Explore the rhythm, movement, and history of a unique Afro-Brazilian expression.
Immerse yourself in a collective experience of art, culture, and resistance.

Capoeira Classes for Beginners

Initiation Series in English

History

Music

Culture

Movement

Would you like to get moving, improve your health, connect with your body, and at the same time discover a powerful and profound culture?

This workshop is a gateway to Capoeira: a collective experience of rhythm, expression, and presence. It is designed for people aged 13 and older, regardless of previous experience, physical condition, or cultural knowledge. Here we don't train to compete, we train to connect.

For you, who want more than a workout

What is Capoeira?
And why start now?

Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian art form that combines movement, music, singing, and history.

Emerging from contexts of resistance and freedom, today it is practiced around the world as a form of self-discovery and community building.

This workshop offers you:

A practical and comprehensive introduction to Capoeira
Movement with intention, rhythm, and fluidity
Singing in Portuguese and exploration of traditional instruments
An inclusive, non-competitive, artistic, and diverse environment
A space where movement becomes an act of expression and connection

Who is this workshop for?

For all people aged 13 and over
For those who have never practiced Capoeira but are curious
For those looking to move with meaning and break out of their routine
For artists, digital nomads, students, workers, creators, diverse people and bodies
For those who want to discover new ways of expressing themselves through movement, rhythm, and community

For you, who crave community & meaningful connections

What will you learn ?

Delivered in 8 sessions, each lasting 2 hours

MOVEMENT

You will learn to move from scratch based on the foundation of Capoeira: the Ginga, a rhythmic sway that is the origin of all the movements in the game. From there, you will develop skills such as dodges, kicks, spins, balances, and basic acrobatics that will help you express yourself physically with confidence and fluidity. It’s not about fighting or competing, but about learning to listen, respond, and communicate through your body in a game in motion.

The training is designed for teenagers and adults of all fitness levels and will improve your coordination, strength, flexibility, and confidence. Everything is learned step by step, progressively and enjoyably, respecting each person’s pace.

MUSIC & RHYTHM

Capoeira is played with live music, and here you will learn to be part of that orchestra. You will learn about traditional instruments such as the berimbau, pandeiro, and atabaque, learn to mark basic rhythms, and sing songs in Portuguese that tell stories of resistance, popular wisdom, and experiences of the capoeira community.

You don’t need to know music to get started. Rhythm is learned with the body, by listening, repeating, and playing. Singing and playing are ways to participate, connect, and strengthen the collective spirit of the Roda de Capoeira.

HISTORY & CULTURE

Capoeira originated as a tool of cultural and physical resistance for enslaved Africans in Brazil. In this workshop, you will learn about its historical roots, its evolution as an art form, and its significance as an expression of freedom. We will discuss its connection to social struggles, Afro-diasporic movements, and the rituals and languages that keep it alive.

This focus will allow you to understand that every gesture in Capoeira has a context, and that playing Capoeira is also a way to honor memory, connect with Afro-Brazilian culture, and join a tradition that continues to grow.

COLLECTIVE LEARNING

Capoeira is not learned in solitude, but in community. In this workshop, you will experience a playful and collaborative methodology, where respect, mutual care, and active participation are key. You will learn to communicate without words, to make decisions in motion, and to trust your peers while playing.

This approach fosters empathy, creativity, teamwork, and emotional self-regulation. There are no competitions or rigid hierarchies here: there is room to make mistakes, laugh, learn, and grow together. Because Capoeira is, above all, an act of togetherness.

About The Teacher

Professor Tartaruga - Capoeira Longe do Mar

Prof. Juanjo Tartaruga

Professor de Capoeira, cultural educator, & founder of Capoeira Para Ti.

Fully fluent in English and with more than 18 years of experience practicing Capoeira, he has lived, studied, and worked for more than 8 of those years in Brazil, where he is a cultural guide, educator, and student of multiple Mestres, as well as a proud member and teacher of the Capoeira Longe do Mar Group in Mexico.

He currently promotes Capoeira as a tool for social transformation, collective learning, and artistic expression for children and adults in the USA, Mexico, and Brazil.

About Our Group

How to participate?

This workshop is part of the Longe do Mar Group's Capoeira Initiation Program. It is offered several times throughout the year at some of our locations, cultural centers, and other institutions that share our vision of Capoeira.

Below you can find the locations and dates for the next initiation workshop. To register, please visit the corresponding link.

Target Audience

Teens & Adults (+13)

Duration

8 sessions, 1 hour each

Days and Time

MONDAYS & THURSDAYS
12:00 to 14:00 h

Location

Odara Roma

One Time Fee

$2,000.00 MXN / $120 USD

BRING A FRIEND SPECIAL

$1,800 MXN / $100 USD

(Price per participant)

Waiting List Suscription

If you cannot find a date or location that suits you, subscribe to the waiting list so that we can send you an email the next time we offer this workshop again.

F.A.Q.

Do I need previous experience?

No, not at all! This workshop is designed especially for people who have never practiced Capoeira before. We start with the basics and move forward step by step, with lots of support. All you need is curiosity, a desire to move, and to be part of a collective experience.

What clothing or materials do I need?

All you need is comfortable, athletic clothing. If you feel confortable you can practice barefoot, but socks or sneakers for indoors use with flexible soles are also acceptable. Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated and, if you like, a small towel. We will provide the instruments and basic materials during the workshop.

What happens if I miss a class?

We know that sometimes unexpected things come up. If you miss a session, you can rejoin without any problem. Each session reviews previous elements and learning is collective, so there will always be someone to help you catch up. In addition, towards the end of the workshop there will be review sessions and preparation for the final Roda.

What if I like it and want to continue?

We would love that! This workshop is designed as a gateway for you to begin your journey in Capoeira. At the end, we will guide you on how to continue your practice with the Capoeira Longe do Mar Group at their various locations and times. You will also have the opportunity to join a large and committed community, participate in rodas, meetings, and eventually advance to new stages of training.

Are classes offered at other locations?

Yes. Capoeira Longe do Mar has locations in different areas of Mexico City and its surroundings. There are also classes in several states throughout Mexico. If you are unable to continue in this workshop or are interested in exploring other spaces or styles within the group, we will help you find the location or teacher that best suits you.

Who teaches the workshop and what experience do they have?

The workshop is taught by Juanjo González, also known as Professor Tartaruga, a cultural educator and Capoeira practitioner for over 18 years. He has lived, studied, and taught in Brazil, Mexico, and the United States, and is a member of the Capoeira Longe do Mar Group. His teaching approach is playful, inclusive, and focused on collective development.