Frequently Asked Questions

What is capoeira?

Capoeira is a beautiful Afro-Brazilian martial art, developed by people struggling against oppression. Because it is practiced to live music and its movements flow gracefully, capoeira is sometimes confused for a dance. Despite capoeira having been associated with Brazilians of African descent and outlawed for many years, in the 1930s, Manuel dos Reis Machado (Mestre Bimba) managed to have the Brazilian government recognize this martial art’s cultural value and opened a formal academy in the state of Bahia, where one of our lineage’s founders, Mestre Acordeon was trained. There are other wonderful lineages of capoeira as well, and capoeira is now considered the national sport of Brazil!

Capoeira looks hard! Can I do capoeira?

Capoeira is for everyone. Just start where you are and you will surprise yourself! We have practitioners of all ages and genders at our academy. There are many facets of capoeira (movement, music, culture, history, leadership) in which practitioners can excel.

Can Kids do Capoeira?

YES! Capoeira is very playful, and well suited for young people. We have age-appropriate programs for pre-schoolers, kids, and teens.

I don’t live in Berkeley or can’t do in person. Do you have remote classes?

YES! Check our calendar, we have several classes taught over Zoom.

What do I bring to my first class?

Bring a water bottle — you will definitely be sweating! For your first few classes, just come in comfortable clothes you can move in. We don’t recommend shorts or socks. If you must wear shoes, please wear non-marking shoes meant for fitness activities. If you decide to stick with us, we have uniforms!

What’s with the belt colors?

Our lineage uses the colors of the Brazilian flag. The colors Green, Yellow, Blue, & White indicate a progression through one’s training, with various combinations of these colors along the way to indicate in-between levels.

Is there a startup deal?

You bet! We often have a very affordable Introduction to Capoeira series. If you’re just wanting to try things out, your first class is free!

What is a Batizado?

A batizado is an event put on capoeira academies to formally recognize students who have decided to continue their training. At Berkeley Capoeira, this often involves the presentation of a new color belt, or cordão.

What is your lineage?

Our lineage, United Capoeira Association (UCA) was founded by Mestre Acordeon, Mestra Suelly, and Mestre Rã. There are UCA schools around the world. There is a strong Capoeira Regional influence to UCA schools, as Mestre Acordeon trained with Mestre Bimba himself, but there has been a divergence in style thanks to other influences.