When Cyclone Jiu-jitsu Academy opened more than six years ago, there were just 15 students enrolled.Fast forward to today, and the academy proudly boasts more than 130 students and has banked some major accomplishments competitively.
In March, Cyclone captured first place at the national AGF tournament in the children’s division in both gi and no-gi competition. The full team, including all age groups, finished second overall. That win followed up a third place finish in the NAGA tournament, another national competition last August.
Instructor Darren DeSalvo, who co-owns Cyclone with his wife, Leslie, gave up his career as a police officer to cultivate his passion full-time. DeSalvo said he developed a love for jiu-jitsu after watching Ultimate Fighting Championship legend Royce Gracie compete in November of 1993.
“Royce was six-foot, 180 pound Brazilian guy beating guys twice his size. After that I was hooked,” said DeSalvo, 36, who noted he was 13 years old at the time.
He has trained under highly respected jiu-jitsu master Jean Jacques Machado for the past six years and has 22 years of experience.
Though the success of Cyclone teams at the national level displays the merits of his teachings in competition, he says he enjoys the craft for what it can do for a person’s discipline, mindset and lifestyle.
“My primary focus when I start with a new student in Jiu-Jitsu is to make them a better person,” said DeSalvo, a 2nd degree jiu-jitsu black belt. “The physical skills of Jiu-Jitsu is very demanding and teaches you the skills on how to defend yourself but again it goes much deeper than that. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art and I have not have met anybody who has started Jiu-Jitsu and has not changed their life for the better.
“Making a person a good fighter is the easy part, making them a champion off the mat is my goal. I want them to become a good person and that is what Jiu-Jitsu can do for you.”
Added Leslie DeSalvo, “It’s not just about winning a medal. It’s about garnering life experience and becoming humble.”
The academy has always been based locally, though it has been based in more than one location: opening in Luling, then moving to Paradis before arriving at its current location, Boutte. Soon, Cyclone will relocate — but not far — moving down the street on Hwy. 90 across the street from Majoria’s, into a building that spans 4,000 square feet. Cyclone’s current location spans 1,800 square feet. The move into the new building is set for June 1.
“Over the past six months, we’ve outgrown our building quickly,” said Leslie DeSalvo. “We’ll be holding a class and you can barely walk in.”
Cyclone has further plans on how to expand, beyond simply the size of its home base. The academy is adding a wrestling program and club wrestling team which will be affiliated with Gator Wrestling Club.
“We decided to bring wrestling in, and we want it to be just as big,” said Leslie DeSalvo.
Cyclone also will hold a 10-week summer camp from May 24-July 29 that will incorporate both jiu-jitsu and wrestling. There will be guests from the police and fire departments who will speak on the benefits of safety, as well as wrestlers who will speak.
The DeSalvos are also planning on adding an after-school program for youths to train.
She believes the intensity and passion Darren exhibits as instructor has been a big draw for their students.
“He has a very intense way of teaching,” she said. “It’s very disciplined, and he allows no horseplay. The parents love it. He wants his students there to learn, not to play.”
That’s because the instructor believes in the benefits his discipline provides.
“Jiu-jitsu gives people the life skills that help you in all areas of your life. By teaching you self-confidence, self-esteem, self-discipline or help you lose weight and become a healthier person. Jiu-Jitsu is really like therapy,” he said.
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