Interested in Capoeira but don't live in the Detroit area? > Visit our parent site to locate a group near you!
Capoeira Mandinga Detroit
Study the Afro-Brazilian martial art, war dance, and philosophy in Metro Detroit.
Interested in Capoeira but don't live in the Detroit area? > Visit our parent site to locate a group near you!
Capoeira Mandinga Detroit
Study the Afro-Brazilian martial art, war dance, and philosophy in Metro Detroit.
Capoeira depicted in an 1835
painting by German artist Johann Moritz Rugendas
Originally created by African slaves in Portguese-controlled Brazil, capoeira (pronounced capo-AYE-rah) is a ritualistic, multi-disciplined art form marked by graceful kicks, sweeps, handstands, cartwheels, flips and other acrobatic movements. Outlawed in the late 19th century because of its association with radicals and criminal gangs, today capoeira is practiced freely all over the world. Much like the Asian martial arts, capoeira isn't merely a physical skill, but also a mental exercise and a cultural and spiritual discipline. Music, primarily songs accompanied by percussion, is an integral part of classes. During the roda (ho-da), the part of class when students form a circle, sing, clap their hands and ''play'' capoeira with one another, the rhythm of the berimbau, an ancient stringed instrument, along with drums, tambourine and others, provide accompaniment to the practice.
Instructor Trovoada pictured with head of Capoeira Mandinga, Master Marcello
Periera.
Having studied various martial arts since his teens, Gary Williams (Trovoada) started Capoeira in August 1996 in Detroit, MI under Barrett “Camarada” Leeverette, a student of Mestre Marcelo Pereira. Trovoada began teaching in 1999 at various YMCA’s and Bally’s Total Fitness located throughout Metro Detroit. He has taught both adults and children. In addition, he attends yearly Capoeira retreats in California, Buffalo, Arizona, and Rochester, NY to keep abreast of the latest training methods and information. In addition, Trovoada and his students have performed at various festivals throughout the area: Renaissance Festival, African World Festival, Ann Arbor Art Fair, Latin American Festival Grand Valley State Univeristy, and Wayne State University. He currently is the chief instructor of Capoeira Mandinga Detroit, a division of Capoeira Mandinga headquartered in Oakland, CA.
William Brown, Jr. ( Professor Carvăo) started Capoeira in December 1997 in Detroit, MI under Barrett “Camarada” Leeverette, a student of Mestre Marcelo Pereira. In 2001, Carvăo began teaching children’s and adult classes in various YMCA’s located throughout Detroit. Carvăo attends yearly Capoeira events in California, Buffalo, Rochester, NY, and Chicago. He has led Capoeira Mandinga Michigan in performances and demonstrations: Ann Arbor Art Fair, Arts, Beats, and Eats, Brazilian Culture Club Carnival Celebration, and Macomb Community College’s Mind, Body, Spirit festival. Carvăo currently teaches in Ann Arbor and Grand Valley State University.
Mestre Suasunna, Grupo de Capoeira Cordăo de Ouro
To promote awareness of capoeira through a compelling campaign stressing the need for the art form as a comprehensive body and mind program.
Practicing capoeira promotes health and fitness by increasing flexibility and strength, and improving cardiovascular function.
Actively building student/teacher comradery and coaching and mentoring youth through classes, events and personal interaction.
Capoeira Mandinga Detroit aims to raise funds for its activities through building public awareness of the benefits of the art form in the local community.
Capoeira Mandinga Detroit sponsors and participates in events around the State of Michigan and throughout the country. Having performed demonstrations at Wayne State University, the University of Detroit and Grand Valley University, among others, we are also available for demos at public and private events. Get information about classes and events.