History of Capoeira Brasil

Mestre Boneco, co-founder of Grupo Capoeira Brasil, is dedicated to disseminating the rich culture and tradition of Capoeira. We practice a variation of Capoeira titled Capoeira Regional Contemporânea. Our style, derived from the movements and sequences defined by Mestre Bimba, reflect the evolutions and influences of the Mestres of Capoeira Brasil. We strive to maintain the integrity of the art, as well as support its evolution.

FoundersFounders

On January 14th, 1989 in Rio de Janeiro, Grupo Capoeira Brasil was founded by Mestres Boneco, Paulão,and Paulinho Sabiá The inauguration, sponsored by a council of legendary mestres from various organizations, began an amazing capoeira dynasty, which today is one of the largest in the world. The "padrinhos," or godfathers of Grupo Capoeira Brasil include Mestres Suassuna, Itapoan, Peixinho, and the late Ezekiel. Since its founding, Grupo Capoeira Brasil has grown internationally with centers and academies in New York, Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix, Tempe, Boston, Durham, Ensenada (MX), Amsterdam, Sydney (AUS), Paris, Marseille, Budapest, Brussels, Mount Maunganui (NZ), New Caledonia, Hong Kong, and all over Brazil.

    Founders of Grupo Capoeira Brasil:
  • Mestre Boneco (Rio de Janeiro/Los Angeles)
  • Mestre Paulinho Sabiá (Niteroi/Paris)
  • Mestre Paulão (Ceara/Amsterdam)

    In addition the group graduated twenty-six other black cords:
  • Mestre Cabeca (Aracajú)
  • Mestre Naval (Rio de Janeiro)
  • Mestre Girino (São Paulo)
  • Mestre Curumim (Rio de Janeiro)
  • Mestre Espiga (Rio de Janeiro)
  • Mestre Peixe (Australia)
  • Mestre Kim (Ceara)
  • Mestre Envergado (Ceara)
  • Formado Cal Matos (Brussels)
  • Formado Linguica (Rio)
  • Formado Marcão (Ceariá)
  • Formado Azul (Lausanne)
  • Formado Ze Pequeno (Marseille)
  • Formado Caxias (New York)
  • Formado Leo Pivete (Niteroi)
  • Formado Mindinho (San Diego)
  • Formado Tititi (Rio de Janeiro)
  • Formado Dengoso (Lyon)
  • Formado Tayson (Eindhoven)
  • Formada Magali (Rio de Janeiro)
  • Formado Gaviao (Rio de Janeiro)
  • Formado Fuinha (Rio de Janeiro)
  • Formado Leo Pivete (Rio de Janeiro)
  • Formado Mumia (Long Beach, CA)
  • Formada Jo (Hong Kong)
  • Formado Negativo (Rio de Janeiro)

Each of the twenty-six complements the Capoeira Brasil family in their own unique way; each having individual programs with numerous graduated students assisting in the cultivation and evolution of the group's work.

In 1998 Beto Simas, AKA Mestre Boneco, moved to Los Angeles and Grupo Capoeira Brasil, LA (CBLA) was formed. In its short history, the group has grown and evolved tremendously. Under the positive guidance of one of the most amazing mestres in the world, the Los Angeles crew is a close-knit, friendly, and social group that hosts cultural events, art exhibits, movie screenings, and parties, in addition to teaching/training Capoeira. With satellite classes, youth programs, teaching residencies, and public and private performances, CBLA is an artist/athlete community whose work is present throughout Southern California, We are a fundamental part of Benção Brasil, a non-profit Brazilian Cultural Center and arts collective that serves the greater Los Angeles community.