For people who are ready to start. Not just people who are already good.

I’m an almost 40-year-old woman living with type 1 diabetes, and I’ve been part of the Muay Thai program here since 2023. I came in with zero martial arts experience, just looking for a good workout and a healthy outlet for stress — and I’ve gained so much more than I expected.

I’ve never felt stronger, both mentally and physically. The Muay Thai program is thoughtfully structured, with a new technique taught each month so you can really build your skills over time. There are even opportunities to compete as you progress!

For beginners, the gym provides some gear to borrow, which made starting out less intimidating. What really makes this place special, though, is the community — a welcoming, supportive group that extends across the DMV area. I’ve met so many patient, compassionate people who make training here something I genuinely look forward to.

Highly recommend for anyone looking to challenge themselves, get fit, and find an amazing community. 💪

One of the most friendliest and welcoming gym. The muay thai program is a different breed fit for anyone willing to compete or simply exercise

I been attending this place for 4 weeks going on 5 weeks. I highly recommend anyone that wants to learn material arts to attend here. The instructor is professional he is a good teacher and I can tell he actually likes doing this. The people are nice and welcoming. I plan do adopt this as a lifestyle, compete and grow into this sport. I think this is a very safe space to start. The price is very reasonable. Only recommendations I have is to add a water fountain. Lol. That's all

We are so happy with 2nd Gear Jiu-jitsu. The coaches are wonderful and now all my kids want to join.

I am so blessed for my boys to be part of this community! We have been doing Jiujitsu for ten years, three of them were with 2nd gear! So basically this review came little bit late 😊.
Before joining them, I knew exactly what I was looking for and it took us around 3 months going for free trials in almost all the area of Columbia/ Baltimore and its surroundings. And it was a mess in almost all of them. I was told by one of the very famous gyms we want the boys and we will offer you an exceptional discount! At the end we decided on 2nd gear!
What brought us first, was the kind of training provided by the coach at the time and the discipline he brought to the mat. Until we found that we landed on a real hidden gem. Watching different coaches in Competitions and how other coaches yells and gets furious on loss or even sometimes gives the player extra self confidence that they don't deserve, that causes harm rather than good. All this proved to me that Coach Ken deserves the word "Coach" and I feel safe my boys looking up for him as a role model!
This kind of mentality and approach is very obvious in the gym. In 2nd gear you will see people from a very different background and all of them are working together in harmony. There is no room for the stressful , overwhelming social life that is being pushed on the people in other gyms to come together . In 2nd gear, all relationships and feelings are original, true and honest!
Training in 2nd gear brings top notch quality Jiujitsu to the mat with no fake showing off!
I also want to mention that the gym has many coaches and each one is unique in a way, that I wish I can write each one a review if I could! There's so many ways to grow and nourish in this gym and it's not just only in Jiujitsu, but in all aspects of life.

My boys started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at 2nd Gear in March 2022. Completely new to the sport. The support and training offered here has positively contributed to their physical, emotional and mental health. We have since relocated, but the mentorship and friendships developed will last them a lifetime.
Physically, the boys became significantly stronger, less clumsy, more aware of their bodies.
Mentally, they found they had the ability to focus, learn and execute.
Emotionally, they began learning that they can be resilient, strong and tough and still be happy and kind.
This is safe place to fail, learn and come back stronger.
Quick Boast: My sons have won multiple medals at local competition.☺️
IRL: BJJ is great self-defense
The coaches are great: Coach Griffin, the private lessons were pivotal, Coach K for welcoming us into your gym and the many invaluable lessons, Coach Pete and the rest of the coaching team. Thank you

Areas for improvement: Communication. As a parent that was new to the gym and sport, there were some things I didn't understand, or I may have missed a message. Thankfully other parents were happy to fill in the gaps, and coaches provided details when asked. I like to plan, so for me, having some details well in advance is helpful.

A family-friendly, laid back gym with a very skilled and knowledgeable staff.

You should definitely heck this place out!

They have a wide range of upper belt ladies and a solid set of instructions. I had intentionally visited to meet Charlene Dixon, a well known high level athlete in the area.

She helped me work out some of game plans and really supported my decisions to start competing.

It’s a clean environment with such supportive staff and team mates. They also have a deep connection with the local community and other gyms. This place has a lot to offer on and off the mats!

I enrolled my kids more than 3 years ago now and I am more than satisfied with their progress under the mentorship of Coach Ken and the cultivating family environment among all members of the gym. I recommend you go, try a lesson and you will not regret it.

Was in town for a few days and walked into class. Had a great time with great coaching and really good rolls. Will definitely be back next time I’m in the area!!

I was in town for the weekend and went to both a no-gi and gi class. Instructors of both classes were what I would consider to be very high level and extremely welcoming and kind. Everyone I rolled with was very skilled and polite. Cool gym.

My 7 year old just started at 2nd gear and has really enjoyed classes. Everyone, instructors and the other kids, have been super welcoming and supportive and have allowed him to build confidence as he learns.

2nd Gear BJJ offers people of all size, age range, and skill level a safe and professional training environment with a relaxed atmosphere. Coach Kenneth Brown brings a high-level technical approach to teaching based on his many years of successful competition while managing to break down complex concepts into bite sized pieces. His commitment to personal growth transfers well to the students who study under him as he is constantly improving upon not just his skillset, but his effectiveness in coaching. It is this concept of continuous improvement that keeps us all growing and becoming better versions of ourselves. I also know I'm not alone in having had the opportunity to meet some amazing people who have become lifelong friends. If you're reading this, I look forward to seeing you on the mats and sharing a story or 2. OSS!

I would like to shout out to Coaches Becca and Tara who have encouraged me to grow in both BJJ skills and in my confidence to exercise them. They listen to you as a person and customize the training you need to what you bring to the mat. We all bring different life experiences, body types, strengths, underlying conditions and preconceived notions to the mat. I am happy to be in a very inclusive, welcoming and supportive team/family/community. I cannot thank you and the other ladies of 2nd Gear BJJ enough. I must add that I love that there is a system of rules and respect that develop a comradery among the members.

It's a positive gym. People are very helpful and willing to teach you. They are mindful of your health. Whether you want to compete or just want to train, the environment is encouraging. Visitors are welcome!

This is home for BJJ training instructors are top notch 👌

Professor Kenneth Brown is one of the legends of jiu jitsu, but most importantly an amazing person to get to know and be around with. Coach Ken is the reason I spend most evenings at 2nd Gear Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, where everyone is welcome. The academy is fun, diverse, inclusive, with patient and caring coaches for the kids and teens, and highly skilled specialized instruction for adults. I highly recommend to come over to try out a class, just for the opportunity to experience coach Ken’s instruction and great training environment.

Ken Brown is the heart and soul of this awesome gym. You literally will not find a more technically advanced, highly developed grappling coach anywhere. Awesome vibes awesome people and independently owned. Cannot recommend highly enough, wether you’re just starting out, or a black belt ready to compete nationally

As a parent of a child that attends 2nd gear for the past three months, I am very pleased with the manner in which they conduct their classes. The one-hour classes are always one hour, starting on time, ending on time. That to me is a sign of respect. The coaches encourage and adequately push to students to learn and apply. The coaches are tough, yet caring. Both students and parents of students feel a sense of belonging to this Jiu Jitsu club. There's good sense of comradery between the students and between the parents.

Great instruction and great community!

I recommend 2nd Gear Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It is a good use of my precious free time. As a hobby, form of exercise, and social outlet, I’m always happen to have gone; haven't been disappointed yet. The club has a warm, welcoming, positive, fun environment. Instruction is consistently excellent - well thought out, based on experience, and taught with enthusiasm. Enough training partners come so that I can find someone to help me get better.

The coaches and students are great! The head coach is very nice guy so I recommend the gym.

Coaches are excellent! Very patient with kids. Great environment to learn!

On September 26 2018 I walked in to 2nd Gear Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for a free trial class. Close to 17 months later I was awarded a blue belt. Although I knew I was being evaluated and was expecting the promotion to happen sometime soon, the actual moment it occurred was very emotional for me. In my life I have received several recognitions for scientific achievements, but never for anything related to physical activity, so this is a milestone I will never forget.
I owe everything to Professor Kenneth Brown who has been a wonderful mentor and coach. Professor Brown has managed to coach a clumsy uncoordinated 53-year old person like me and make him stick to the sport, this is not a trivial task. It is much harder than teaching to an athletic, talented, 18 year old. It is because of the training environment he has cultivated at 2ndgear that I have had the mental determination to show up to the academy and train almost every day, whether it has been an intense day at work and I am tired, whether my back, ribs, groin, ankles or other body parts are injured, whether I am doing well or feel frustrated with my progress, whether I notice all these younger people pick up new skills so much faster than me,… I just show up to practice, that’s all there is to do in order to eventually progress. Thank you Kenny for being such a great mentor, coach and amazing person, thank you Prof. Sundar Bjj, Prof. David Adams, Prof. Alex Dugas, and coach Matt Weinberg for the instruction at 2ndgear. I am especially grateful to all my fellow academy members who have been my training partners and have spent endless hours drilling and rolling with me!

Great atmosphere, great people, great learning environment. I highly recommend to anyone who is interested in learning or developing Jiu Jitsu skills.