Business Details
Your Trusted Martial Arts Academy in Laurel, MD
At 2nd Gear Brazilian Jiu Jistu, we believe martial arts is a transformative journey that builds physical strength, mental resilience, and personal growth. Founded on the principles of accessibility and structured learning, our academy offers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai programs tailored for all skill levels, from absolute beginners to advanced practitioners. Our experienced instructors, including 3rd-degree BJJ black belt Kenneth Brown and Muay Thai pioneer Yemi Day, emphasize technical precision, safety, and community-driven progress.We foster an ego-free environment where students develop discipline, confidence, and lifelong relationships. With specialized classes for kids, women, and competitive athletes, we prioritize individualized growth while maintaining rigorous standards of instruction. Our commitment to continuous improvement ensures every student receives clear, actionable guidance to master techniques and apply them effectively in real-world scenarios.
Services
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Muay Thai Kickboxing
Kids Martial Arts
Women's Self-Defense
Competitive Training
Highlights and features
- We offer structured, beginner-friendly programs with expert coaching in BJJ and Muay Thai.
- Our instructors include 3rd-degree black belts and competition-tested professionals.
- We prioritize safety, technical precision, and personalized learning paths.
- Our inclusive community fosters growth, camaraderie, and mutual support.
- Specialized classes for kids, women, and competitive athletes ensure tailored development.
What people say
Great instructors
Welcoming environment
Structured programs
Family-friendly
Technical excellence
Services
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program develops technical proficiency through structured curriculum. Students learn grappling techniques, positional control, and submission strategies in a safe, progressive environment. The art emphasizes leverage over strength, making it accessible to all body types while building physical fitness and mental resilience. Classes cater to beginners through advanced practitioners.
Muay Thai Kickboxing
Muay Thai instruction focuses on striking techniques using fists, elbows, knees, and shins. Classes develop precision, timing, and clinch work while improving cardiovascular endurance. Students train in both traditional forms and practical self-defense applications through pad work, sparring, and conditioning drills.
Kids Martial Arts
Age-specific martial arts classes for children aged 5-12. Our curriculum builds coordination, discipline, and confidence through playful drills and structured learning. Kids develop respect, focus, and physical fitness while learning self-defense fundamentals in a supportive team environment.
Women's Self-Defense
Specialized Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes designed for women. Instruction combines self-defense techniques with trauma-informed teaching methods. The program creates a comfortable space for female practitioners to build confidence, physical strength, and situational awareness.
Competitive Training
Advanced programs for competition preparation in BJJ and Muay Thai. Athletes receive personalized coaching in tournament strategy, sparring tactics, and physical conditioning. The curriculum emphasizes real-time application of techniques under pressure while maintaining sportsmanship and technical integrity.
People
Kenneth Brown
Head Instructor
3rd-degree BJJ black belt with 20+ years experience. Former Evolve Academy instructor who has taught full-time since 2013. Specializes in making complex techniques accessible to all skill levels while maintaining technical rigor.
Yemi Day
Muay Thai Head Coach
Martial artist since 1991 with expertise in karate, boxing, and Muay Thai. First competitor in Maryland's sanctioned Muay Thai history. Brings decades of experience to practical, mentally-focused instruction.
Becca Niburg
Women's Program Instructor
BJJ brown belt with trauma counseling background. Created the women's program in 2015 to make martial arts accessible. Combines self-defense training with mental health awareness in her teaching approach.
Matthew Weinberg
BJJ Instructor
1st-degree BJJ black belt with 20+ years competition experience. First black belt awarded by Kenneth Brown in 2022. Focuses on making martial arts accessible while maintaining high technical standards for all students.
Peter Kofinas
Kids BJJ Instructor
BJJ purple belt and University of Maryland professor. Brings academic teaching experience to martial arts instruction. Specializes in making complex concepts accessible to young students through patient, structured coaching.
Questions
What martial arts do you offer?
We offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai Kickboxing for adults and children.
Are classes available for complete beginners?
Yes, all our programs start with beginner-friendly fundamentals classes requiring no prior experience.
What should I wear for my first class?
Wear comfortable athletic clothing. Gi and no-gi options are available for BJJ training.
Do you have kids' martial arts programs?
Yes, we offer age-specific classes for children aged 5-12 with specialized curriculum.
What makes your gym different from other martial arts schools?
Our focus on technical precision, inclusive community, and personalized progression creates unique learning environment.
Are there competitive training opportunities?
Yes, we offer specialized programs for tournament preparation in both BJJ and Muay Thai.
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