James Thrift James Thrift

Lineage BJJ: Where Greatness Begins and Mastery is Achieved

In the intricate fabric of today's world, the path to true greatness is often obscured. Yet, Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, as taught at Lineage BJJ®, emerges as a luminous guide. Discover the profound depths of this martial art, where every technique and lesson resonates with years of tradition and refinement. Here, we not only emphasize the importance of lineage but also offer a transformative journey that transcends the mats. Dive into a legacy of excellence and understand why at Lineage BJJ®, greatness truly begins.

Read More
FAQ's, Safety James Thrift FAQ's, Safety James Thrift

Lineage BJJ® Open Mat Guidelines: Train Smart, Stay Safe, and Respect All

Unlock the secrets of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) with Open Mat sessions at Lineage BJJ®. Dive deep into the nuances of "positional rolling," engage with a diverse community of practitioners, and enhance your BJJ journey. From safety protocols to the invaluable benefits, our guide offers an in-depth look into making the most of these self-directed sessions. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned enthusiast, discover why Open Mat is an essential step in mastering the art of BJJ.

Read More
FAQ's, History, BJJ James Thrift FAQ's, History, BJJ James Thrift

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu (GJJ) and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ): The Dynamic Duo with a Twist

Uncover the rich lineage and unique philosophies of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu (GJJ) and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) in this comprehensive guide. Journey into the world of martial arts to discover the key differences between GJJ and BJJ, the dynamic duo with a twist. Learn about their shared origins, diverging paths, and how each martial art emphasizes different aspects of combat and self-defense. From GJJ's unwavering focus on real-world application and energy-efficient techniques, to BJJ's emphasis on sportive competition and submission grappling, this article uncovers what sets them apart, despite their shared roots. Whether your goal is self-defense preparedness or excelling in BJJ tournaments, gain valuable insights into choosing the martial art form that resonates with your journey towards discipline, growth, and self-discovery.

Read More

Little Sharks Program

Discover the transformative power of our Little Sharks program for children aged 5-7 at Lineage BJJ. Learn how our carefully designed curriculum, grounded in neuroscience, child psychology, and industry expertise, enhances your child's functional strength, flexibility, and coordination, while fostering key values of respect and discipline. Join us in this journey to empower your child with confidence, problem-solving skills, and self-defense techniques through the art of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

Read More
BJJ, FAQs James Thrift BJJ, FAQs James Thrift

All Black Belts Are Not Created Equal: Unveiling The Truth

Discover the essence of authenticity in the world of martial arts with Lineage BJJ. In an industry rampant with false claims, Lineage BJJ stands as a beacon of genuine Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Dive into our latest blog article, 'All Black Belts Are Not Created Equal,' where we uncover the importance of lineage and authenticity, and how to discern genuine black belts from fraudulent claims. Equip yourself with the knowledge to make informed choices for your martial arts journey.

Read More
FAQs James Thrift FAQs James Thrift

Lineage BJJ® is REAL Gracie Jiu-Jitsu

Immerse yourself in the profound legacy of Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with Lineage BJJ® in Calvert MMA. In our latest blog post, we delve into the rich traditions and teachings that underpin our curriculum, which is steeped in the wisdom of the Gracie family and the legendary Grandmaster Helio Gracie. Find out how our director, Jim Thrift, ensures the authenticity and purity of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in our academy and how our comprehensive programs for both adults and youth are tailored to imbue confidence, discipline, and self-defense skills. Discover the importance of real-life self-defense in our philosophy, and take a closer look at our detailed adult fundamentals curriculum which was recently revised by Professor Seth Caron. Join us in the journey of learning Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in its purest form, right from the source, only at Lineage BJJ®.

Read More
FAQs, Belt Ranks, Youth Program James Thrift FAQs, Belt Ranks, Youth Program James Thrift

Evolution of the Lineage BJJ® Youth Belt Ranking System - A Commitment to Excellence

Explore the journey of learning and growth through our youth belt, promotion ranks, and requirements at Lineage BJJ®, a registered trademark. Our guide provides a comprehensive overview of our uniquely structured, systematic approach to BJJ, designed to engage, challenge, and empower our young practitioners.

Read More
Self Defense, Women, Empowerment James Thrift Self Defense, Women, Empowerment James Thrift

Three Compelling Reasons for Women to Train BJJ

Three Reasons Women Should Train BJJ

At Lineage BJJ, we believe that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers tremendous benefits for women. Whether you're looking to learn self-defense, get in shape, or become part of a supportive community, BJJ has something to offer. Here are three compelling reasons why women should consider training in this dynamic martial art:

1. Empowerment and Self-Defense: BJJ equips women with practical self-defense skills and the confidence to navigate challenging situations. Unlike traditional martial arts that rely on strength and size, BJJ focuses on leverage, technique, and body awareness, allowing individuals of all ages and sizes to defend themselves effectively. Our instructors teach women specific self-defense variations and strategies that can be applied in real-world scenarios, ensuring that you feel safe, empowered, and in control of your surroundings.

2. Personal Growth and Mental Resilience: BJJ is not just about physical strength but also about developing mental resilience and strategic thinking. Through consistent training, you'll improve your problem-solving abilities, enhance your focus, and gain a greater understanding of your body. As you push yourself to overcome challenges on the mat, you'll discover newfound confidence, perseverance, and personal growth that extend beyond the training environment.

3. Supportive Community and Lifelong Friendships: Training BJJ creates an exceptional sense of camaraderie and community among women. As you learn, drill, and spar with like-minded teammates, you'll build strong bonds, inspire and motivate each other, and create lifelong friendships. Our Lineage BJJ community in St. Mary's County fosters an inclusive and supportive environment where women uplift one another, celebrate accomplishments, and encourage personal growth.

By joining Lineage BJJ, you'll not only experience the physical and mental benefits of training but also become part of a vibrant community that will support and empower you on your journey. Don't miss out on the transformative power of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—come and train with us today!

Read More
Self Defense, Lineage BJJ, Bully Proof James Thrift Self Defense, Lineage BJJ, Bully Proof James Thrift

Campus Confidence®

In this compelling article, we explore the concept of 'Campus Confidence' and how it plays a vital role in a student's academic journey. Confidence is more than just a personal trait; it's a skill that can be honed and nurtured, ultimately leading to better performance and a more enriched educational experience.

We'll delve into practical strategies that students can adopt to boost their confidence, both in the classroom and on the broader campus setting. From overcoming public speaking anxiety to navigating social situations with ease, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of the steps one can take towards building a more confident, assertive self.

This article is not just for students, though. Educators and parents will gain insights into how they can contribute to fostering a more confident, affirming environment that enhances students' self-belief. Whether you're a student seeking to bolster your confidence, an educator striving to inspire, or a parent aiming to support, this article offers invaluable tips and perspectives.

'Campus Confidence®' is more than a buzzword; it's a mindset, a practice, and a key to unlocking students' full potential. Dive in to discover the transformational power of confidence in the campus setting.

Read More
Safety, FAQs James Thrift Safety, FAQs James Thrift

Four Steps to Safety at Lineage BJJ®

Ensuring the safety of our students is our top priority at Lineage BJJ. We spare no expense in creating a secure training environment that promotes learning and growth. By investing in state-of-the-art equipment, thorough cleaning protocols, and top-notch instruction, we are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all our members. Safety is not just a claim for us, but a fundamental aspect of our academy's ethos.

Read More
Legacy, FAQs James Thrift Legacy, FAQs James Thrift

Blue Collar Gold Podcast Episode #100 – Guest Jim Thrift – Secret Service to Entrepreneur

In a captivating interview with Mark Stoner, Jim Thrift, the owner of Lineage BJJ and the Calvert MMA Academy, shares his remarkable journey from working in the Secret Service to becoming a successful entrepreneur. With a background that sounds straight out of a movie, Jim's story is both fascinating and inspiring. He discusses the challenges he faced in transitioning from a civil servant to starting his own businesses and sheds light on the unique experiences and skills he gained along the way. Tune in to this insightful podcast to discover the incredible transformation of Jim Thrift and how he found his passion in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Read More
Gi, No-Gi, BJJ, Grappling, Jiu-Jitsu James Thrift Gi, No-Gi, BJJ, Grappling, Jiu-Jitsu James Thrift

Gi vs. No-Gi

Unlock your full potential in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by embracing both Gi and No-Gi training. Discover how Lineage BJJ’s balanced curriculum cultivates versatile martial artists proficient in real-world self-defense. Don’t limit yourself to just one style – become a true black belt by mastering the art in its entirety.

Read More