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Mestre Boneco is a world-renowned Capoeira master and co-founder of Grupo Capoeira Brasil, one of the largest and most respected Capoeira organizations globally.

He began training in Rio de Janeiro at age eleven and helped establish Capoeira Brasil in 1989 to preserve and grow the art form. After moving to Los Angeles in 1998, he founded Capoeira Brasil Los Angeles, building a vibrant community that welcomes beginners, athletes, families, and experienced capoeiristas.

Today, he mentors teachers worldwide, produces international events, collaborates with film and media productions, and leads social impact programs in Brazil through Projeto Ginga Brasil—sharing Capoeira as a powerful blend of martial art, music, culture, fitness, and personal growth.

Capoeira Brasil instructors are in more than 40 countries, teaching, performing, and enriching communities worldwide.

Founded in 1998 by Mestre Boneco, Capoeira Brasil Los Angeles (CBLA) is the group's official headquarters. CBLA is dedicated to disseminating the rich culture and tradition of Capoeira. The organization strives to maintain the integrity of the art while supporting 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 decided to continue their work independently of their Mestre and founded Capoeira Brasil. The group’s inauguration was sponsored by a council 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 worldwide. 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 and to support its continued evolution and growth. In Capoeira, as in most martial arts, you are judged by your lineage, your learning, and your connection to the roots of your art. Honoring tradition and history while simultaneously celebrating Capoeira’s development is fundamental to 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 worldwide.

In Los Angeles:
Capoeira Brasil Headquarters was founded in 1998, when founder Mestre Boneco moved to Los Angeles.

Our team is dedicated to serving the Southern California community and its families. With a mission to promote self-confidence, respect, and tolerance through athletics and culture, CBLA has a range of initiatives and programs. The organization celebrates unity through 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.

Capoeira is a holistic art with many elements; each person brings their own set of experiences, strengths, and interests to class. Whatever your reason for training, remember that becoming involved in the Capoeira community by learning more about Brazilian culture, attending weekly rodas, workshops, and other special events is a great way to better understand the beauty and strength of the art.



Capoeiristas are rewarded for their dedication and growth once a year by graduating to their first (or next) cord at a Batizado. Once a year, Capoeira Brasil Los Angeles hosts its International Capoeira Festival and Batizado.

The festival is a week-long event where Capoeira mestres (masters), teachers, students, and supporters come together for special workshops, lectures, rodas, seminars, performances, and parties! The Batizado graduation and cord ceremony is the festival’s culminating event. The annual International Festival and Batizado is the most important event of the year for capoeiristas. It is what capoeiristas train for and look forward to all year. It is important not only because of the cord ceremony, but also because it is an opportunity for students to train with all the visiting mestres and teachers, as well as to meet capoeiristas from all over the world!



One month prior to the International Capoeira Festival and Batizado, capoeiristas participate in their individual “ACE”: Annual Capoeira Evaluation. This is how each capoeirista’s progress is assessed.

“ACE” or the Annual Capoeira Evaluation is an individual assessment of your development as a capoeirista and the progress you have made in your training over the past year. The assessment is performed by lead teachers at CBLA, and is done in a group as well as individually. Capoeiristas will be considered for their next cord by being observed in their day-to-day training as well as their performance in their Annual Capoeira Evaluation. This is where their movement, music, participation, and in-the-roda skill is tested and individually assessed. The “ACE” process is different at each cord level.

Founded in 2002, we seek to uplift, empower, and inspire adults, youth, and their families. Bençao Brasil Cultural Center is committed to bringing Brazilian culture and the art of Capoeira to communities in Southern California.

Culture
Capoeira is a holistic art; a mix of traditional music, culture, dance, and martial arts. When Brazilian dance, music, and arts are coupled with authentic Capoeira experiences, practitioners enjoy a positive, creative outlet to express themselves and stay healthy inside and out.



Community
Ultimately, through classes, community programming, teaching residencies, international cultural exchanges, workshops, festivals, and performances, we strive to help all participants to grow as positive contributing members of a modern global society.



Programs & Initiatives:
- Annual Festivals + Workshops
- Capoeira In Schools
- Scholarship Program
- Summer Night Lights


Bençao Brasil is a 501 c(3) non-profit partner of Capoeira Brasil, and our headquarters are located in Los Angeles.



Your tax-deductible donation goes directly to funding:
- Memberships and uniforms for needy and at-risk youth who are interested in our programs. - Plane tickets for visiting teachers. - Fees for visiting teachers. - Musical instruments and teaching equipment.

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Class Etiquette
Wear clean white Capoeira pants (abadas), a cord, and a Capoeira or white t-shirt. On Fridays and Saturdays, Capoeira street pants are okay.

First-time students needn't wear a uniform, just regular athletic gear. New students get two months to buy a Capoeira Brasil uniform and need proper athletic undergarments.

Arrive on time or early. Ask the teacher for permission if you're late. No street shoes on the training floor, but MAT shoes (not worn outside) are allowed.



Uniforms
White Capoeira pants are called abadas. Your abadas, cord, and a Capoeira Brasil t-shirt are your official uniform. All are available at the academy, and beginners can purchase an inexpensive uniform kit. For your first class wear comfortable athletic gear.

Abadas are required for Monday through Thursday classes and for all special events, performances, and demonstrations. On Fridays and Saturdays, students can wear colored capoeira pants.



Cords
Students develop differently over the years. Promotions are not based solely on the amount of time a student spends in class, but also on that student's skill level. So, two students who have trained for the same amount of time may not receive the same cord at a Batizado. This is why there are overlaps in the number of years it takes to receive a cord; the graduation process is subjective.

CAPOEIRA BRASIL | LOS ANGELES

MESTRE BONECO

Move. Connect. Transform.
Start your Capoeira journey with us today.

• Book your trial class !

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GRUPO CAPOEIRA BRASIL

TRADITION AND COMMUNITY

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.

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WHAT IS CAPOEIRA ?

AN ARTFORM OF MOVEMENT, CONNECTION AND TRANSFORMATION

Capoeira is an Afro- Brazilian martial art that blends movement, music, and strategy. Part dance, part fight, and part cultural expression, it was born from the struggle for freedom and has become a powerful practice of creativity, connection, and personal transformation.

BEto SIMAS - MESTRE BONECO

co-founder of grupo capoeira brasil

Mestre Boneco is a world-renowned Capoeira master and co-founder of Grupo Capoeira Brasil. Trained in Rio de Janeiro, he has spent decades sharing Capoeira worldwide - building communities, mentoring teachers, and using the art as a force for culture, empowerment, and transformation.

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CULTURAL LEGACY

TRADITION AND AUTHENTICITY

Capoeira Brasil Los Angeles is deeply committed to preserving Capoeira as an authentic, living cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO. Rooted in Afro-Brazilian tradition, the school safeguards the art’s rituals, music, and history while passing its values across generations - using Capoeira to unite communities, honor its origins, and sustain a powerful legacy of transformation.

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TRAINING AT CAPOEIRA BRASIL

Move. Connect. Transform.

Much like any art or sport you practice, your development in the art of Capoeira will be a direct result of your consistent and dedicated training, effort, drive, and your desire to learn. No prior experience is required to begin training, you will learn everything you need while in class.Capoeira Brasil offers classes for all ages - from teenie tiny tots to adults, several times a week, including weekends.

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CLASSES FOR ALL LEVELS

We have a limited number of spots available for In-Person classes.
A quick online reservation secures your spot.Items in Green are adult classes, special events + gatherings.
Items in Blue are youth classes.
Saturday rodas are always free. Bring your friends.

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Etiquette, Uniforms & Cords

COMMITMENT TO THE ARTFORM

New students may wear regular athletic clothing for their first classes. After one month, students should wear the Capoeira uniform: clean white abadas (Capoeira pants), a cord, and a Capoeira or white t-shirt. Arrive on time, ask permission if late, and never wear street shoes on the training floor.

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BENÇAO BRASIL

Bençao Brasil Cultural Center

Bençao Brasil Cultural Center is committed to bringing the culture of Brazil and the art of Capoeira to the communities of Southern California. Founded in 2002, we seek to uplift, empower, and inspire adults, youth, and their families.Bençao Brasil is a 501 c(3) non profit partner of Capoeira Brasil and our headquarters located in Los Angeles.

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RIO + RETREAT

AN UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY TO BRASIL

The 2025 Retreat featured a fun-packed agenda - see the details and photos below:Dates: Nov 17-27, 2025- 9 Days/8 Nights
- Spend time in vibrant Rio de Janeiro
- Relax at a private countryside retreat
- Some meals & ground transportation included
- 4-star hotel (Rio) cozy cabanas (Retreat)
- Participation in cultural, musical, outdoor & capoeira activities2026 trip details coming soon!***

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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GIVING VOICE TO OUR COMMUNITY

TESTIMONIALS

- GRUPO CAPOEIRA BRASIL -

10875 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
[email protected]
(310) 730-6585