Why Team Flo
Team Flo was founded in 2013 by Chris Piscione, 1st Degree Black Belt under Andre Dedeco Almeida.
Chris received his Black Belt in October of 2016 from Professor Renan Borges. After over 10 years of training, he brings a wealth of knowledge from traveling, competing, and putting in work on the mat, day in and day out. As one of the largest teams in New England, our goal is to produce top athletes under a brand that’s nationally recognized. Through our success, Team Flo has attracted talent from all over the world and has grown rapidly becoming one of the strongest teams in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
We invite children starting at age 5, men, and women to join the Team Flo family. It doesn’t matter what motivates you to train: passion for the sport as a hobby, a desire to compete or wanting to improve your self-defense – we’re exactly what you’re looking for.
Instructor Chris Piscione
In 2007, Chris started training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu after some friends had invited him to go to a class together. If you ask him, Chris will tell you how much his life changed for the better that day. Ever since, BJJ has become a huge part of who he is and he feels immense gratitude for the personal growth and friendships he has gained from training and competing. Chris started entering competitions out of the gate and has placed at major tournaments at every belt rank throughout his journey. He has also earned top 10 rankings at both Purple and Brown belt. Having Renan Borges and Andre Dedeco Almeida as teachers and training partners gave Chris opportunities and an edge on the mat and he credits them with much of his success.
In 2013, Chris founded Team Flo Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to share the impact BJJ has had on his life with others. He uncovered a deep love for teaching the sport while watching athletes improve not only their grappling skills but their overall confidence and grow as people. Chris takes an immense amount of pride in the growth, culture, and integrity of Team Flo and everyone that is a part of the community.
Chris’s greatest accomplishment is being a loving father to his daughter, Sophie. He also coaches high school wrestling and enjoys all aspects of health and fitness.
Instructor EJ Johnson
In 2013 after serving 10+ years in the United States Marine Corps, EJ fell in love with the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He learned of the sport while working as a personal trainer and after just one class he was hooked. EJ jumped at any chance to help and assist with classes. He learned he not only immensely enjoyed teaching but realized he could fine tune his skills by training others.
EJ is currently the only certified IBJJF referee on Team Flo and has competed on the biggest stages from Fight 2 Win, Rise Invitational, Abu Dhabi Trials, Reality Fighting and more. From this experience he is uniquely positioned to train students and other competitors to prepare for both the mental and physical demands of the sport.
Off the mat, EJ is a self-defense instructor for trauma victims and children with special needs. He’s also a father who loves spending time with his kids playing tag, football, basketball and hide and seek (a household favorite). EJ’s proudest BJJ moment was promoting his daughter Alyssa to her yellow belt and my son Xavior to his grey belt. Many people do not have the opportunity to be allowed such an honor.
Training at Team Flo
It doesn’t matter if you’re advanced or new, male or female, young or old. We have a class to meet you where you are and allow you to grow and improve.
Kids
Training BJJ is the perfect way to build your child’s confidence and help them build fundamental life skills like teamwork, work ethic, and commitment. We make training fun in a light-hearted atmosphere while still helping your son or daughter to grow and progress.
Women
Our women’s program is the same as the mens, we’re all on the same team. We create a supportive environment to come and train, develop your skills and ultimately be able to show up and beat on the men. Training BJJ at Team Flow is a ton of fun and truly empowering.
Law Enforcement
If you’re in law enforcement training BJJ is a must. Your work on the mat will directly apply to your ability to handle conflict on the job. We present situations based on human instincts and reactions so you can know what to expect and how to work with or against it.
Competitors
Team Flo provides the perfect training ground and support if you’re interested in competing. We place top-tier athletes in internationally recognized competitions such as Pan-American Championship, Grappling Industries and North American Grappling Association.
Team Flo is affiliated with New England United BJJ head-quartered out of Weymouth, Mass by Andre Dedeco Almeida. Professor Dedeco is a figure head in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Professor Dedeco rose to early fame capturing many titles in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.