Teaching a class at Porto da Barra beach, Salvador

My first experience with capoeira started in New York, NY when I was about 17. I was introduced to Jelon Viera by my gym teacher and basketball coach. It was their goal to redirect my energy into a more positive activity.  I was in a gang (really we were just a group of kids who started trouble) and we were infamous for cutting classes and sometimes breaking windows. I was already into hip hop dancing and had been in the martial arts since childhood.  I was training in Karate and Ju-jitsu also.

The first class was intriguing. Although I didn´t understand the movements, I knew the benefit of being a moving target in a fight.  I continued to take Jelon’s class because it was unique and free.  Also, I believe it was a requirement to continue playing basketball.  One thing that I definitely remember was that Jelon was very thorough and paid attention to detail. That was in 1997 and was my first experience with capoeira.  Then after that Jelon did as he does so well and disappeared.

That little bit of time was all that I needed. I had found something that made my spirit burn with desire and passion. Everything from the history, to the music, even the superhero type movements that capoeiristas tend to imagine and force their bodies to perform.  However after Jelon left I didn´t have a home yet.  Some time went by, but I continued to work on my basics.  Ginga, Ginga, and more Ginga.

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