SOMOS Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has officially opened its doors earlier this month at 1343 Lamberton Dr, Silver Spring, MD 20902, in the Kemp Mill shopping center. Founded by the father-son duo of Christian Martinez and Braden, this gym is more than just a training facility– it’s a place where passion, culture, and community converge.
Christian Martinez’s story began in Guadalajara, Mexico, where he first discovered the thrill of combat sports during his two years in boxing. Seeking a better life, he moved to Montgomery County, Maryland, where he built a home and a thriving remodeling business, a venture now supported by his eldest son. Yet, it was Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that truly transformed their lives. In 2010, Christian enrolled his sons Christian, Braden, and Adan in the art of Jiu-Jitsu not only to keep them active but to introduce them to a discipline that would soon become a life-changing pursuit for the entire family.
The journey each member of the Martinez family embarked upon made them stronger both on and off the mats. For Christian, following his sons into this discipline marked the beginning of a personal transformation. Training diligently at Infinite Fighting Concepts in Muddy Branch, Gaithersburg, under coach Jeff Gordon, he dedicated himself to mastering the art. His hard work paid off, earning him a black belt and subsequently a first-degree black belt under the guidance of Professor Tony Passos and Jeff Gordon.
While most of his children eventually pursued other interests, Braden’s deep connection to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu endured. What started as a hobby evolved into a calling for Braden, who now stands proudly beside his father as a training partner and co-founder of SOMOS Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Choosing the Kemp Mill Shopping Center as the location for their gym was a deliberate decision driven by community spirit. The warm, welcoming atmosphere of Kemp Mill inspired the Martinezes to create a space that goes beyond physical training. SOMOS Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is designed to empower families and individuals alike, uniting them through a shared love for the art and its life-changing benefits.
The name “SOMOS” encapsulates their vision. Meaning “We are” in Spanish, it represents the unity, identity, and purpose that drive both the gym and its members. SOMOS Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not merely a place to hone martial skills– it’s a community that lives and breathes the spirit of Jiu-Jitsu every day.
At SOMOS Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, every training session is more than just learning a martial art– it’s an opportunity to grow, face challenges, and build lasting bonds. The gym invites all who are curious or passionate about Jiu-Jitsu, regardless of background or experience, to join a community that values discipline, perseverance, and unity.
As Christian and Braden Martinez embark on this new chapter, they extend a heartfelt invitation to the Silver Spring area and beyond to discover the transformative power of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Here, every roll on the mats is a step toward building a stronger, more connected community.