Photo by Espião

What is Capoeira?

A Brazilian art form and self-defense with strong aerobic and dance elements. It is a harmony of forces that gives you power, flexibility, endurance and self-discovery. Capoeira balances the body, soul and mind. It is a graceful and exciting art form that teaches you to be alert. The only indigenous martial art of the Americas, Capoeira was developed by African slaves in Brazil. This art keeps its strong traditions and enables you to break through limits, revitalizing you for everyday life.

Capoeira builds your self-confidence and the challenge is within anyones reach regardless of age, sex or athletic experience.

Start At Anytime!

Everyone is always welcome to visit or classes to observe and/or talk with our students. Feel free to participate at anytime. Just bring any kind of loose fitting pants and a t-shirt.

Welcome to Capoeira Mandinga

Capoeira Mandinga located in Rochester, New York is under the instruction of Contra Mestre Carcará and supervised by Mestre Marcelo Caveirinha. Classes are held at the Academia com Expressão, 46 Sager Dr in Rochester, NY. During the school year we also have classes at The University of Rochester, The Rochester Institute of Technology, and Monroe Community College.

Come throw a few kicks!

Throughout the course of 2009, Contra Mestre Carcará is leading a fund-raising effort for the Rochester community by throwing 250,000 kicks throughout the calender year! These funds will support a number of social service organizations here in Rochester (Crestwood Children's Center, Hillside Children's Center, Snell Farm Children's Center and Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection) as well as the ongoing artistic and cultural work performed by Capoeira Mandinga.

Think you can throw a few thousand kicks with us? How about 10,000 kicks in a day? We've had dedicated kicking days, or "kickathons," throughout 2009 with more to come. For more information and to make a donation, please see the 250K Kicks web site.

Class Schedule

Check out our schedule of classes; including a Brazilian Percussion classes!

Other Upcoming Events

September 11-13th: Retiro de Capoeira, Capoeira Angola Quintal, Cape Cod, MA: Mestre Ombrinho hosts his annual capoeira retreat on the beach. Stay tuned for more details. www.newyorkcapoeira.com

September 12th: Open Roda, Starry Nites Cafe, 664 University Avenu: Open roda and performance at Starry Nites Cafe - 2:00pm, in place of the regularly scheduled all levels class. Plan to wear your whites, cords, and bring the energy. Meet at the academy at 1:30 on Saturday to transport instruments and carpool.

Please see the events page for additional information on these events.