Capoeira, the Afro-Brazilian martial art that blends dance, acrobatics, and music, has found a vibrant home in Alachua, Florida. Whether you're a beginner looking to try your first ginga or an advanced practitioner seeking challenging floreios, Alachua's growing capoeira scene offers something for everyone.
Top Capoeira Schools in Alachua
Ginga Alachua Capoeira Academy
Located near downtown, this academy offers classes in both Angola and Regional styles. Their beginner program includes capoeira fundamentals plus live music training with berimbaus.
- ✔️ Open roda every Friday night
- ✔️ Kids' classes (ages 5+)
- ✔️ Monthly batizado events
Axé Capoeira Florida
Part of the international Axé Capoeira organization, this studio focuses on contemporary capoeira with fitness elements. Perfect for athletes transitioning from other martial arts.
- ✔️ High-intensity conditioning
- ✔️ Professional performance team
- ✔️ Virtual classes available
Starting Your Capoeira Journey
New to capoeira? Alachua's welcoming community makes it easy:
What to Wear
Comfortable athletic clothes and bare feet are standard. Many schools sell abadás (uniforms) after your first month.
First Class Expectations
Classes typically include warm-ups, technique drills, sequences, and ending with a roda (practice game). Don't worry about keeping up at first!
Local Culture
Alachua's capoeira community strongly emphasizes live music. Many schools offer separate percussion classes.
For Experienced Capoeiristas
Seasoned players will find challenging opportunities:
- Capoeira Seminole Heights hosts quarterly workshops with mestres from Brazil
- The Gainesville Capoeira Festival (just 20 minutes away) features advanced rodas
- Several Alachua schools have competition teams for those interested in capoeira as a sport
Alachua's Capoeira Culture
Beyond formal classes, you'll find:
Open Rodas in the Park
Every second Sunday at Legacy Park, different schools come together for public rodas with live music.
Capoeira & Brazilian Food Nights
Local Brazilian restaurants like Feijão Verde host monthly capoeira demonstrations with traditional meals.
Whether you're drawn to capoeira's cultural roots, its athletic challenges, or its musical soul, Alachua's growing scene welcomes you. Most schools offer free trial classes - why not try two or three to find your perfect fit?
Axé!
