Ages 3–5
Pre-Capoeira
A playful first step into capoeira: simple movements, games, songs and instruments that build coordination, confidence and social skills.
Since 1996 · Tucson’s first capoeira school · United Capoeira Association
Afro-Brazilian martial art, music and movement for kids, teens and adults. No experience needed – your first class is free.
Classes for every age
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 3–5
A playful first step into capoeira: simple movements, games, songs and instruments that build coordination, confidence and social skills.
Ages 6–12 · Mon, Wed & Fri
Kids build flexibility, agility, rhythm and acrobatic skill, learn Portuguese words and songs, and grow real self-confidence.
Ages 13+ · Mon, Wed & Fri
A full-body workout that’s part fight, part dance, part music. All levels welcome – no experience or uniform needed to start.
Getting started
Choose the kids, teen or adult class that fits your week – every class is beginner-friendly.
See the scheduleFill in the short form below or call/text us. We’ll confirm within a day.
Book nowWear comfy clothes – we train barefoot. Arrive 10 minutes early and we’ll take it from there.
Get directions
Little ones
Ages 3–5
Kids
Ages 6–12
Women
All levels
Men
All levels
Families
Train together
Mestres
Real lineage
Tucson’s first capoeira school
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.
Your story starts here
You learn the ginga – capoeira’s swaying base step – plus a few kicks, dodges and your first song in Portuguese. Nobody expects you to know anything. That’s the point.
The group forms a circle, the berimbau starts to play, and you step in to “play” your first game. Your heart pounds. Everyone claps and sings for you.
At our yearly Batizado, visiting mestres play with you in front of family and friends. You receive your first cordão – and often your capoeira nickname.
Strength, music, a second language and friends across the world. Our students have trained with us for years – some parents now train next to their kids.
Class schedule
Culture Connects Studio · 3000 E. 22nd Street, Suite 101, Tucson, AZ 85713
Membership
Your first class is always free. Sibling and family plans available.
More ways to train
One-on-one capoeira sessions that engage every muscle group and build flexibility, balance, coordination and endurance – at your pace.
Ask about private lessonsFor dancers who want to learn and polish samba no pé footwork, posture and performance skills.
Ask about sambaBring capoeira, live Afro-Brazilian music and maculelê to your school, festival, library or community event anywhere in Southern Arizona.
Book us for your eventWhy capoeira?
Handstands, rolls and kicks build real upper-body and leg power.
Low, flowing movement opens hips, hamstrings and shoulders.
A lively game in the roda is serious conditioning.
Evasions, sweeps and awareness you can actually use.
Kids and adults grow braver every time they enter the roda.
Play berimbau, sing in Portuguese and learn Afro-Brazilian history.
Why parents choose Tucson Capoeira Why learn capoeira with us
Your first class
Google reviews
My daughter and I have been going for 4 years now. If you haven’t tried capoeira before, why not learn from one of the oldest capoeira schools in Tucson.
We are new to capoeira but have been very pleased with this experience for our kids. 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes – your first trial class is free. Call or text 520-603-8043 or use the free-trial form to reserve a spot.
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.
Tucson Capoeira is a member academy of the United Capoeira Association (UCA), a Capoeira Regional lineage that traces back to Mestre Bimba.
Free trial class
Tell us who’s coming and we’ll save you a spot. No experience, uniform or fitness level required – just comfortable clothes.
Prefer to talk? 520-603-8043
Find us
Member academy of the United Capoeira Association · Capoeira Regional lineage of Mestre Bimba · Proudly teaching at Culture Connects Studio, Tucson
Come play in the roda. No experience, no uniform, no problem.