Learn about us
What is Capoeira?
Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that combines dance, acrobatics, and music. Developed by enslaved Africans in the 16th century, it features fluid, rhythmic movements, including kicks, spins, and flips. Capoeira is practiced in a “roda,” or circle, accompanied by traditional instruments like the berimbau and drums. Known for its agility and creativity, it’s both a combat form and a cultural expression.
How to participate?
Classes take place from 7:00pm-8:00pm, Mondays & Wednesdays and cost $10 (Cash or Venmo). If this is your first class with us, be sure to Contact us before you drop-in. It is an all-level class for teens to adults. Proper work out attire (sweatpants, t-shirt, etc) is required. Make sure to bring a personal water bottle.
Where is the class?
2450 Grant St., Concord, CA, 94520
Parking Lot near the Dance Studio
This is the lot on Grant Street, closest to our class.
Dance Studio
Walk towards this building and you will see the dance studio.
Mestre Preguiça
Mestre Preguiça (Wandenkolk Manoel De Oliveira) has been a pioneer and influential figure of contemporary Capoeira for 50+ years. In 1965, Mestre Preguiça moved to Rio de Janeiro and co-founded Grupo Senzala, which in 20 years gained worldwide renown recognition and became the prominent Capoeira style in Brazil. In 1984 he moved to San Francisco, where he initiated the “CAP Initiative” Community Action Program, a focus on inner city youth providing mentorship, support and guidance through free community Capoeira classes and programs.
Mestre Espantalho
Eugene King, also known as Espantalho, was born in San Francisco and raised in Mexico. He returned to San Francisco in 1994 when he began training with Mestre Preguiça. He began teaching capoeira in 1996, and has traveled the world for capoeira to locations including Mexico, Canada, and Brazil. In 2024, after 30 years of dedication to Capoeira, Espantalho earned the rank of Mestre from Mestre Preguiça. For work, Espantalho teaches physical education and dance for the Mount Diablo Unified School district. For fun, he enjoys dancing, making capoeira instruments, and spending time with his daughter.
