2nd Gear Jiu Jitsu

I’m a team Shawn Hammonds Black belt from KY. Highly recommend this school. The instructors and students were extremely welcoming, I had a fantastic training session and met some awesome people! Two thumbs way up ⬆️

I dropped into 2nd Gear during a 2-week visit to Maryland. They have a great atmosphere. Upper and lower belts were welcoming, technically sound, and good drilling/sparring partners. The owner is sets the tone. He’s clearly skilled and focused on spreading his talent and passion to all those who enter.

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. 💪

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!

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!