Where to Train Capoeira in Mounds City
Your guide to finding the right roda, from Angola to Regional, in our vibrant river town.
You can hear it if you listen closely on certain nights: the twang of the berimbau, the clap of hands, the call of the songs drifting from a community center or echoing in a park. The Capoeira scene in Mounds City is alive, diverse, and deeply rooted in community. Whether you're a complete beginner drawn by the artistry or a seasoned player looking for a new home, this directory will connect you to the heart of the game right here in our city.
Capoeira Angola Roots Collective
Instructor: Mestre Carcará
This is the place for a grounded, historical approach. Mestre Carcará, who trained for decades in Salvador, Bahia, emphasizes the ritual, philosophy, and slow, cunning game of Angola. Classes are as much about the instruments (berimbau, pandeiro, atabaque) and songs as they are about movement. The Saturday roda is a weekly event that often feels like a gathering of family.
Força Regional Academy
Instructor: Contra-Mestra Maré
If you're looking for acrobatics, high kicks, and a serious workout, Contra-Mestra Maré's academy is the spot. The training is physically demanding, with a strong focus on technique, sequences, and applying capoeira in a modern, fitness-conscious context. The group is part of a larger national network, offering opportunities for workshops and batizados. The Sunday open roda is famous for its fast-paced, friendly games.
Ginga Livre Mounds City
Instructor: Professor Saci
Professor Saci's mission is to make capoeira accessible to everyone. His classes are known for their welcoming atmosphere, clear breakdowns for beginners, and adaptive approaches for all ages and abilities. The style blends elements from both Angola and Regional, focusing on the joy of play. In the summer, the Saturday class moves to Riverside Park—a perfect, low-pressure way to see capoeira in action.
Axé Capoeira Cultural Center
Instructors: Formado Minhoca & Instrutora Canarinha
More than just a training hall, this is a cultural hub. The space is adorned with instruments, photos, and art from Brazil. Classes are structured and disciplined, with mandatory music training. They regularly host Portuguese language sessions, samba de roda workshops, and Afro-Brazilian history talks. Ideal for those who want to immerse themselves fully in the culture from which capoeira sprang.
