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Lowell based Team Flo teaches Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to all comers

Dan Cook
Connector Editor

The sounds of arms and legs hitting the mats permeates the room. Instructors gather their pupils in a circle to explain the nuances of these precise movements. A timer beeps in the background and bodies are in motion again. On to the next sparring partner and the next opportunity to compete, to match wits and to learn.

This is a typical session at the training facility of Team Flo Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The Lowell based martial arts group was established by owner, and trained martial artist, Chris Piscione six years ago and has since grown to include dozens of members from all walks of life.

“People wouldn’t look at me and think I was a former banker,” said the Chelmsford native. “I took the corporate route for a while, but I wasn’t feeling it and took to Jiu Jitsu.”
According to Piscione, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is one of the oldest and most practiced forms of martial arts and self-defense. Unlike UFC, which has recently risen in popularity, Jiu Jitsu involves no striking. Competitors rely on grappling and technique to out-position and submit their opponent.

“It’s like extreme chess,” said Will Oleksak. “The mental element is just as important as the physical.”A 37-year-old local firefighter, Oleksak has been practicing Jiu Jitsu for over seven years. Though he acknowledges the fitness and health advantages of the sport, he stresses the intangible benefits.“You learn to check your ego at the door,” said Olekask. “Humility and self-confidence are huge here.” The firefighter noted the potential value in Jiu Jitsu for college students.“College students are under a lot of stress,” he said. “This [Jiu Jitsu] is a great avenue for stress relief because you can let it all out here after a bad day.”

Rob Ludwig graduated from UMass Lowell last May with a degree in criminal justice and has been a regular at Team Flo since his first class.
“At first I thought this was just going to be a new type of workout, but I got hooked,” he said. “Coming from a military background, the whole team atmosphere is great.”
According to Piscione, that team is a very diverse one. Scanning the room, the owner pointed out police officers, a branch manager, students and even a chiropractor.“Everyone has a different story,” he said.Expectedly, there is a disparity in skill level among participants for such a technique heavy sport. Yet, rookies and veterans share the same mats day in and day out.
“The experienced people help you pick up things quickly,” said Ludwig.

When looking for experience, the members of Team Flo turn to their instructor, Renan Borges. A Jiu Jitsu dynamo since age 16, Borges immigrated to America from Brazil in 2007 and began teaching at Team Flo three years later.“I learn while I teach because teaching gets me more involved in the art,” he said.As a top ten lightweight in the world, Borges brings a constant element of artistry to the mat. Before beginning the sparing portion of the sessions, which he calls “rolling,” Borges demonstrates moves and strategies for his students to focus on. The Brazilian nimbly shows arm bars and choke techniques, drawing attention to positioning and leverage.“The goal for me is to get as many students as I can and win competitions,” said Borges.

He, Piscione and other competitors will be competing in a tournament in New Jersey in late January. Though veterans like Borges and Piscione set their sights on trophies, most members of Team Flo practice Jiu Jitsu to improve themselves as people.

“Jiu Jitsu gives you the tools to become a successful person,” said Piscione. “You learn about problem solving, how to think quickly and get a huge boost of confidence.”
Team Flo Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is located at 171 Lincoln Street in Lowell.