OUR GROUP 

OVERVIEW | MESTRE RAILSON | C-MESTRE MAXUEL | INSTRUCTOR BUSHO | BELT SYSTEM

OVERVIEW

"Capoeira Sul da Bahia – Washington D.C." is a group whose principal mission is to encourage and promote the art of Capoeira.  Students will learn and enjoy specific movements and rhythms through the knowledge and techniques of qualified and professional teachers in an amiable environment. Classes are held by Roberto Tapia (Instructor Busho).

OBJECTIVES:

• Popularize Capoeira in D.C. Area  through frequent, systematic classes taught using established methodologies of learning.
• Focus on Capoeira Angola and Capoeira Regional, and other Brazilian dances such a  Maculele and  Samba de Roda.
• Provide students with opportunities to further strengthen and develop their skills through Batizados, meetings, Rodas and Workshops taught by visiting experts.
•  Strengthen the presence of Afro-Brazilian Culture in the community through classes along with events, shows, festivals and presentations.

OUR GROUP HISTORY:

On March 1976, in Rio de Janeiro, Capoeira mestre Jose Carlos Vicente "Mestre Gigante" founded and registered the capoeira group called "Negrinho de Sinha" Association. In 1989, Mestre Gigante died, leaving the group he created with no reference. Almost four years later, his student William Douglas Guimaraes - better known as Mao Branca - decided to continue where his master left off. He went on to found the "Capoeira Gerais" group in Belo Horizonte in the year 1992.

Gerais - meaning "General" - encompasses the diversity of the group and the richness of Capoeira; it relates to the strife, poetic music, dance, culture and styles of Capoeira.

Mestre Mao Branca has continued to train and initiate four other masters; three of which continue to train in the Capoeira Gerais group - Mestre Paulao, Mestre Antonio Dias, and Mestre Railson. Mestre Railson founded his own academy on October 12, 1986 under the name of "Capoeira Gerias Sul da Bahia". This was due to its location in Arraial d'Ajuda, at the south of the state of Bahia. In his academy, Mestre Railson has focused on maintaining the traditions of Capoeria and teaching students the foundations and techniques of capoeira. These teachings include history, singing, the music, and the great technique that is characteristic of his group. In 1999 his group changed its name to just "Capoeira Sul da Bahia" and became a part of "Escuela Cultural Capoeira Gerias", who's president is Mestre Mao Branca.