Mestre Rã

Cassio Marthino has been playing capoeira for over 30 years, and trained under many Mestres throughout Brasil, including Mestre Tarzan, Mestre Galo, and Mestre Suassuna. Mestre Rã has performed and taught all over the world. Currently, Mestre Rã works with Mestre Acordeon while also running his own school for at risk children in Jundiai, São Paulo, Brasil.

Mestra Suelly

Suellen Einarsen, the first American woman to earn the title of mestre, has played a vital role for women in Capoeira. She began her career in capoeira in 1982, as a part of Mestre Acordeon’s first generation of students in the U.S. Mestra Suelly has been interviewed by numerous journalists in an effort to expand awareness of capoeira here in the United States.

Under direction of the United Capoeira Associatoin, Mestre Acordoen, Mestre Rá and Mestre Suelli, Contramestre Dondi “Enxu”, the founder of Capoeira Malandragem in Tucson, has been able to develop other institutions all of the country; Brazil, Colorado, New Mexico,Mexcio, and California.
Capoeira is always done to music and song. The speed and style of the berimbau (lead instrument) defines the rhythm or conversation between the capoeiristas within the roda (ring). The music is predominantly Afro-Brazilian. However, it can also combine elements from other musical genres such as, Afro-Cuban, Caribbean, and Reggae.
Contramestre Dondi “Exnu” Marble has been instructing variuos forms of martial art since 1974. In 1996,His capoeira training in Brazil and all over the Western United States has allowed Contramestre Dondi “Enxu” to successfully establish different academies in Arizona and in other parts of the world. By bringing this art form to a smaller city such as Tucson, he is encouraging and influencing a diverse group of people from all ages to open their minds and free their spirits. Students from all backgrounds and cultures can participate in Capoeira and begin at any time. The classes range from teaching young children, to the most specialized Capoeira and all are encouraged as long as they maintain the passion for the game and culture.

Quotes: Contramestre Dondi believes that in order for his students to fully appreciate this art form
“You must free your mind and your ass will follow!”

Mestre Besouro went to his first class in 1998 hoping only to find a fun activity to help maintain my overall fitness as I had previously achieved in the Marine Corp, found more than h ehad anticipated. He immediately felt the passion, the beauty, and rhythms of Afro-Brazilian culture, along with the art, philosophy, and physical challenge of Capoeira. Over the last twenty-five years, Besouro have dedicated himself to improving his skills as a capoerista and helping the ever growing community of United Capoeira Association.

Besouro received the rank of Level IX,Cordão Verde/Branco Mestre de Primeiro Grau (First degree master) December
2022 Albuquerque, NM

Deep Roots: Keeping Up the Traditions of Capoeira

Mestre Besouro’s CV