Muay Thai Kickboxing
MASTER THE ART OF EIGHT LIMBSMuay Thai Kickboxing is known for its heavy use of kicks, punches, elbows, and knee strikes. It’s a striking martial art where fighters use their fists, elbows, shins, and knees to attack.
Second, Muay Thai is often called “the art of eight limbs” because fighters use eight different points of contact. This means they have more ways to attack and defend compared to martial arts that mainly use punches and kicks. The elbows and knees, in particular, are powerful weapons in Muay Thai, making it unique among striking arts.
Lastly, Muay Thai has a strong emphasis on conditioning and fitness. Fighters train intensively to build strength, endurance, and striking power. It’s a physically demanding martial art that requires practitioners to be in excellent shape. This focus on fitness sets Muay Thai apart from some other martial arts that may not place as much emphasis on conditioning.
What Makes Muay Thai Kickboxing Great
- Muay Thai employs a diverse range of striking techniques, including punches, kicks, elbows, and knee strikes. This versatility allows practitioners to adapt to different situations, making it effective in various combat scenarios.
- The practicality of Muay Thai techniques makes it a valuable martial art for self-defense. The emphasis on powerful strikes and clinch fighting can be particularly useful in real-world situations.
- Muay Thai training involves intense cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and flexibility work. This not only enhances overall fitness but also contributes to mental toughness and endurance.
- Training in Muay Thai requires discipline, focus, and mental resilience. The rigorous nature of the sport instills qualities that extend beyond the training mat into other aspects of life.
- While Muay Thai may seem intense and aggressive, it also involves a high level of strategy and technique. Timing, precision, and the ability to read an opponent are crucial for success in Muay Thai.
- Many successful MMA fighters incorporate Muay Thai into their skill set. The art’s adaptability, especially in terms of striking and clinch work, makes it a valuable component in the diverse skill sets needed for MMA competition.
Classes
Fundamentals
Our Muay Thai Fundamentals classes are challenging but fun. You will learn the basics of how to effectively throw punches, elbows, knees, and kicks, as well as the fundamentals of stance, movement and distance management.
Advanced
In this class, you will learn more about how to effectively apply your striking skills in live situations. So you learn a variety of new drills while also starting to ease into sparring against other students.
All Levels Sparring
This is a special class that only happens once a week, and the focus is entirely on honing your ability to use Muay Thai against effective resistance. So if taking your skills to a high level is the goal, this is the class for you.
- Effective Self-Defense: Muay Thai teaches you techniques for protecting yourself in real-life situations.
- Improved Cardiovascular Fitness: Muay Thai workouts are intense and can significantly improve cardiovascular health.
- Enhanced Flexibility: Regular Muay Thai training includes dynamic stretches and movements that improve flexibility and overall range of motion.
- Boosted Confidence: As you learn, your self-confidence grows, helping you feel more self-assured in various aspects of life.
- Stress Relief: The physical exertion and focus required in training can help you reduce stress and feel more relaxed.
- Improved Balance and Coordination: The techniques in Muay Thai require precision and balance, leading to improved coordination and agility.
Coaches
Andrew D'Costa
Muay Thai Head Instructor
Andrew has been a martial artist for 30 years. He is a 3rd Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo, a TCB Champion, and also has extensive knowledge in other forms of martial arts such as Boxing, Wrestling, and Kung Fu. For him, martial arts is not an act, but a way of life.
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 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 only complaint, is that the gym is a little bit far away from me, especially with the traffic!
Visiting family in the area, so I dropped in for a 4pm nogi class. I was immediately greeted by the head coach. The coach and all the students were friendly and introductory. During the rolling there was no ego smashing or pretentious rolls. Everyone seemed technical, and paced themselves off their partner, which I really appreciate. Would train here again, highly recommended.
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.
My boys started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at 2nd Gear in March 2022. Completely new to the sport. The support and training offered here as 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, a bit 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-defenseThe 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 youAreas of 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.
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.
i love this place i did boxing class here affordable prices, the staff was very friendly and welcoming ! It’s family oriented kids are welcomed while you practice so you don’t have to worry about finding a sitter while you come and practice come join ASAP thank me later !
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.
I have been training BJJ for over a decade now across several academies in several states and I judge Coach Kenneth Brown among the best instructors I have worked with. His approach to BJJ is not one of dogma but rather of experimentation, micro adjustments and adaption to each student individually. The best instructors recognize that BJJ is more than physical movement but rather an expression of the student who practices it, and each student is encouraged to find there most efficient, effective style that compliments there build, temperament, and athleticism. Since beginning at 2nd Gear I have had a bit of a BJJ renaissance and feel I am back on the road to ever increasing skill. I highly recommend 2nd Gear to both the beginner just starting there BJJ journey; but also to anyone who has left the art due to injury or a loss of passion. You will find a new home and a new start at 2nd Gear BJJ.
While I only trained there for a short time (had to stop because of a medical issue), while I was there it was a blast. Kenny is a genius and his approach to jiu jitsu makes it fun to learn. The community of people that train with him are great to. Everyone wants to help and egos are checked at the door. 100% recommended
Without a doubt one of the best gyms you could ever train at. Kenneth Brown is one of the many beautiful minds in this special game. It has been and honor and a privilege to learn from him and his gym. I owe a great deal of my success to him and this gym that he has built and I couldn’t imagine training anywhere else. I love the coaches, i love the people, and i love jiu jitsu. Thank you 2nd Gear BJJ!
Good place to learn bjj friendly atmosphere
If you're contemplating starting a lifelong martial arts journey there is no better place to do so then at 2nd Gear BJJ. Professor Kenneth Browns knowledge of the art of jiu jitsu is deep and his application has been tested and proven as he is an avid competitor with multiple gold medals and championships under his belt. Most important is his method of instruction is concise and easy to grasp. He has cultivated a learning environment that will meet the needs of students from all walks of life. Beginners, veterans of the art, competitors,fitness/self defense enthusiasts, male/female, kids, etc will find a place at 2nd Gear. Come on down and join the fun
Take the plunge. Bow and step on the mats. Shift it into 2nd Gear. Sure you may learn self-defense but did you expect to make friends in a welcoming environment?
Amazing group oo instructors with the comfort of family. Every instructor and student have given nothing but respect and knowledge each day. A great community to learn and develop new skills.
i cant put into words how lead coach ken genuinely cares about people.Their is no arrogance,no ego. if he doesnt know something he will say"he doesnt know".He always,always ,always puts safety first.if you are looking for a first time jiu jitsu experience .Please look no further.the monthly rate is beyond reasonable. The facility is CLEAN!!!!! We also have a wonderful children's program. compassionate coaches.What are you waiting for?????
Fantastic BJJ academy. Great instructor who pays attention to details, provides more than just techniques, but mechanical concepts as well, and motivates the students to do their best. Combined with solid training partners and lots of time slots for classes, makes 2nd Gear exactly what I look for in a school.
Top notch jujitsu academy and a great place to hone your skills or learn something new on all levels.
2nd Gear is a fantastic place to train. I have been doing BJJ for a long time on and off again. However I have never progressed as quickly or learned as much in such a short amount of time as I have these past four months because of Kenneth Brown's instruction and the people at 2nd Gear as a whole. Kenny is an amazing instructor who is very passionate about BJJ and always grounded in having the right mindset and focus to improve, learn, and master the art with the greatest possible amount of efficacy. He is simultaneously very laid back in a lot of ways and cares a lot about his students. He also views every obstacle, mistake, or failure as an opportunity to improve and problem solve. Whether you are brand new to BJJ or are looking for a place to push yourself and drastically improve and diversify your game , 2nd gear will definitely provide you with everything you need!
So Far i have not experienced any egos. My coach is very detailed and loves to teach. And most importantly I experience no cursing nor fowl music. it means a lot to me to know i can train at a place with good people in an atmosphere of morality.
Super welcoming atmosphere, great instructor and positive vibes. They also do a good job of keeping the mats clean which is always appreciated.
2nd Gear is the premier jui jitsu school in the laurel/beltsville/burtonsvile area. Very high level instruction is provided with a safe and friendly training environment.
Brazilian jiu jitsu, like many martial arts, has naturally evolved throughout the years from constant experimentation and adaptation. Kenneth Brown continues to explore this evolution further and willingly spreads his learned knowledge to his students.He is consistently drawing the analogy between Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and chess by stressing the adaptation of your strategy to the movements of your opponent. He shows students a better understanding of why certain techniques work and when to use them. He doesn't just focus on the physical aspect and ensures an emphasis on the intellectual angle of the martial art.You will quickly see that Kenneth Brown is an excellent and enthusiastic instructor who explores the art more in-depth than any other instructors you'll meet and ultimately makes you appreciate the martial art even more.
I just joined and signed my son up as well. They are teaching him to protect, discipline himself and be respectful and helpful to others.The instructors are incredible, they're very good with children and truly care about them. They're very welcoming to both new and existing students. They conscientiously work to develop us physically and mentally. I highly recommend this school for anyone interested in Martial Arts 🥋.
I've known coach Ken for a few years and is one of the best BJJ teachers in the area. If you're new to the art, have experience, or looking to get in shape you owe it to yourself to check out 2nd Gear BJJ!!!
Kenneth Brown is one of the best BJJ instructors I've had the privilege to train with in my fourteen year, and counting, BJJ journey. As an active competitor, he is constantly learning and expanding his knowledge of the art, which he in turn passes on to his students in an easy to understand manner. Regardless of whether or not you are a brand new practitioner of the art looking for personal development, or a seasoned competitor aspiring to achieve greatness, Kenneth will take the time to break down the techniques and ensure that you achieve your goals in a friendly, welcoming and safe environment at 2nd Gear Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
2nd Gear Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a great place to train. The instruction is some of the best you will find around. Whatever your goals are in Jiu Jitsu you will be encouraged and assisted in reaching them.
I've known Coach Kenny for almost a decade, his knowledge of the art and experience is unparalleled. Any student that gets to work with him consistently is bound to see rapid progress in their conceptual, technical understanding, as well as personal growth.
An excellent place to learn Brazilian Jiujitsu. The curriculum is well thought out and beginners aren't thrown in to sink or swim like many schools are known to do. An emphasis is put on ensuring new students truly understand the fundamentals. Experienced students seeking to take their game to the next level will benefit learning from Kenneth Brown, a highly respected black belt in the BJJ community. Friendly school with an excellent instructor.
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.