Capoeira Instructors
MORE THAN JUST A MARTIAL ART
Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that combines self-defense, acrobatics, dance, music, community, and culture. Over the past 500 years it has evolved from a secret fighting practice into an art emphasizing self-expression and community celebration.
Fenix Capoeira strives to build community, share culture, and promote individual vitality through the teaching and continued development of Capoeira.
MESTRE FENIX
Fenix Capoeira was founded by Mestre Fenix (Thyago Da Cruz), who started capoeira in 1996 with Professor Caraja at the Bairro Nova Esperanca in Goiania, Brazil. In 1998 he began to train with Mestre Xereu from the group Capoeira Candeias. He moved to the US in 2005 and opened his own school in 2010.
Mestre Fenix and his instructors are community leaders and role models who promote the values of respect, integrity, strength and equality. We have classes for beginners or experienced athletes, and classes for all ages- including kids, teens and adults.
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Fenix Capoeira is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Proceeds from classes and donations support the upkeep of our studio space and the continuation of our mission.
Grupo Candeias Seattle Instructors
Professor
cobrinha
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EVERETT
Professor Cobrinha (Cobrinha meaning snake) was born in Brazil and came to America about 20 years ago with his family. He has always lived in Seattle, WA and fell in love with the PNW since the beginning. He took a couple of Capoeira classes in Brazil but didn't commit to the art until he started Capoeira with Instrutor Fenix (now known as Mestre Fenix) in 2005. He received his professor belt in June 13, 2018 with the best ceremony he could have ever imagined. He is very thankful for Mestre Fenix for giving him the opportunity to teach this great and complex martial art that he loves so much. Professor Cobrinha has traveled to capoeira events, expanding his insight on Capoeira. He now teaches adults in Everett.
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MONDAYS and THURSDAYS in EVERETT
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Adult Classes held at Roth Studios
615 112th st. Suite B, Everett 98208
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PROFESSOR
Cachorrao
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RENTON
Professor Cachorrao started Capoeira in Goiania, Brazil in 1998 with Mestre Chumbin. He moved to the USA in 2005 and started training with Contra MestreFenix in 2006.
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Professor
ESQUILO
greenlake
Professor Esquilo was first introduced to capoeira at 12 years old and trained for a year. His passion for Capoeira grew when he started capoeira in 2010 with MestreFenix. He moved from California to Seattle temporarily but decided to make it permanent when he met his second family, his Capoeira family at Fenix Capoeira. Professor Esquilo travels for Capoeira events and workshops. He is inspired to teach and works with adults of all levels.
Professor Esquilo's advice: A lot of times it doesn't feel like you're making progress and that is not true, just show up and don't stop trying.
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Professora
AGUA-VIVA
WEST SEATTLE
Professora Água-viva (Jen Hobbs) started teaching youth and adult classes in West Seattle in 2015, has been studying the art of Capoeira for over 17 years, and has been training with Mestre Fenix since 2012. In 2021 she opened her own studio, VivaArts in West Seattle. Professora Água-viva spent several years assisting Mestre Fenix in kids classes which inspired her passion for working with kids and families. She has spent nearly 20 years studying various movement practices and continues to attend educational events and workshops. She travels to Brazil and to other locations around the world each year to participate in Capoeira events, competitions, and workshops.
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CLASSES in WEST SEATTLE
VivaArts
4421 Fauntleroy Way SW
Seattle, WA 98126
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TUESDAYS
3:45pm - 4:30pm Ages 5 - 7
4:30pm - 5:30pm Ages 8 - 11
6:00pm - 7:00pm Adult Basics
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THURSDAYS
3:45pm - 4:30pm Ages 5 - 7
4:30pm - 5:30pm Ages 8 - 11
7:00pm - 8:00pm Adults
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SATURDAYS
9:30am - 10:00am PreK Capoeira
10:00am - 10:45am Ages 5 - 7
11:00am - 12:00pm Ages 8 - 11
12:00pm - 1:00pm Adults
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Professor
RECO
Professor Reco started his Capoeira journey with Mestre Fenix in March 2009 at a Ballet school in Bellevue WA. Reco used to be called Sargento before he got promoted to Reco (Slang for recruit in Portuguese). In order to upkeep with changes in the Capoeira world, Reco travels to Brazil and other locations, participating in Capoeira events and competitions. His first memorable song is "Oh sim sim sim, Oh nao nao nao" because that was the first song he was taught.
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"If Reco can do, you can too!"
-Anonymous
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Professor
Sergio
Professor Morto started Capoeira in Peru in 1999. In 2006 he moved to California to go to college and started a small academy in the Sacramento area until 2009. Due to different commitments, he decided to stop teaching but continued training under different Mestres in the region. In 2019 he moved to Seattle where he decided to join Mestre Fenix's school.
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GRADUADA
TATURANA
Graduada Taturana first discovered Capoeira and Grupo Candeias Seattle in 2010. Since then, she has trained under MestreFenix and has traveled across the US and Brazil to participate in competitions, events and workshops. She has a strong passion for teaching and helpong others, all while having fun.
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Mestre Xereu
Sandro Paulo De Almeida started Capoeira with Mestre Suino in 1983 at Clube Sesc Setor Universitario. His inspiration came within his family and motivation from his cousins to begin a journey in Capoeira. In 1996 Mestre Xereu took over Mestre Glauber's school because Mestre Glauber moved to the United States, since then Mestre Xereu's work as a teacher has expanded. Mestre Xereu is now the Vice President of Grupo Candeias and his school is located in Goiania, Brazil. He has many teachers from around the world under his direction and travels to various Capoeira events. He has been coming to the events held in Washington by Mestre Fenix since 2010 to show his support.