Capoeira Brasil is an international cultural organization founded in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1989 by renowned Capoeira Mestres (Masters): Boneco, Paulinho Sabia and Paulão Ceara.

Over the past three decades, the founders set out across the globe with the mission of sharing their knowledge of Capoeira with people of all ages, ethnicities, religions and beliefs. Today Capoeira is an international art form with a diverse community of practitioners that celebrate its contagious energy and powerful traditions. Capoeira is dance, it is fight, it is culture and creativity. It is an art of transformation, born from the struggle for liberation, empowerment and self-determination.

Capoeira Brasil instructors are in more than 40 countries teaching, performing and enriching communities all over the world.

Opened in 1998 by Mestre Boneco, Capoeira Brasil Los Angeles (CBLA) is the official headquarters of the group. CBLA is dedicated to disseminating the rich culture and tradition of Capoeira. The organization strives to maintain the integrity of the art, as well as support its evolution and growth.

Capoeira Brasil has its roots in the world-renowned cultural organization, Senzala, where the three founders trained and learned for many years under the guidance of innovator, Mestre Camisa.  As graduated students and later teachers at Senzala, Boneco, Paulinho Sabia and Paulão developed their own distinctive Capoeira style, drawing from the teachings of legendary Mestres (Masters) like Bimba, Pastinha, Eziquiel, Leopoldina, João Pequeno, João Grande, and Itapoan. 

In 1989, after years of training, teaching, traveling and building their reputation in the Capoeira community, Boneco, Paulinho Sabia and Paulão made the decision to continue their work independent of their Mestre and inaugurated Capoeira Brasil.  The group’s inauguration was sponsored by a counsel of Brazil’s most respected Mestres:  Itapoan, João Grande, João Pequeno, Eziquiel, Suassuna, Mão Branca, Peixinho, Gato and others. 

Over the past three decades the group has grown tremendously, with teachers throughout the world.  Internationally and locally, Capoeira Brasil is dedicated to sharing and preserving the rich culture and tradition of Capoeira.  The organization strives to maintain the integrity of the art, as well as support its continued evolution and growth.  In Capoeira, as in most martial arts, you are judged by your lineage, your learning, and connection to the roots of your art. Honoring tradition and history, while simultaneously celebrating Capoeira’s development, is fundamental and at the heart of the Capoeira Brasil’s mission.   

Our Style: 

Capoeira Brasil practices a style of Capoeira known as Capoeira Contemporânea (Contemporary Capoeira). This diverse and dynamic style is derived from the movements and methodology developed by the legendary Mestre Bimba as well as the traditional teachings of Capoeira Angola.  It is a reflection of the art’s continuing evolution and a style widely practiced throughout the world. 

In Los Angeles: 

Capoeira Brasil Headquarters came into existence in 1998 when founder Mestre Boneco moved to Los Angeles.  

Our team is dedicated to working in the Southern California community and serving its families. With a mission to promote self-confidence, respect, and tolerance through athleticism and culture, CBLA has various initiatives and programs in place. The organization celebrates unity through the movement of Capoeira, underscoring the centuries old connection between African and Latin cultures. Capoeira is an art that unifies and strengthens, bringing people from all walks of life together. It is an art of transformation, fostering a connected and creative community and encouraging healthy living. 

Our Non-Profit: 

Your tax deductible donation to ‘Benção Brasil’ directly supports at risk and/or needy youth by providing education and uniforms. Please contact us directly if our standard donation types don’t fit your giving goals.

For more information on our group, please feel free to contact us directly.