talked with him and have found that he is graduating high school a year early. I would like to think that this is due, in part, to the academy helping him to stay positively focused on his goals.
I am pleased that we finally have an educational, entertaining, affordable program for working families available in Calvert County."
Cliff B. - Prince Frederick, MD
"A few employees at the Calvert Substance Abuse Services expressed interest in learning self-defense skills. Out of his community minded desire to give, Mr. Thrift offered and facilitated training to those interested employees, free of charge and on his own time. What a gift for the CSAS employees, and one that will not be forgotten. In fact, Mr. Thrift has offered to 'update' our training when we are interested. As one of the participants at the training, I learned of Mr. Thrift's livelihood working for a Federal Law Agency, as well as his experience as a student and trainer of Jiu-jistu under the guide of Master Relson Gracie. Mr. Thrift's dedication to the discipline, mastery and training of Jiu-Jistu is just the kind of role model especially to the youth of Calvert County need.
Thank you for your dedication especially to the youth of Calvert County, as well our community at large."
P. Williams - Clinical Supervisors, Calvert Substance Abuse Services
"I am a student of Calvert MMA. I am also a Cpl. with the St. Mary's County Sheriffs Office. I have only been a student for six weeks. Calvert MMA is a great school. The instructors are top notch. You can learn in a stress free environment and at half the cost of other schools. They could easily charge double, to them it's not about the money, but making sure each student gets the most out of each lesson. Calvert MMA's youth program is also half the cost of many other schools giving more young people a chance to learn self defense, especially in trying times such as these.
Some of the things I like the most about the school is learning the confidence of being able to defend myself without having to be aggressive. The instructors take the time to work with you one on one, so when you leave you really understand what was taught. I have two children of my own and when they are old enough I would gladly sign them up for the youth program. Because, I know the lessons they will learn about rules, fair play, respect, and hard work would only benefit them throughout their lives."
Cpl. Maloy - St. Mary's Sheriffs Office
“Tap early; tap often”. This concise Brazilian Jujitsu advice has been passed on from top level instructors like World Champion, Saulo Ribeiro. It’s intended to prevent beginning jujitsu students from engaging in unskilled, uncontrolled fighting with their training partners during class so they can focus on learning key elements of the art. While there will always be inherent risks in any contact sport or martial art, a “Safety First” concept is fundamental to the training philosophy of Jim Thrift, owner and instructor at Calvert MMA Academy. He has created a collegial atmosphere that allows students of all ages and levels of athleticism to study this extraordinary, exciting martial art. Check your ego at the door, because Jim’s school is all about refining your skills through the proper understanding of angles, leverage, timing and polished technique. We’re extremely privileged in Calvert County to be able to study Brazilian Jujitsu in the direct lineage of Grand Master Helio Gracie and his son Relson. If you’re interested in learning the most
exciting and innovative martial art to be developed in many generations,
come by the school and check it out.
I would like to say “Thanks” to Jim, Ray, Andre and all of the Calvert MMA instructors for creating a school that allows an old guy, many years past his prime, like me, to study at my own pace along side of young serious competitive fighters. What you’ve accomplished and continue to build on is a tremendous asset to the community. I’m very grateful to be a part of the Calvert MMA Academy family."
Gene Tudor, MD
Ear, Nose & Throat / Head & Neck Surgeon, Prince Frederick, MD
"Best facility in Southern Maryland. Top notch instruction in BJJ & MMA. Frequent seminars by Relson Gracie & other notable BJJ fighters / Blackbelts.
Clean, new mats, new bags (10) / stands. New cage panels for the MMA training. Lots of individual attention to help you learn technique properly. No ego driven people trying to "win" practice, everyone is friendly & there to help each other learn."
Aaron S. - Mechanicsville, MD
"I use to be a member of martial arts school in Prince Frederick, MD training in their MMA program. I recently decided to try the free week of training at Calvert MMA to compare their program to my current training. After just a few classes at Calvert MMA, I can see the their instructors and program of MMA, Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is at a whole different level of what I was doing before. I would recommend trying the classes at Calvert MMA before signing up at any other school in Calvert County."
Jeremy W. - North Beach, MD
"I have been a city police officer for twenty years and I use to think I was pretty tough. That is until I showed up at Calvert MMA. I learned right away that I had been kidding myself about my fighting skills. On the first day of class I wasn't sure what to expect. By the time the class was over I knew this was something I was going to stick with and that I had found the real deal. I was actually fighting during my first class!
The instructors at this school are all very good at what they do. There are no fakers here. They are also very good at teaching you what they know. I think this is very important! It is one thing to be a good fighter. It is another thing to teach some else how to do it. I also felt comfortable being there right away. Everyone made me fell very welcome. It was obvious that new people were welcomed at this school.
These are some things you can be sure of at Calvert MMA: you will learn how to defend yourself, you will get in better shape, you will have more self confidence and you will get to fight during every class if you want. If you or someone you know is looking to take up Mixed Martial Arts training, this is the place to come.
*Police Officers/Deputies/Corrections: This training is ideal for real street confrontations!!"
Scott W. - Metropolitan Police Department, Wash. D.C.
"I'm a veteran law enforcement officer with previous experience in martial arts and defensive tactics. I have found Calvert MMA to be one of the best schools I have ever attended.
I highly recommend the school from the beginner student to the experienced martial arts practitioner."
P.H. - California, MD
"After having a set of twins I was having some health problems. My doctor recommended I try some form of Martial Arts. I asked my husband, who is in law enforcement, for some suggestions. His long time colleague recommended Calvert MMA. I called and came for a couple trial classes. For the last five months I have been coming to Calvert MMA for both beginning Jiu Jitsu classes and the Muay Thai kickboxing. The instructors never made me feel uncomfortable and they give constant praise on hard work. Although I am starting Jiu Jitsu in my 30’s (more of a Kung Fu panda than a lean mean athletic machine) the Calvert MMA team has welcomed me and treats me as “just one of the guys”. Since my start, I have lost several inches, lost 12 pounds, and no longer have medical complications. I highly recommend this Mixed Martial Arts facility to anyone. In fact, I got one of my neighbors hooked on kickboxing. This is an awesome way to stay in shape and build new skills!"
Jen P. - Prince Frederick, MD
"The instructors involved with this class are truly dedicated to their sport. Whether you are in it for just the competition or to learn how to protect yourself, you will absolutely learn at a rapid pace. Having spent over nine years in other forms of martial arts, this is a lot more fun and technical. If you haven't tried Jiu Jitsu before you don't know what you are missing."
Jack M. - Brandywine, MD
"I was hesitant about joining the BJJ classes because I had no prior background in martial arts. I ended up joining approximately 2 months after it opened and I am able to learn and pick up the information just as much as someone else who has a martial arts background. Instructors are passionate about it and definitely go out of their way to help you. Great place to learn and you don't have to spend $200.00 a month that most other places charge."
Zack O. - Chesapeake Beach, MD
"I've been to a few MMA places, but this school is the best. They not only teach BJJ and MMA styles, but they go over technique in fine detail. I highly recommend giving this class a try!"
Rob M. - Chesapeake Beach, MD
"CalvertMMA dojo is an excellent school for self defense & competitive mma. The
instructors are well trained & professional. The dojo is clean, the equipment is excellent & well maintained. Safety is a priority, meatheads are not allowed. joy of competition & training are allowed. I recommend this dojo above all others that i have trained in or visited.
Ernie Perrigo - Chesapeake Beach, MD
"Calvert MMA is a great organization. Lots of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Also covering self-defense (including weapons) and weapon retention. Great instructors that love GJJ. Classes are in Dunkirk (northern Calvert County) and start late, 8pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which is great for me being a family guy. (Saturdays 11am) Good group of students ... no thugs, tough guys or knuckleheads! Large room with CLEAN mats. Price is very affordable. Lots of mat time."
Greg K. - Dunkirk, MD
"I can not say enough about CALVERTMMA and the instructors. I have been there for two weeks now and can say two nights a week, plus open mat on Saturdays is NOT enough, I want more! Awesome group of people and instructors. I highly encourage anyone interested to come check us out and learn the best martial art in the world."
Nick R. - California, MD
"I have been looking for a martial arts school in this area for years. After checking out several that weren’t worth either the exorbitant fees or the wasted time I would never get back, I was very excited to find Calvert MMA. The quality of instruction is great, the classes are small enough for individual attention, and there is a real sense of collaboration among the members that is totally without ego. People are very welcoming to new people, students and visitors alike. I couldn’t be any happier with the time I have spent at Calvert MMA."
Evan C. - Edgewater, MD
"I've been boxing in the Maryland area for years. I was introduced to the Calvert MMA Academy about a year ago, and I'm hooked. They have very experienced trainers who know how to teach. I started for the cardio and fell in love with the technique. I've learned so much in just a short time. Since joining Calvert MMA I've competed in a couple of BJJ tournaments and won some medals. Not bad for a 43 year old man. I couldn't of done it without them. I recommend Calvert MMA to anyone who just wants a good cardio workout or wants to compete in the cage...see you on the mat."
John B. - Huntingtown, MD
"The past two Wednesday nights I have taken the Women's Self Defense Class. To be completely honest, when my husband told me about the class I was dreading it and looking for excuses not to go. But I want to share how incredibly easy the moves are and how quickly I have picked them up. I even came home and tried them on my husband. The instructors have been great. They go over the steps very slowly and make sure you really have got them down. I think my favorite part of the class is trying the moves on the instructors. It really proves that you can defend yourself against someone much stronger then yourself with just a few easy moves. Hopefully none of us will ever have to use this, but I already feel a little more confident than I did before."
Krissy K. - Dunkirk, MD
Academy Rules/Etiquette:
All Calvert MMA Students / Potential Students must read and agree to the rules and etiquette of the Academy before participating in any activities. In addition to the below, each student will be emailed a copy of the Student Manual from Relson's main academy. It is each student's responsibility to insure receipt, understanding, and concurrence of Relson's student manual. If there are any questions or concerns with any part of the manual, it's the students responsibility to bring issues to the attention of the academy owner for resolution.
1. Good Conduct – Student safety is of utmost concern. Any student acting in an
unsafe manner or being disrespectful to instructors, students, or guest, will be
immediately expelled from the Academy and will forfeit the remainder of their monthly /
contractual dues.
2. Cleanliness – Jiu-Jitsu being a contact sport requires good personal hygiene in
every aspect.
a. A clean uniform/clothing must be worn for each class.
b. Bodies, to include hands, feet, and hair should be clean for each class.
i. Do not wear street shoes on the Mats!
ii. If you wear wrestling shoes while training, please do not use them
off the mat (i.e. walking into a bathroom, locker room, etc…)
iii. If you have a skin rash, abrasion(s), cut(s), infection or a
contagious illness, you must notify your instructor before training
or continuation of training.
3. Physical/Personal Safety
a. Submissions
i. If at anytime while grappling/training with a partner/opponent and
you wish to stop, verbally say “stop” or “tap”, or tap repetitively
with your hand/foot/etc, on your opponent or on the mat.
YOU SHOULD “TAP” WHEN EVER YOU FEEL ANY
DISCOMFORT…DO NOT WAIT UNTIL YOU FEEL
ACTUAL PAIN TO STOP OR “TAP”.
ii. While training with a partner/opponent, you are responsible and
required to immediately stop and release any applied technique
when your partner/opponent “Taps”. If your partner/opponent
refuses to submit to an applied technique, you should discontinue
the technique immediately before injury occurs and report the
incident to an instructor.
b. Illness/Injury
i. If you have a contagious illness please do not train.
ii. If you receive an injury (to include outside the academy)
immediately report it to an instructor before training or continuing
training at the Academy.
c. Blood Borne Pathogens
i. If you are bleeding, discontinue training and notify instructor
immediately to allow them to attend to your injury and clean
/sanitize the affected mat area.
ii. If you notice blood on mats or on another student report it
immediately.
d. Skin Infection/Rash
i. If you have or suspect you have a skin infection or rash, report it
immediately to an instructor and seek medical attention.
ii. You will not be allowed to train with a skin infection or rash, until
cleared by a medical doctor and/or Academy instructors.
e. Jewelry – For your safety, the safety of others, and to prevent damage to
the mats you must not wear jewelry of any kind while training. This
includes but is not limited to the following:
i. Watches.
ii. Rings.
iii. Necklace/Bracelet/ etc…
iv. Pierced Jewelry
f. Nails – For your safety and the safety of others, your finger and toe nails
should be trimmed neatly to prevent accidental cuts and lacerations to
your training partner / opponent.
4. Grappling / Technique Drilling:
A. The following techniques are prohibited for all ranks during normal in-class grappling.
- Straight cervical neck cranks
- Small joint manipulations (fingers and toes)
- Fingers or hands in the mouth or ears
- Attacking the groin
- Hair pulling / grabbing
- High velocity slams from the guard
- Pinching or crushing the trachea (windpipe)
- Face crushing (choking over the face)
B. If you wish to use any of the below techniques on Purple, Brown, and Black Belt students, you must ask them and get their permission prior to each match!
- Striking or uncontrolled dropping of body weight of any kind
- Heel hooks or twisting foot locks
- Knee bars
- Toe holds
- Wrist locks
- Over guard guillotine (Peruvian neck tie)
5. Non-Compete Covenant
a. Student agrees not to teach jiu-jitsu within a 50 mile radius of any Relson Gracie Academy or Association without written permission from Relson Gracie.
b. Student agrees not to teach martial arts within a 50 mile radius of Calvert MMA Academy without written permission from Calvert MMA Academy.
c. Student agrees not to train with / be an active member, instructor, or owner of another local martial arts school without written permission from Calvert MMA Academy.
Notice to Student - Class Closures:
On occasion, Relson Gracie or other high level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu / Mixed Martial Art Champions will be at the Calvert Mixed Martial Arts Academy or Relson's Virginia Training Academies "Fight Works" and "In-Base Jiu-Jitsu" to conduct private/group lessons and seminars. Regular scheduled classes covered by your monthly dues will be cancelled when Relson or other high-level guest instructors teach at either Training Facility, and there will be an additional fee for students wishing to participate in the above listed activities.
The academy will be closed on all federally observed holidays, and during inclement weather days as recognized by the Calvert County Government / Board of Education. To be safe, if county schools are closed or after school activities cancelled, we will also be closed unless otherwise stated under the announcements on our homepage.
When classes are cancelled due too seminars, holiday's, or inclement weather, Calvert MMA Academy, LLC reserves the right to offer make-up classes to students at times and on dates it determines.
2012 Holiday Closures:
May 26 - Memorial Weekend - (Saturday)
May 28 - Memorial Day - (Monday)
July 04 - Independence Day - (Wednesday)
September 01 - Labor Day Weekend - (Saturday)
September 03 - Labor Day (Monday)
November 12 - Veteran's Day - (Monday)
November 22 - Thanksgiving Day - (Thursday)
December 24 - Christmas Eve - (Monday)
December 25 - Christmas Day - (Tuesday)
December 31 - New Year's Eve - (Monday)
1. Our business’ registration number with the State’s Consumer Protection Division
is E3534.
2. We are not required to carry a performance bond under the Maryland Health Club
Services law because we do not accept more than three months’ payment in
advance or charge initiation fees over $200.
3. If the school is closed for a month or more, you are entitled to your choice of
either an extension of the agreement or a prorated refund. If the closing is not the
fault of the business, we are entitled to choose.
4. You have the right to cancel this agreement within three business days after
receipt of a copy of this agreement. Cancellation must be in writing, and
delivered in person or by certified or registered mail. If you cancel, you are
entitled to a full refund of all monies paid.
5. If you become disabled for at least 3 months during the agreement term and the
disability is confirmed in writing by a physician, you are entitled to an extension
of the agreement. Since we are exempt from the bonding requirement, we cannot
collect payments during a member’s disability extension so that we are not
holding more than three months’ payment in advance.
