# 2nd Gear Jiu-Jitsu > Laurel, United States ## Overview **Name:** 2nd Gear Jiu-Jitsu **Description:** 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. **Status:** Active ## Contact Information **Address:** 8730 Cherry Ln Ste 14 Laurel, MD 20707, United States **Phone:** +1 240-786-5553 **Email:** info@2ndgearbjj.com **Website:** https://www.2ndgearbjj.com **Social Media:** - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2ndgearbjj/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2ndgearbjj/ ## Instructors ### Kenneth Brown - Black **Role:** Head Instructor **Bio:** Kenneth Brown earned his black belt in 2013 under Mike Moses of Evolve Academy and has been teaching since his purple belt days. He opened 2nd Gear Jiu Jitsu to focus on making Jiu Jitsu understandable through technical precision, learning science, clear progressions, and long-term athlete development. His coaching philosophy blends structure with accessibility, creating an environment where beginners are welcomed, questions are encouraged, and growth is intentional. ### Becca Niburg - Brown **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Becca leads with empathy, structure, and experience. She began training for self-defense and went on to build the women's program at 2nd Gear, emphasizing safety, inclusion, and confidence for all students—regardless of background or goals. ### Matthew Weinberg - Black **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Training since 2002, Matt brings decades of competition and coaching experience. He was the first student to earn a black belt under Kenneth Brown and plays a key role in maintaining the academy's inclusive, growth-focused culture. ### Yemi Day **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Yemi's martial arts journey began in 1991 and spans karate, boxing, and Muay Thai. As a competitor and coach, he brings discipline, technical depth, and personal development into every Muay Thai class. ## Programs ### BJJ Fundamentals **Skill Level:** Beginner **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Beginner-friendly Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program focusing on core techniques, fundamentals, and proper foundations **Classes:** ### Gi All Levels **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the gi for all skill levels, focusing on technique, leverage, and problem-solving **Classes:** ### No-Gi All Levels **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Grappling without the gi for all skill levels, similar to MMA-style training **Classes:** ### Muay Thai Fundamentals **Skill Level:** Beginner **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Structured striking training that builds coordination, conditioning, and confidence with technical instruction **Classes:** ### Advanced Muay Thai **Skill Level:** Advanced **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Advanced Muay Thai training for experienced practitioners **Classes:** ### Kids BJJ (Ages 5-7) **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Age-appropriate Jiu Jitsu focusing on confidence, discipline, and fun for younger children **Classes:** ### Kids BJJ (Ages 8-12) **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Jiu Jitsu program for older kids emphasizing skill development, discipline, and confidence **Classes:** ### Kids No-Gi (Ages 5-7) **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** No-Gi grappling for younger kids focusing on movement and basics **Classes:** ### Kids No-Gi (Ages 8-12) **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** No-Gi grappling program for older kids **Classes:** ### Kids Muay Thai (Ages 8-12) **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Kids Muay Thai emphasizing coordination, balance, conditioning, and structured instruction **Classes:** ### Women's Only BJJ **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Women's only Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes emphasizing safety, inclusion, and confidence **Classes:** ### Members Only Open Mat **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** all_ages **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Open mat sessions for members to practice techniques and roll **Classes:** ### BJJ Competition Class **Skill Level:** Intermediate **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Competition-focused BJJ training for students preparing for tournaments **Classes:** --- **Last Updated:** March 10, 2026 **Data Source:** BJJ.Space (https://bjj.space/gyms/united-states/maryland/laurel/2nd-gear-jiu-jitsu)