Kids Jiu Jitsu & Muay Thai
Building Young Technicians on the Feet and GroundEnrolling your child in our program is more than signing up for a martial arts class — it’s an investment in who they’re becoming.
Through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai, kids build essential life skills like discipline, focus, respect, and self-control — qualities that show up not just on the mat, but at school, at home, and in everyday life.
As they advance and earn new ranks, their confidence grows naturally — fueled by progress they can see and feel. They learn how to face challenges, bounce back from setbacks, and carry themselves with pride.
And while the mindset benefits are huge, the physical gains are just as real. Our training keeps kids active and strong, improving their coordination, flexibility, and overall fitness — all while building healthy habits that last.
At 2nd Gear, we’re not just teaching martial arts — we’re helping kids grow into capable, confident, and resilient people.
What Makes Kids Martial Arts Great
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Our classes are designed to build strong, capable kids — from the ground up. Through consistent training, children develop real improvements in strength, coordination, balance, and agility — all through fun, movement-rich exercises that keep them engaged and active. These physical skills don’t just boost their performance in martial arts — they carry over into everyday life and other sports, setting the stage for lifelong health, confidence, and body awareness. At 2nd Gear, we help kids grow stronger in every sense — starting with how they move.
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We help kids develop focus and self-discipline that shows up everywhere — not just on the mat. In our structured, engaging classes, children learn how to listen carefully, follow directions, and stay committed to a goal over time. These habits naturally carry over into school, home, and social situations — improving academic focus, attention to detail, and follow-through. More than just a benefit for today, this kind of discipline lays the groundwork for future success — building the mindset and habits kids need to thrive personally, socially, and professionally. At 2nd Gear, we’re giving them tools they’ll use for life.
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We give kids more than self-defense — we give them confidence they can carry for life. Through practical, hands-on training, children learn how to stay aware, make quick decisions under pressure, and respond with control when needed. These skills build real self-reliance and personal security — both physically and mentally. That kind of confidence doesn’t stop when class ends. It shows up in how they walk into a room, speak up for themselves, and handle challenges with calm, assertive energy. It’s a powerful step toward building emotional strength and resilience in everyday life.
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Martial arts help kids manage stress in a healthy, powerful way. Training gives them a positive outlet to release energy, reduce anxiety, and reset their mood — all while boosting endorphins and lowering stress levels through movement and breathwork. Through focused drills and structured routines, they naturally develop mindfulness, self-regulation, and emotional control — tools that help them handle pressure, frustration, and everyday challenges with calm and confidence. At 2nd Gear, we’re not just helping kids stay active — we’re helping them build the emotional strength to thrive.
Classes
Kids Jiu Jitsu (5-7 Year Olds)
A playful, structured introduction to Jiu Jitsu for young children. Through interactive games, movement-based drills, and light, age-appropriate sparring, kids build coordination, balance, and physical confidence — all while having fun and learning to listen, focus, and work with others. It’s the perfect first step toward building healthy habits and a love for movement that lasts.
Kids Jiu Jitsu (8-12 Year Olds)
This high-energy class helps kids grow as both learners and competitors. Students explore the defensive and competitive sides of Jiu Jitsu, with a focus on sharpening technique, developing strategy, and building the kind of confidence and sportsmanship that fuels healthy competition — on and off the mat.
Kids Muay Thai (8-12 Year Olds)
An energetic, structured program where kids learn real Muay Thai — and real life skills. Through age-appropriate training in punches, kicks, elbows, and movement, students build striking fundamentals while also developing respect, focus, and perseverance. It’s about more than technique — it’s about growing stronger inside and out.
Advanced Kids Jiu Jitsu
Designed for advanced students ready to level up their game. This class goes beyond technique — it challenges students to think deeper, move smarter, and develop their own grappling style. With a focus on high-level concepts, situational problem-solving, and creative application, students learn to adapt, innovate, and take ownership of their Jiu Jitsu.
Coaches
Kenneth Brown
Head Instructor
3rd Degree BJJ Black Belt
Kenneth earned his black belt in 2013 under Mike Moses of Evolve Academy in Gaithersburg, where he began teaching as a purple belt. From the start, he’s been deeply committed to both the science and the art of making Jiu Jitsu understandable and effective for every student — no matter their experience level.
Even today, Kenneth continues to refine his teaching methods, always seeking better ways to break down complex ideas and help students build real skill with clarity and confidence. That relentless pursuit of improvement is what inspired him to teach full time — and what drives the culture of growth at 2nd Gear.
Peter Kofinas
Kids BJJ Instructor
BJJ Purple Belt
Peter started training at 2nd Gear in 2018. As a Chemical Engineering Professor and Chair, he has been teaching and doing research at the University of Maryland for nearly 30 years. He started Jiu Jitsu in his fifties and since then has gone above and beyond to be on the mat as much as possible, even when traveling nationally and internationally. He strongly believes in continuous improvement, and that teachers are as much learners as their students. His passion for teaching in academia has translated to teaching jiu jitsu, where he continuously improves his own skills by training but also by teaching others.
Yemi Day
Muay Thai Head Coach
Yemi has been on the martial arts path since 1991, when he began training in karate under the Tompkins Karate Association. His journey has spanned decades, styles, and disciplines — including competitive boxing, where he was runner-up in the United States Intercollegiate Boxing Association Championship (novice division) in 2017. On November 2, 2024, Yemi made history by competing in Maryland’s first-ever sanctioned Muay Thai fight, demonstrating both his dedication to the craft and his willingness to pioneer new ground.
A lifelong martial artist, Yemi approaches training as a vehicle for growth, discipline, and personal development — and brings that same mindset to every class he leads.
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.