When you think of North Dakota's martial arts scene, Capoeira might not be the first discipline that comes to mind—but Gascoyne City is changing that perception one ginga at a time. This Afro-Brazilian art form, blending dance, acrobatics, and music, has found an unexpected home in the Peace Garden State.
The Unexpected Rise of Capoeira in the Northern Plains
Gascoyne City's Capoeira community began in 2018 when Mestre Rio Branco, a former professional Capoeirista from Salvador, Brazil, followed his oil industry spouse to western North Dakota. What started as weekend workshops in a converted grain storage building has blossomed into three dedicated academies serving over 200 students.
1. Axé Capoeira Collective
Located in Gascoyne's revitalized downtown, this studio offers:
- Traditional Capoeira Angola and Regional styles
- Live berimbau classes every Thursday
- Kids' programs combining Portuguese language basics
Their signature "Roda Under the Stars" events during North Dakota's brief summers have become legendary.
2. Mandinga North Studio
This competition-focused academy boasts:
- Olympic-style training facilities
- The state's only sprung Capoeira floor
- Virtual reality ginga training (a 2024 addition)
Their students regularly place in national championships despite the rural location.
3. Gingarte Cultural Center
More than a studio, this nonprofit offers:
- Free community rodas every full moon
- Capoeira history lectures
- Collaborations with local Indigenous artists
Their annual "Capoeira & Chokecherries" festival blends Brazilian and Dakota traditions.
Why Capoeira Thrives in Gascoyne
Local practitioners cite three unexpected advantages:
- Winter training intensity: The long indoor season creates focused technical development
- Agricultural strength: Farm kids take to acrobatics with surprising ease
- Cultural curiosity: North Dakotans' growing interest in global arts
"We've had ranchers, nurses, and even a state legislator in our classes. Capoeira's blend of strategy and artistry resonates with North Dakota values of hard work and creativity." — Contra Mestra Dakota, Axé Collective
Getting Started
All three studios offer free introductory classes. Pro tip: Gascoyne's elevation (2,800 ft) means beginners should hydrate twice as much as usual during their first few sessions.
Ready to try? The next community roda happens August 19th at Liberty Park—just look for the berimbau music and incredible backflips over the Missouri River overlook.
About the Author: Rafael Silva is a Capoeira instructor and cultural journalist who documented Capoeira communities in 12 unexpected locations from Alaska to Tasmania.
