Ages 3–5
Pre-Capoeira
A playful first step into capoeira: simple movements, games, songs and instruments that build coordination, confidence and social skills.
Tucson’s first capoeira school · United Capoeira Association
Capoeira classes in Tucson, Arizona
Afro-Brazilian martial art, music and movement for kids, teens and adults. No experience needed – your first class is free.
- Ages 3 → adultKids, teens & adults
- 3 days a weekMon · Wed · Fri
- 22nd St & Country ClubCulture Connects Studio
Classes for every age
Capoeira programs in Tucson
Martial arts, acrobatics, live music and Brazilian Portuguese – taught in a safe, welcoming community. Start with an 8-week session or a free trial class.
Ages 6–12 · Mon, Wed & Fri
Youth Capoeira
Kids build flexibility, agility, rhythm and acrobatic skill, learn Portuguese words and songs, and grow real self-confidence.
Ages 13+ · Mon, Wed & Fri
Adult & Teen
A full-body workout that’s part fight, part dance, part music. All levels welcome – no experience or uniform needed to start.
Everyone has a place in the roda
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Little ones
Ages 3–5
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Kids
Ages 6–12
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Women
All levels
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Men
All levels
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Families
Train together
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Every age
It’s never too late
Tucson’s first capoeira school
Afro-Brazilian martial arts, music & community
Capoeira is an African-rooted martial art from Brazil that combines self-defense, acrobatics, dance-like movement and live music. At Tucson Capoeira – UCA we honor that history while building strength, discipline and family in every class.
We are part of the United Capoeira Association, a Capoeira Regional lineage that traces back to Mestre Bimba. Students come from all over Tucson and Southern Arizona – women, femmes and the LGBTQ+ community are especially encouraged to join.
- Experienced, certified UCA instructors
- Live berimbau, atabaque and pandeiro in class
- Cordão (belt) ranking and yearly Batizado
- Sibling and family discounts
Class schedule
When we train
Culture Connects Studio · 3000 E. 22nd Street, Suite 101, Tucson, AZ 85713
Monday
- Youth Capoeira (6–12)
- Adults & Teens (13+)
Wednesday
- Youth Capoeira (6–12)
- Adults & Teens (13+)
Friday
- Youth Capoeira (6–12)
- Adults & Teens – no uniform needed
Youth: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 5–6 PM. Adults & teens: 6–7:30 PM. No Saturday classes. Contact us about Pre-Capoeira availability.
Why capoeira?
More than a workout
Strength
Handstands, rolls and kicks build real upper-body and leg power.
Flexibility
Low, flowing movement opens hips, hamstrings and shoulders.
Cardio & stamina
A lively game in the roda is serious conditioning.
Self-defense
Evasions, sweeps and awareness you can actually use.
Confidence
Kids and adults grow braver every time they enter the roda.
Music & culture
Play berimbau, sing in Portuguese and learn Afro-Brazilian history.
Why parents choose Tucson Capoeira Why learn capoeira with us
Inside the roda
Capoeira in Tucson, in pictures
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Shoulder throw in the roda -
Aú – the capoeira cartwheel -
Strength and flexibility -
Capoeira performers, Tucson AZ -
Rhythm starts young -
Our kids’ program -
The pulse of the music -
Dialogue through movement
Your first class
Movement, rhythm & connection
Our teachers & lineage
Rooted in tradition
Meet the teachers in our lineage and the UCA community—from Bahia to Tucson.
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Mestre Bimba
Creator of Capoeira Regional
Read their story -
Mestre Acordeon
UCA founder
Read their story -
Mestre Rã
UCA founder
Read their story -
Mestra Suelly
UCA founder
Read their story -
Mestre Dondi “Enxu”
Besouro’s teacher · Tucson founder
Read their story -
Mestre Besouro
Head instructor · Tucson Capoeira UCA
Read their story
Part of the United Capoeira Association
Learn how our teachers connect through Capoeira, music, and community.
Explore our full lineage
Google reviews
What our families say
My Daughter and I have been going for 4 years now. If you haven't tried Capoeira before?! Why not learn from one the oldest Capoeira schools in Tucson.
We are new to capoeira but have been very pleased with this experience for our kids (they started at age 8 and 10 but some start much younger). Building strength of mind, body and character while also having fun. Safe environment and community involvement is A+
I went for a first class and I was impressed, such a lovely community and the mestre was cool and patient I highly recommend these classes
Questions
Capoeira in Tucson – FAQ
What is capoeira?
Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art created by enslaved Africans in Brazil. It blends self-defense, acrobatics, dance-like movement, live music and song, and is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Where are capoeira classes held in Tucson?
Classes meet at Culture Connects Studio, 3000 E. 22nd Street, Suite 101, Tucson, AZ 85713 – El Campo / Food City Plaza at 22nd St & Country Club Rd, next to Family Dollar.
Do I need experience or to be in shape to start?
No. Beginners of every fitness level are welcome and every class is scaled to the student. Capoeira itself builds your strength, flexibility, balance and cardio over time.
What ages can train capoeira?
We teach Pre-Capoeira for ages 3–5, Youth Capoeira for ages 6–12, and Adult & Teen classes for ages 13 and up. Families often train together.
Is the first class free?
Yes – your first trial class is free. Call or text 520-603-8043 or use the free-trial form to reserve a spot.
What should I wear to my first class?
Comfortable athletic clothes you can move in – sweatpants or leggings and a t-shirt. We train barefoot. Uniforms (abadás) come later and are not required for Friday classes.
Which capoeira group is Tucson Capoeira part of?
Tucson Capoeira is a member academy of the United Capoeira Association (UCA), a Capoeira Regional lineage that traces back to Mestre Bimba.
Find us
Visit our Tucson studio
- Culture Connects Studio
3000 E. 22nd Street, Suite 101, Tucson, AZ 85713
El Campo / Food City Plaza at 22nd St & Country Club Rd, next to Family Dollar - 520-603-8043
- cultureconnectsaz@gmail.com
Let’s connect
Ask a question or try a class
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