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A black belt instructor guiding a young student through a grip on the mats at Second Grip Jiu Jitsu in Carlsbad, New Mexico
Carlsbad, New Mexico · Est. 2022

No reset.Just adjust.Take the second grip.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for ages 3 to 83. No experience, no gear, no pressure — your first class is on us.

See the schedule
5.0 · 8 reviewsTeam LEAD Brazilian Jiu JitsuGi & No-Gi · 6 days a week
Welcome to the academy

The mat is a placewhere everyone belongs.

At Second Grip Jiu Jitsu, we believe the mat is a place where everyone belongs. Whether you’re a parent looking to build your 3-year-old’s confidence or an adult reclaiming your fitness and focus, our Carlsbad academy offers a safe, welcoming space to become your very best self.

We are more than just a martial arts school; we are a family. Our name — Second Grip — reflects our philosophy: in Jiu Jitsu and in life, the first attempt isn’t always the one that sticks. The “second grip” represents our commitment to persistence — the moment we adjust, adapt, and refuse to give up.

Here, the goal isn’t just to master a technique — it’s to develop the discipline and patience that improve your life long after you leave the gym. From age 3 to 83, we invite you to join a community dedicated to growth, friendship, and the power of moving forward.

The Second Grip Jiu Jitsu team lined up in their gis on the mats in Carlsbad, New Mexico
From a first stripe to tournament gold — every belt in the room started exactly where you are today.
Battle-tested in Carlsbad

We don’t just
train — we perform.

Whether it’s our kids’ classes or our elite competitors, we turn persistence into results.

Championship pedigree
Home to the Second Grip Competition Team. Our athletes compete on the NAGA, IBJJF, and AGF circuits across the Southwest.
Community driven
From age 3 to 83, we celebrate every win — from a first stripe to tournament gold.
The Second Grip mindset
We teach the discipline to adjust, adapt, and never give up.
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AGF gold medals

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0s

Fastest ADCC submission

03

IBJJF

World-level podiums

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Ages on our mats

The Second Grip lifestyle

This is whata Tuesday looks like.

High-energy kids' classes, technical seminars, the heat of competition, and the daily work of refining one detail at a time.

Six days a week

Class schedule

We offer Gi and No-Gi sessions throughout the week, built so students at every level can adjust, adapt, and grow. Private lessons are available at a time that works for you. Schedule may change — check back for updates.

Full schedule
CubsKidsTeensFundamentalsAdultsCompetitionOpen Mat
Your first class

Walking in isthe hardest part.

A coach tying a young student's belt before class at Second Grip Jiu Jitsu

We’ve got the rest covered. If your class requires a Gi — the traditional uniform — we have clean loaner uniforms ready for you. We’ll even show you how to tie the belt.

We know that walking into the academy for the first time can be a big step, so we make the process as simple as possible. You don’t need any special equipment or previous experience to start — just a desire to learn.

  1. 01

    Comfortable athletic wear

    A standard Dri-fit T-shirt or rash guard and athletic shorts or leggings. We recommend clothing without zippers, buttons, or pockets — these can get caught during training.

  2. 02

    A water bottle

    You’re going to get a great workout. Forgot yours? No problem — we have chilled water available in the lobby.

  3. 03

    Sandals or flip-flops

    We train barefoot on the mats, but wear shoes anytime we step off them. It keeps our training environment clean and safe.

  4. 04

    A positive attitude

    The most important thing you can bring. Our community is here to support you, and every belt in the room started exactly where you are today.

Who you'll learn from

Great martial artistsare built throughgreat mentorship.

Meet the team
Jason Montoya, Black Belt — 2nd Degree, instructor at Second Grip Jiu Jitsu

Professor · Head Instructor

Jason Montoya

Black Belt — 2nd Degree

  • A 2nd-degree black belt under the legendary Bruno Bastos.
  • A double black belt — BJJ and Judo — giving his students a best-of-both-worlds edge.
  • Has been breaking down techniques for students of all levels since 2008.
  • The game planner: he designs the classes so you always have a clear path to get better.
Stephen Moore, Black Belt — 1st Degree, instructor at Second Grip Jiu Jitsu

Instructor

Stephen Moore

Black Belt — 1st Degree

Johnny Mendoza, Black Belt, instructor at Second Grip Jiu Jitsu

Co-Owner · Instructor

Johnny Mendoza

Black Belt

Zion Mendoza, Brown Belt, instructor at Second Grip Jiu Jitsu

Instructor

Zion Mendoza

Brown Belt

Tye McBeth, Blue Belt, instructor at Second Grip Jiu Jitsu

Instructor

Tye McBeth

Blue Belt