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OVERVIEW | MESTRE RAILSON | C-MESTRE MAXUEL | INSTRUCTOR BUSHO
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INSTRUCTOR BUSHO
Roberto Tapia (Instructor Busho) was first exposed to capoeira on a visit to Salvador da Bahia, Brazil in 1995. Roberto (from Chile) made his second trip to Brazil in 1997, traveling to Rio de Janeiro, Bello Horizonte, and Porto Seguro, among other cities. He also visited the academies of Mestre Mao Branca (Capoeira Gerais) in Belo Horizonte and Mestre Railson (the founder of Capoeira Sul da Bahia) in Arraial d'Ajuda Bahia, Brazil and trained extensively with capoeiristas from these areas.
In 1997, Roberto began training with Contra-Mestre Maxuel in the city of Santiago, Chile. Maxuel, a young and talented capoerista from Bahia-Brazil would go on to teach in Chile for almost ten years and currently teaches in Paris, France. Roberto returned to Brazil in 1999, training at Capoeira Sul da Bahia academies in Porto Seguro and Arraial d'Ajuda, gaining more experience and improving his capoeira techniques.
In 2003, Roberto traveled once again to Arraial d 'Ajuda to participate in the "1st International Encounter of Capoeira Sul da Bahía", a grand event that occurs every two years, bringing together hundreds of capoeiristas from around the world to train together. Roberto had the honor of participating in the "3rd International Encounter" in July 2007, the "4th International Encounter" in July 2009 and the "5th International Encounter" in August 2011, further perfecting his skills as a capoeirista and teacher.
Roberto's dedication to capoeira is best exemplified through his advancement of belts. In 2001, he received a 4th belt, becoming a capoeirista graduado (graduated capoeira student). In 2005 he moved to Washington, D.C. and in 2006 organized his first batizado (capoeira graduation) In that event his mestre advanced Roberto to the status of "Monitor". In 2009 Roberto recevied the "Instructor" cord at the 4th International Encounter in Bahia-Brazil.
Teaching Experience
Roberto began teaching capoeira in 1999 at different universities in Santiago, Chile and at various gyms and cultural centers. Upon arriving in the United States in 2005 he began teaching in Rockville, Maryland and Washington, D.C. where in a matter of one year he was able to grow his capoeira group to include over 50 adults and children.
During that time he organized two batizados (capoeira graduation events) which brought instructors and capoeira masters from around the world.
In October 2008 Roberto opened his own studio, "Roda Movements" in Takoma Park, MD and dedicated himself full time to growing his studio. He eventually organized three more batizados and is currently planning the studio's sixth batizado. In 2010 Roberto also organized a Brazilian Festival in downtown Silver Spring.
Roberto instills the same techniques, energy, and enthusiasm to his students that his own professor passed on to him. He hopes to provide his students with high quality classes that enhance their skill and love of capoeira.