About Us
History of Capoeira Brasil
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, Durham, Mexico, Amsterdam, Sydney, Paris, Marseille, Budapest, Brussels, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Hong Kong, and all over Brazil.
Beto Simas, a.k.a. 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.
In 1998, 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 Mestre Boneco, CBLA is a close-knit, friendly, and social group that hosts cultural events, art exhibits, movie screenings, and parties, in addition to teaching/training Capoeira throughout the greater Los Angeles community.
Anderson dos Santos da Silva, also known as Professor Esttylo in the Capoeira community, was born in Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Professor Esttylos first contact with Capoeira was in 1989 in the streets of Rio De Janeiro where he quickly fell in love with the art. He began taking classes at his elementary school and near his home. His repertoire is vast and includes experience with a few different Capoeira groups and instructors. It wasnt until he joined Capoeira Brasil, first training with Formando Abelha and later Mestre Boneco, that he truly found his Capoeira home. Today he lives, trains and teaches in Southern California, with classes at the Capoeira Brasil Los Angeles, in various middle and high schools, and in Torrance.
Students develop differently over the years. Promotions are not based only on the amount of time a student spends in class, but also on the skill level of that student. 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.
Crua (Raw): Beginner level.
Yellow/Raw: Transition to Yellow.
Yellow: Students demonstrate a basic understanding of the capoeira game.
Orange/Raw: Transition cord to Orange.
Orange: Beginner/Intermediate level.
Blue/Red: Students earn the title of Monitor at this level and begin learning how to teach kids and beginner adults.
Blue: Students at this level earn the title of Graduado.
Green: Instructor. At this level, capoeiristas continue to improve their skills, which now include teaching.
Purple: Professor. Capoeiristas at this level have proven themselves as skilled martial artists and proficient teachers.
Brown: Formando. Formandos are some of the most important figures in their group and in the world of Capoeira.
Black: Mestre. This is the apex for capoeiristas.
For a more detailed description of the cord levels of Grupo Capoeira Brasil click here
The official Capoeira Brasil uniform consists of white capoeira pants called abadas, your cord and a Capoeira Brasil t-shirt. All are available at the main CBLA academy where beginners can purchase an inexpensive uniform kit. For your first class wear comfortable athletic gear. Abadas are required for all classes and special events, performances and demonstrations.