BJJ Gyms in Laurel, United States

2nd Gear Jiu Jitsu is a beginner-friendly martial arts academy in Laurel, Maryland offering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai programs for adults and kids. Founded by Kenneth Brown, a 3rd degree black belt who earned his rank in 2013 under Mike Moses of Evolve Academy, the academy emphasizes technique over intensity, structured coaching, and an ego-free training environment. The philosophy centers on making martial arts accessible and understandable for everyday people, whether they're brand new to training or returning after time away. The academy's approach prioritizes clear progressions, learning science, and long-term athlete development. Classes are intentionally designed to help students understand why techniques work, build skills step by step, and train safely at a pace that fits real life. The culture values consistency over perfection, coaching over chaos, and welcomes beginners while respecting experience. Students train in a calm, structured environment where questions are encouraged and growth is intentional. The coaching team includes head instructor Kenneth Brown (3rd degree BJJ black belt), Matthew Weinberg (1st degree BJJ black belt and Kenneth's first black belt student), Becca Niburg (BJJ brown belt who leads the women's program), and Yemi Day (Muay Thai head instructor with martial arts experience since 1991). Together they maintain the academy's core values of clarity, safety, professionalism, and care for the student experience.