The people behind the practice
Good hands. Good people.
A team of practitioners who care about the detail, the partner beside them and the next person walking through the door.
Your teaching team
Meet the
instructors.
Different perspectives, one shared commitment to learning and helping every student find their flow.
Founder & head instructor
Carlos
Varona.
Fourth-degree black belt
Under Professor Edson Diniz
Languages
I’m Carlos Varona, and my journey through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has spanned over two decades of dedication and growth. I am a fourth-degree black belt under Professor Edson Diniz. With experience in other martial arts, I completely immersed myself in the Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle from day one.
In 2016, I founded The Flow Academy in Marbella. I’m also a mobility coach, a strength and conditioning expert, and a teacher of animalistic movements through “Art of Flow”—a recent addition to my teaching. My classes reflect my deep-rooted passion for Jiu-Jitsu, with an emphasis on the flow mentality, technical finesse, and attention to detail.
My aim is to bring all my disciplines together and guide you into the state of “flow”. The impact of my teaching is multiplied by the black belts in my lineage who share their expertise here on the coast, and by my affiliated schools across Europe.
Competition highlights
- 2022Europe Cup Champion · Gold
- 2020European Championship · 3rd place
- 2018NAGA European Champion
- NationalSpanish Champion
- Super fightsMultiple Super Fight Champion
- Super CupSpanish Champion
Professor & instructor
Alex
Varona.
Second-degree black belt
The Flow Academy Estepona & Marbella
I’m Professor Alex Varona, a second-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. I run The Flow Academy Estepona and occasionally teach at our academy in Marbella. I’ve spent years refining my technical abilities, standing beside my brother Carlos Varona since our journey began back in 2013.
With several victories in national and international competitions, I’ve not only honed my skills on the mat but also developed a deep passion for coaching. My unique connection with students of all ages, especially kids, has allowed me to flourish as a mentor and guide.
Instructor
Gabriele
Panizzoli.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt
Under Carlos Varona
Languages
Gabriele is a BJJ black belt under Carlos Varona with extensive experience in strength and conditioning, MMA, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He has worked with professional MMA and K1 fighters, including a Shooto Boxing World Champion, and has also coached members of the Italian police force.
He previously owned a gym in Italy focused on MMA and BJJ. His structured and scientific approach to training makes him suitable for both competitive athletes and everyday practitioners.
Instructor
Siljen
Jork.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt
Under Carlos Varona
Languages
Siljen has been practising martial arts since his teenage years, with a background in boxing and Muay Thai before beginning his grappling journey in 2011. He is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Carlos Varona and continues to train and compete at a high level.
His coaching focuses on fundamental techniques and universal concepts applicable across Gi, No-Gi, and MMA. Siljen emphasises learning by doing, using concept-based games and positional sparring to accelerate skill development.
Classes are structured with both short- and mid-term progression in mind, allowing students to build solid, transferable skills over time. With expertise in modern leg lock systems and a professional background as a sports physiotherapist, he prioritises biomechanics, efficiency, and a safe training environment.
Competition highlights
- 2024 · 1st place · No-GiFlow State Competition Marbella
- 2022 · 1st place · No-GiSpain BJJ Tour
- 2019 · 1st place · No-GiWest German Championship GEMMAF
- 2022 · 2nd place · GiSpain BJJ Tour
- 2025 · 2nd place · No-GiNAGA Germany
- 2022 · 3rd place · Gi & No-GiNAGA Germany
Your place on the mat