About 2nd Gear Jiu Jitsu & Muay Thai

Laurel, MD Martial Arts for Real People

Our Philosophy: Technique First. People Always.

Martial arts should make your life better—not beat you up.

At 2nd Gear, we believe:

Technique beats brute force
Structure beats randomness
Consistency beats intensity
Coaching matters

Every class is intentionally designed to help students:

Learn why techniques work
Build skills step by step
Train safely and confidently
Progress at a pace that fits real life

Whether you’re brand new, returning after time away, or training seriously for performance, you’ll never feel rushed, pressured, or out of place here.

👉 New to training? Start with our Free Trial Class

👉 Looking for structure? View our Class Schedule

Meet the Head Instructor

Kenneth Brown — Owner & Head Coach

3rd Degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt

Kenneth Brown earned his black belt in 2013 under Mike Moses of Evolve Academy and has been teaching ever since—starting as a purple belt and refining his coaching approach through years of hands-on experience.

What sets Kenneth apart is not just rank or time on the mat, but his commitment to making Jiu Jitsu understandable.

His coaching philosophy blends:

Technical precision
Learning science
Clear progressions
Long-term athlete development

That mindset is what inspired him to open 2nd Gear and teach full time—and it’s what defines the academy’s culture today.

This is a place where:

Beginners are welcomed
Questions are encouraged
Growth is intentional

👉 Learn more about our Adult Jiu Jitsu Program

Our Coaching Team

Great academies are built by great coaches.

Every instructor at 2nd Gear shares the same core values: clarity, safety, professionalism, and care for the student experience.

Matthew Weinberg — BJJ Instructor

1st Degree BJJ Black Belt

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.

Becca Niburg — BJJ Instructor

BJJ Brown Belt

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.

Yemi Day — Muay Thai Head Instructor

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.

👉 Explore our Muay Thai Program

Who We Train

Our students include:

Adults starting martial arts for the first time
Parents training alongside busy schedules
Kids learning confidence and discipline
Athletes looking for structured progression

You don’t need to be in shape.
You don’t need experience.
You just need to start.

👉 Not sure which program fits? See our Programs & Pricing

2nd Gear BJJ

Prince Georges County

8730 Cherry Ln, Suite 14
Laurel, MD 20707
Driving Directions
Email: [email protected]
Call Today! (240) 786-5553

Our Mission

At 2nd Gear, we’re passionate about martial arts and its power to build strength, character, and endurance. Our programs cater to all ages and skill levels, focusing on technique, strategy, and physical fitness in a safe, supportive environment.