Our story · Tucson Capoeira UCA
Roots in Bahia.
A home in Tucson.
A rhythm passed from teacher to student. A community built each time we step into the roda.
Capoeira brings movement, music, and people together. Here in Tucson, that connection reaches across generations—from Mestre Bimba’s teaching in Brazil to the students discovering their first ginga today.
- Mestre BimbaCapoeira Regional
- Mestre AcordeonA bridge to the U.S.
- Mestre Dondi “Enxu”Our Tucson roots
- Mestre BesouroThe next generation
01 · The foundation
Mestre Bimba: a living legacy
Our story begins in Salvador, Bahia, with Manoel dos Reis Machado—Mestre Bimba. He developed Capoeira Regional, creating a structured approach that brought movement sequences, music, discipline, and the roda into a shared practice. His academy opened in 1932 and gained official recognition in 1937.
That legacy reaches beyond physical skill. Listening to the rhythm, respecting a partner, and learning through consistent practice remain part of what we carry into class.
Explore Bimba’s legacy →
02 · Across borders
Mestre Acordeon & the UCA
A student of Bimba, Ubirajara Almeida—Mestre Acordeon—helped bring Capoeira to the western United States in the late 1970s. His work as a teacher, musician, author, and historian carried the art into new communities.
The United Capoeira Association grew from the shared vision of Mestre Acordeon, Mestre Rã, and Mestra Suelly: a community where teachers could work toward common ideals while retaining their individual identities. Together, these UCA founders helped shape the tradition that connects our schools.
For Tucson Capoeira, belonging to the UCA means learning within a wider community—one that values cultural knowledge, shared practice, and respect for different approaches to the art.
Meet our UCA lineage →
03 · Putting down roots
Mestre Dondi “Enxu”: bringing people into the roda
That teaching connection took root in Tucson through Mestre Dondi “Enxu” Marble, a student of Acordeon and the founder of Capoeira Malandragem. Working within the UCA tradition, he opened the roda to people of different ages, backgrounds, and experience levels.
For Bryan Castle, Dondi became a teacher and mentor. What began in one class would grow into a commitment to carrying this community forward.
Read about our founder →
04 · Carrying it forward
One class. A lifelong connection.
Bryan “Besouro” Castle walked into Dondi’s class in 1998 looking for a way to maintain the fitness he had developed in the Marine Corps. He found something that reached further: the rhythm, philosophy, physical challenge, and community of Afro-Brazilian culture.
Training and travel across North America and Brazil deepened that connection. Besouro earned the UCA title of Professor in 2013 and Mestre de Primeiro Grau in December 2022.
Today, Mestre Besouro leads Tucson Capoeira UCA at Culture Connects Studio, helping new students find their own place in this continuing story.
Get to know Mestre Besouro →
The story continues with you
There is a place for you in the roda.
The thread connecting these teachers lives in everyday moments: a student finding the beat, a partner offering encouragement, a child discovering what they can do.
You do not need to be an athlete to begin. Come ready to move, listen, learn, and belong.
Try your first class freeYouth: Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 5–6 PM
Adults & teens: Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 6–7:30 PM