ABOUT CAPOEIRA BRASIL CALGARY
Capoeira Brasil Calgary offers instruction in Capoeira with the aim to grow a strong and positive community and to share this amazing art form.
CAPOEIRA BRASIL CALGARY
Capoeira Brasil Calgary is an extension of the Capoeira Brasil Los Angeles (CBLA) family, and is led locally by Instrutors Gigante and Chino. We are supervised by Formanda Pavão, Formando Chegado, and renowned Capoeira master, Mestre Boneco.
Capoeira Brasil Calgary prides itself on authentic capoeira training in a positive atmosphere as we aim to grow the capoeira community here in Calgary, and around the world.
We are always welcoming of new students of any age. Kids and adults new to the art form are always welcome in addition to individuals with past experience.
Whether you want to increase your fitness, flexibility, acrobatics, music, or just try something new, you have come to the right place. Try a class today!
WHAT IS CAPOEIRA?
Martial art, tradition, self defence, music, dance, acrobatics, and Brazilian culture
The art of Capoeira is dance, fight, game, music, culture, and tradition. Developed over 400 years ago, it is a fluid series of agile, acrobatic, and martial movements linked together to form a unique and organic game. This graceful martial art is “played” in the roda, the circle where training manifests into strategic games between two practitioners. These “games” are an intricate exchange of circular and straight kicks, escapes, sweeps, takedowns, and gymnastic flourishes accompanied by the traditional sounds of the berimbau, atabaque and pandeiro.
Capoeira is more than a martial art. This art form develops a strong and flexible body, confidence, and discipline in men, women, and children alike.
To learn more about capoeira, come by to try a class and speak with an instructor today!
MEET YOUR TEACHERS
Capoeira Brasil Calgary provides instruction to dedicated adult and children students in Calgary, Alberta
Professor Gigante
Professor Gigante has been training since 2006 and has taught capoeira for various organizations throughout the city (City of Calgary, University of Calgary, Boys and Girls Club of Calgary, DJD, Calgary Board of Education), traveled around the world to attend events and workshops (Canada, United States, Ireland, Hong Kong, Brazil, and London), teaches samba batucada drumming, and has been teaching children and adult students of all levels.
Professor Chino
Professor Chino has taught capoeira for various organizations throughout the city (University of Calgary, University of Mount Royal, DJD, Calgary Board of Education), traveled around the world to attend events and workshops (Canada, United States, Brazil), and has been teaching adult students of all levels.
Graduada Baqueta
Graduada Baqueta comes to Capoeira Brasil having begun her capoeira training in 2004. Her capoeira journey has allowed her to train in Indonesia, Hong Kong, Brasil, Amsterdam, Ireland, London and various cities throughout Canada and the United States. She began teaching adults capoeira in 2015 and believes firmly in empowering all individuals to seek confidence and joy in their own capoeira journey. She is proud to join Capoeira Brasil teaching fundamentals and all levels classes to adults and experienced teens.
Come meet your new instructors and try a class today!
CAPOEIRA BRASIL LEADERSHIP
Capoeira Brasil Calgary follows the leadership and guidance provided
by Mestre Boneco, Formanda Pavao & Formando Chegado
MESTRE BONECO
Mestre Boneco began training Capoeira at the age of eleven with Grupo Senzala in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In 1989, after 19 years of dedicated training, he was recognized for his outstanding achievement in the Capoeira community and awarded his black belt by a council of Brazil’s most distinguished masters. Mestre Boneco’s black belt is also recognized by the Brazilian Capoeira Federation. After receiving his black belt, Mestre Boneco, along with Mestres Paulinho Sabia and Paulão, founded Capoeira Brasil, an organization that would later become one of the largest Capoeira groups in the world.
Mestre Boneco’s 40 plus years of experience includes teaching workshops in the world’s leading universities, presenting seminars and talks at many international fitness and cultural conferences, and the production of over 25 international Capoeira festivals. Teaching is his passion! Today he supervises over 100 graduated teachers with programs in South and North America, Australia, Europe, and Asia.
MESTRA PAVÃO &
MESTRE CHEGADO
Jessica Carla de Lima-Moran (AKA Pavão) and Sean Anthony Moran (AKA Chegado) have been in Capoeira for over two decades, training and teaching under the world-renowned Capoeira master, Mestre Boneco. Together they co-manage and teach at CBLA headquarters in the Mid-City area of Los Angeles. They also run a successful Capoeira program in their community of Northeast Los Angeles at Artistic Athletics Gym, including The Free Community Capoeira program, which offers free classes to over 100 hundred youth and families in need.
GRADUATION SYSTEM
Belts are awarded to deserving students at the annual Batizado e Troca de Cordas (cord changing ceremony) under the supervision of Mestre Boneco
Crua (Raw)
Beginner level. Students begin their capoeira training at this level. The phrase, crua, or raw, signifies growth potential rather than being seen as inexperienced.
Yellow/Raw
Transition to Yellow.
Yellow
Students demonstrate a basic understanding of the capoeira game and have a basic knowledge of the movements, such as kicks and ground techniques, as well as music. Students know the choruses to many songs and have begun playing instruments.
Orange/Raw
Transition cord to Orange.
Orange
Beginner/Intermediate level. Students have a deeper understanding of the Capoeira game, utilizing many different kick, ground, and acrobatic combinations. At this level, students are also capable of leading a song during a roda and playing the instruments with increasing skill.
Blue/Red
Students earn the title of Monitor at this level and begin learning how to teach kids and beginner adults. As capoeiristas, they fully incorporate a large variety of advanced movements including acrobatics, strength movements and takedowns. They have a large repertoire of songs and can play all instruments.
Blue
Students at this level earn the title of Graduado. Students enter a new stage of Capoeira as they are assessed not only on their physical ability but also on their teaching, commitment to the art and their ability to communicate in their Capoeira game. Blue cords must have an excellent vision of the Capoeira game with exceptional technique, and dedicated training etiquette. A Graduado who begins teaching classes earns the title of an Instructor.
Green - Instructor
At this level, capoeiristas continue to improve their skills, which now include teaching. They are very strong in the roda, and are equally strong in their instruction. Their strength comes from their ability to incorporate malicia (deviousness) and intuition into their games. It is malicia that gives capoeiristas their ability to surprise and confuse their opponents. Green cords must take their training to another level by incorporating an intellectual awareness of the art as well as strength, skill, and reflex.
Purple - Professor
Capoeiristas at this level have proven themselves as skilled martial artists and proficient teachers. They are regarded highly because of their progress and devotion to Capoeira. Their malicia skill, intuition, reflex, and vision of the game continue to increase, as they now apply the knowledge they’ve gained within the roda to their dealings with the outside world, and vice-versa.
Brown - Formando
Formandos are some of the most important figures in their group and in the world of Capoeira. They are the right hand of their mestres vital in the dissemination of the art form’s history, tradition, and skill as well as leaders in the group. It is their responsibility to continue their training and development in the art of Capoeira. Formidable players in the roda, Formandos can seamlessly combine all of their skills into a fierce and relentless game.
Black - Mestre
This is the apex for capoeiristas. Mestres are legendary for their skills, wisdom, creativity, and tact both inside and outside the roda. They have solidified their Capoeira game by fusing their physical skill, spiritual connection to the art, and vision of the game with the cunning and trickery they’ve learned throughout their lives. Mestres comprise the top echelon of all Capoeira groups and rightfully oversee the activities of their group. Mestres are also important figures in the community, maintaining and excellent relationship with their students and other leaders in their area.
Crua (Raw)
Beginner level. Students begin their capoeira training at this level. The phrase, crua, or raw, signifies growth potential rather than being seen as inexperienced.
Yellow/Raw
Transition to Yellow.
Yellow
Students demonstrate a basic understanding of the capoeira game and have a basic knowledge of the movements, such as kicks and ground techniques, as well as music. Students know the choruses to many songs and have begun playing instruments.
Orange/Raw
Transition cord to Orange.
Orange
Beginner/Intermediate level. Students have a deeper understanding of the Capoeira game, utilizing many different kick, ground, and acrobatic combinations. At this level, students are also capable of leading a song during a roda and playing the instruments with increasing skill.
Blue/Red
Students earn the title of Monitor at this level and begin learning how to teach kids and beginner adults. As capoeiristas, they fully incorporate a large variety of advanced movements including acrobatics, strength movements and takedowns. They have a large repertoire of songs and can play all instruments.
Blue
Students at this level earn the title of Graduado. Students enter a new stage of Capoeira as they are assessed not only on their physical ability but also on their teaching, commitment to the art and their ability to communicate in their Capoeira game. Blue cords must have an excellent vision of the Capoeira game with exceptional technique, and dedicated training etiquette. A Graduado who begins teaching classes earns the title of an Instructor.
Green - Instructor
At this level, capoeiristas continue to improve their skills, which now include teaching. They are very strong in the roda, and are equally strong in their instruction. Their strength comes from their ability to incorporate malicia (deviousness) and intuition into their games. It is malicia that gives capoeiristas their ability to surprise and confuse their opponents. Green cords must take their training to another level by incorporating an intellectual awareness of the art as well as strength, skill, and reflex.
Purple - Professor
Capoeiristas at this level have proven themselves as skilled martial artists and proficient teachers. They are regarded highly because of their progress and devotion to Capoeira. Their malicia skill, intuition, reflex, and vision of the game continue to increase, as they now apply the knowledge they’ve gained within the roda to their dealings with the outside world, and vice-versa.
Brown - Formando
Formandos are some of the most important figures in their group and in the world of Capoeira. They are the right hand of their mestres vital in the dissemination of the art form’s history, tradition, and skill as well as leaders in the group. It is their responsibility to continue their training and development in the art of Capoeira. Formidable players in the roda, Formandos can seamlessly combine all of their skills into a fierce and relentless game.
Black - Mestre
This is the apex for capoeiristas. Mestres are legendary for their skills, wisdom, creativity, and tact both inside and outside the roda. They have solidified their Capoeira game by fusing their physical skill, spiritual connection to the art, and vision of the game with the cunning and trickery they’ve learned throughout their lives. Mestres comprise the top echelon of all Capoeira groups and rightfully oversee the activities of their group. Mestres are also important figures in the community, maintaining and excellent relationship with their students and other leaders in their area.
Grupo Capoeira Brasil uses eight different colors in their graduation system. They are: Yellow, Orange, Red, Blue, Green, Purple, Brown and Black. Beginner students (before becoming Graduados) have transitional cords between the main cords, for example: Yellow and Raw cord.
Kids belts (age: 4-9) follow the same belt progression as per above, however only the tips of the belt are dyed. Kids progress to tween/teenage belts after enough dedication and time training.
Tween/Teenage belts (age: 10-18) follow the same belt progression as per above, however, students progress through each color with a half dyed belt (eg. half crua / half blue)
Adult belts (age 18+) follow the belt progression as per above.
Batizado e Troca de Cordas
The Batizado (baptism) is an annual ceremony where new students are inducted in to capoeira and deserving students are advanced to the next belt. Mestres and teachers from around the world typically attend to put on workshops of capoeira, music, and dance, and put on a show you won’t soon forget!
FOLLOW US!
Lilac Fest Capoeira Demo 🌺
Another Lilac Fest demonstration in the books 📚
This event always signifies the first outdoor performance of the year and it’s been something we look forward to taking part in year after year (for the past 20 years or so 👀). Thank you @lilacfestyyc for having us! And thank you to all the students for giving your energy and training all year so we can share a little about capoeira with the community 🇧🇷 💜
We will be performing at Lilac Fest this Sunday, June 1 ☀️ 🌺 🤸🏽♂️
Performance 1: 11:00am - 11:15am
17th ave & 5th st SW: near the intersection
Performance 2: 1:45pm - 2:00pm
18th ave & 4th st SW: east side of street in the intersection
We look forward to seeing you there!
Join Capoeira Brasil Calgary in their 4th annual Brazilian Night dinner and show!
Date: Saturday, June 21 2025
Time: 6:00pm - 9:30pm
Location: North Glenmore Park Community Association Centre
Door entry & food tickets: Link in bio to purchase!
Enjoy an evening of high energy shows, music, and cultural performances, and feel good about supporting local Martial Arts. Dinner and refreshments will be served before the show as well as during the intermission.
Support local! Capoeira Brasil Calgary provides instruction in Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art which combines aspects of music, acrobatics, self-defense, and Brazilian culture. Dedicated teachers provide high-quality instruction of this amazing art form to kids, teens, and adults.
Cheer on your community! The students of Capoeira Brasil Calgary have been training hard all year and have all help put on a great show to demonstrate their training of capoeira, as well as some special music and dance performances.
All proceeds go to supporting our local Capoeira group so we can continue to teach and grow our regular classes, put on special events, expand the group, and work toward building a bigger and better Capoeira community in a positive environment.
📸@with.marnie.photography
We are thrilled to announce our Supporting Guests for Capoeira Brasil Calgary’s Batizado!
Take part in the energy of classes, rodas, community exchanges, Brazilian culture in action.
📅 June 19-22, 2025
💻 Register Today! (Link in bio)
🌎Supporting Guests:
Mestre Reni, Associação de Capoeira Mestre Bimba - Edmonton
Professor Jequitiba, Capoeira Brasil - Vancouver
Professor Sorriso, OjuObá Capoeira - Calgary
Professor Tarraxa, Capoeira Mandinga - Edmonton
#capoeirabrasilcalgary #capoeirabrasil #capoeira
Celebrate Calgary’s newest Instrutora, Baqueta, as she receives her green cord at Capoeira Brasil Calgary’s Batizado this June! 💚
A pillar in the capoeira community, Baqueta trains, travels, and teachers capoeira inspiring students here in Calgary, and at any roda, performance, or demonstration you might find her in. Baqueta ensures capoeira is accessible, inclusive, and supportive to all students and fellow capoeiristas. Come celebrate with us, and take part in this strong female lead line-up of capoeiristas! 🇨🇦
📅 June 19-22, 2025
💻 Register Today! (Link in bio)
#capoeirabrasilcalgary #capoeirabrasil #capoeira
We are happy to announce our Teaching Guests for Capoeira Brasil Calgary’s Batizado!
Be sure to come through to take workshops from this amazing lineup of capoeiristas.
📅 June 19-22, 2025
💻 Register Today! (Link in bio)
🌎Teaching Guests:
Mestra Pavão, Capoeira Brasil - Los Angeles
Formanda Amazonas, Capoeira Brasil - Los Angeles
Contramestra Agua Viva, Coletivo Colibri Capoeira - Seattle
Professora Esquilo, Capoeira Brasil - Vancouver
Professora Trança, Capoeira Brasil - Los Angeles
Estagiária Sininho, Associação de Capoeira Mestre Bimba - Capoeira Brasil
Instrutora Laranjeira, Família Irmãos Unidos - Los Angeles
#capoeirabrasilcalgary #capoeirabrasil #capoeira
Monday nights at the academy 🤸🏽♂️
Kids age 3-5: 5-6pm
Kids age 6-12 &
Adults fundamentals: 6pm-7pm
Adults All Levels: 7-8:30pm
Try something new today, try capoeira!
Rest in Power 🖤
Mestre Itabora was a pillar in the capoeira community and known around the world for his dedication to this art form. Along with his life long work to maintain and grow the integrity of this art form, he was known for being abundantly welcoming and kind.
One experience with Mestre Itabora that we can share was back when a few of us from Calgary went to visit Capoeira Brasil in Los Angeles for their 30th anniversary celebration and batizado. At the time, we were transitioning between groups, and had arrived with patched (all white) abadá. While we were introducing ourselves and getting settled to take part in the weekend event, among dozens of folks from all over the world at the academy, Mestre Itabora and one of his students called us aside to introduce themselves and welcome us to the event.
While everyone we encountered throughout that weekend was welcoming and kind, this moment really stands out to us. From our perspective, we were a few relatively unknown capoeiristas visiting from out of town with no patch or group affiliation, and here is one of the Mestres of Capoeira Brasil, taking this time to intentionally welcome and include us in the celebration.
This moment of connection was genuinely felt and it can be said that this was one of many reasons we are grateful to call Capoeira Brasil our home. Since then, we have enjoyed each opportunity with Mestre to take his classes, hear him sing, chit chat over coffee, hear a few of his stories during car rides between events, and otherwise enjoy the energy of his presence.
While our connection was all too short, we cherish and appreciate everything Mestre Itabora has done for us, and the capoeira community at large.
Rest in Power 🖤
Welcoming 2025 🤸🏽♂️
Kids class and fundamentals class running simultaneously on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Learn the foundations of capoeira alongside your little ones!
Capoeira Brasil Calgary Batizado 🇨🇦
Save the date: June 19-22 2025 📆
More info coming soon. For now, mark the date in your calendar!
#capoeirabrasilcalgary #capoeirabrasil
Kids Capoeira Classes 🤸♀️🤸🏽♂️
Training the next generation 📈 💫
Coach Torinho showing how fun capoeira can be
#capoeira #capoeiraYYC #capoeiracalgary #capoeirabrasil #capoeirabrasilcanada #capoeirabrasilcalgary #cbyyc #YYC #403 #yycfit #acrobatics #gymnastics #martialArts #kicks #flips #flexibility #balance #capoeiraFlow #capoeiraArte #capoeiraVida #capoeira4all #tricking #CapoeiraPerformers #ginga #martialArtsCalgary #Bankview #bankviewyyc
Capoeira workshop @ucalgary🤸🏽♂️🇨🇦
It is always a pleasure to share a little bit about this martial art form that we love so much with great students!
#capoeira #capoeiraYYC #capoeiracalgary #capoeirabrasil #capoeirabrasilcanada #capoeirabrasilcalgary #cbyyc #YYC #403 #yycfit #acrobatics #gymnastics #martialArts #kicks #flips #flexibility #balance #capoeiraFlow #capoeiraArte #capoeiraVida #capoeira4all #tricking #CapoeiraPerformers #ginga #martialArtsCalgary #Bankview #ucalgary #uofc
Halloween Roda 🎃 👻🤸🏽♂️
first, becoming one of our favorite events of the year, the Halloween roda brings everyone out in full costume and lots of energy. It is a bit of candy involved as well.
Workshop with Contramestre Instigado 🔥
Love getting to connect and train with our friend from Vancouver, Contramestre Instigado from Abalaê Capoeira who always brings the energy and Pernambuco style. Surprise frevo warmup was 🔥💃🏻🕺🏽☂️😜
Obrigado! @instigado_capoeira
#capoeira #capoeiraYYC #capoeiracalgary #capoeirabrasil #capoeirabrasilcanada #capoeirabrasilcalgary #cbyyc #YYC #403 #yycfit #acrobatics #gymnastics #martialArts #kicks #flips #flexibility #balance #capoeiraFlow #capoeiraArte #capoeiraVida #capoeira4all #tricking #CapoeiraPerformers #ginga #martialArtsCalgary #Bankview #bankviewyyc
We are performing at Sun Fest in Inglewood today ☀️
Two opportunities to check us out! Hope to see you all there @sunfestyyc #sunfest2024
Performance 1: 12:30pm-12:50pm
9th ave & 12th st SE
Performance 2: 3:00pm-3:20pm
CPA Parking Lot #44 1301 9th ave SE
#capoeira #capoeiraYYC #capoeiracalgary #capoeirabrasil #capoeirabrasilcanada #capoeirabrasilcalgary #cbyyc #YYC #403 #yycfit #acrobatics #gymnastics #martialArts #kicks #flips #flexibility #balance #capoeiraFlow #capoeiraArte #capoeiraVida #capoeira4all #tricking #CapoeiraPerformers #ginga #martialArtsCalgary #Bankview #bankviewyyc
Capoeira Brasil Calgary is proud to introduce Professors Chino and Gigante 💜💜
@chinocapoeirabrasil
@giganteyyc
Obrigado Mestre Boneco for your trust and support of our capoeira journey @simasbetosimas 🖤
#capoeirabrasil
Workshop with Mestra Tigresa 🐯
We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to connect and learn from Mestra Tigresa during our event. Her knowledge in capoeira and music and the energy she brings is next level. Obrigado @mtigresasdc
#capoeira #capoeiraYYC #capoeiracalgary #capoeirabrasil #capoeirabrasilcanada #capoeirabrasilcalgary #cbyyc #YYC #403 #yycfit #acrobatics #gymnastics #martialArts #kicks #flips #flexibility #balance #capoeiraFlow #capoeiraArte #capoeiraVida #capoeira4all #tricking #CapoeiraPerformers #ginga #martialArtsCalgary #Bankview #bankviewyyc
Workshops with Mestre Boneco always bring the energy 🔥
It was our privilege to host Mestre Boneco in Calgary for our Batizado this June. He brings a long history of experience and knowledge to share, and of course, an incredible amount of energy. Obrigado Mestre @simasbetosimas 🙏🏽
#capoeira #capoeiraYYC #capoeiracalgary #capoeirabrasil #capoeirabrasilcanada #capoeirabrasilcalgary #cbyyc #YYC #403 #yycfit #acrobatics #gymnastics #martialArts #kicks #flips #flexibility #balance #capoeiraFlow #capoeiraArte #capoeiraVida #capoeira4all #tricking #CapoeiraPerformers #ginga #martialArtsCalgary #Bankview #bankviewyyc @capoeirafilosofiadevida @capoeiraokulu @capoeiraenvida @capoeiratreina
Day I summary 🇧🇷
It’s been an amazing event so far and there is so much more to come! Obrigado Mestra Tigresa @mtigresasdc and professora esquilho @capoeirabrasilvan for your energy and classes
#capoeira #capoeiraYYC #capoeiracalgary #capoeirabrasil #capoeirabrasilcanada #capoeirabrasilcalgary #cbyyc #YYC #403 #yycfit #acrobatics #gymnastics #martialArts #kicks #flips #flexibility #balance #capoeiraFlow #capoeiraArte #capoeiraVida #capoeira4all #tricking #CapoeiraPerformers #ginga #martialArtsCalgary #Bankview #bankviewyyc @capoeirafilosofiadevida @capoeiraokulu @capoeiraenvida @capoeiratreina
Day I: Aula com Mestre Tigresa
Thursday we had the pleasure of taking class with @mtigresasdc. Day I was a success and had great energy! 🔥
#capoeira #capoeiraYYC #capoeiracalgary #capoeirabrasil #capoeirabrasilcanada #capoeirabrasilcalgary #cbyyc #YYC #403 #yycfit #acrobatics #gymnastics #martialArts #kicks #flips #flexibility #balance #capoeiraFlow #capoeiraArte #capoeiraVida #capoeira4all #tricking #CapoeiraPerformers #ginga #martialArtsCalgary #Bankview #bankviewyyc @capoeirafilosofiadevida @capoeiraokulu @capoeiraenvida @capoeiratreina
TRY CAPOEIRA TODAY, REGISTER NOW!
Join a fun and positive community and try capoeira today!
Call or text 403 921 7414, or email giganteyyc@gmail.com for more info.
