Mestre Besouro · Tucson Capoeira UCA
Mestre Besouro
Culture. Movement. Community.
Meet Bryan “Besouro” Castle—Marine, Capoeira teacher, and the leader of Tucson Capoeira UCA at Culture Connects Studio.
Rooted in Tucson. Connected through culture.
A practice that became a calling
He came for the movement.
He stayed for the culture.
Besouro began training with Mestre Dondi “Enxu” at Capoeira Malandragem in 1998. Looking for a way to maintain the fitness he had developed in the Marine Corps, he found a powerful connection to Afro-Brazilian rhythm, philosophy, and community.
Learning under Dondi, a student of Mestre Acordeon, gave that journey a foundation. Training and travel across North America and Brazil broadened his understanding of Capoeira and the relationships that sustain it.
That experience continues to shape his teaching: movement belongs alongside music, cultural knowledge, and care for the people sharing the roda.
- 1998
The first class
Began training with Dondi’s Capoeira Malandragem.
- 2013
Professor
Earned the UCA title of Professor.
- 2022
Mestre
Received Mestre de Primeiro Grau in December.
Our teaching lineage
Knowledge passed from person to person.
Mestre Bimba → Mestre Acordeon → Mestre Dondi “Enxu” → Mestre Besouro
Tucson Capoeira is part of the United Capoeira Association. Our story connects today’s students with the teachers whose work helped bring this practice from Bahia to Tucson.
Explore the full story →Culture Connects Studio
A place to begin. A community to grow with.
Besouro leads classes where beginners can learn the fundamentals and returning students can deepen their practice. Respect, curiosity, and participation are part of every student’s journey.
Discover Capoeira →In the classroom
Move. Listen. Learn together.
Build a foundation
Practice balance, ginga, evasions, and controlled movement. Begin at your experience level and build from there.
Learn the culture
Explore songs, instruments, Portuguese words, and the Afro-Brazilian traditions connected to the art.
Support your partner
Learn to pay attention, respond thoughtfully, and help create a welcoming roda for the people around you.
Come train with us
Your next step starts here.
Youth ages 6–12: Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 5–6 PM.
Adults & teens: Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 6–7:30 PM.
No Saturday classes. Your first class is free.
See class information →