The berimbau strikes its first note. Two players drop into the ginga—the rocking step that blurs the line between fight and dance. Around them, voices rise in call-and-response Portuguese, clapping hands marking the rhythm. This is the roda. This is Capoeira. And it happens five nights a week at our studio just off Route 208, serving Orange County since 2014.
Whether you've never thrown a kick or you're looking to deepen your practice, our program meets you where you are. Founded under Mestre João Silva, a 30-year practitioner trained in Salvador, Bahia, we follow the Contemporânea lineage—blending the grounded cunning of Angola with the explosive athleticism of Regional.
What You'll Experience Here
Expert Instruction With Deep Roots
Your classes are led by Mestre João Silva and Contra-Mestre Diana Okonkwo. Mestre João brings three decades of rodas, retreats, and teaching experience from Brazil's northeast. Contra-Mestre Diana specializes in acrobatic floreios and musical instruction, ensuring students develop as complete capoeiristas—not just athletes, but musicians and cultural carriers too.
A Curriculum That Builds From Day One
We don't believe in throwing you into the deep end. Your first classes focus on the ginga, basic kicks, and esquivas (dodges). As you progress, you'll layer in sequences, strategy, macaco flips, and berimbau technique. Every level has a clear path forward.
Culture You Can Feel
Capoeira isn't practiced in silence. You'll learn to play the berimbau, atabaque, and pandeiro. You'll sing call-and-response songs in Portuguese. You'll understand why this art emerged from the resistance of enslaved Africans in Brazil—and why that history still pulses through every roda we hold.
A Community That Shows Up for You
Our students range from ages 8 to 62. Some come for fitness. Some come for connection. Many stay for both. You'll build strength, agility, and flexibility without staring at a treadmill screen. And you'll do it alongside people who remember your name and celebrate your first batizado.
What to Expect in Your First Class
No uniform required. Wear comfortable athletic clothes and arrive ten minutes early. We'll warm up together, break down fundamental movements, and finish with a short roda where you're welcome to watch or participate. First-timers often tell us they expected a workout—they didn't expect to laugh this much.
"I walked in nervous and left hooked. Three years later, I've performed at the Orange County Heritage Festival and traveled to train in São Paulo." — Marcus T., advanced student
Ready to Step In?
Start with a free trial class. No uniform. No commitment. Just show up and move.
We're located five minutes from Schunemunk State Park, with classes running Monday through Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. View our full schedule and reserve your spot today.
