Capoeira Classes San Diego
Afro - Brazilian Capoeira in North County San Diego
Capoeira School SSC offers capoeira classes in San Diego, California, focused on Afro-Brazilian tradition, music, movement, and community. Our capoeira classes in North County San Diego are open to adults and children of all levels.
Kids & Adults Capoeira Program
Capoeira Program for Kids & Adults
Our Kids Capoeira classes are thoughtfully designed by age group to support each child’s physical, emotional, and social development.
Younger students learn through imagination, rhythm, storytelling, and playful movement.
Older students deepen their technique, coordination, strategy, and leadership within the roda.
Schedule:
Adults Class
Thursdays
7:30 - 8:45pm
(Classes led by Mestre Xuxo)
Kids Class
Fridays (Ages 4–6)
4:00 – 4:45pm
Kids Ages 7+
Fridays (4:45 – 5:45pm)
Adults Class
Fridays 4:00 - 5:00pm
(At the same time as the kids ages 4 - 6)
(Classes led by Mestre Xuxo)
Each class provides focused instruction while honoring Capoeira as a cultural, musical, and community-centered art form.
We look forward to welcoming you and your family into our Capoeira community.
FIRST CLASS FREE.
About us
Capoeira SSC in San Siego
Instructor Areia
Joanna's Capoeira name is Areia (which means sand in Portuguese). Originally from Brazil, she moved to the U.S. at the age of 16 and has been training Capoeira for about 23 years. Over the years, she has traveled to various countries, learning from different groups, and has always remained dedicated to her Capoeira journey.
With a background in Hospitality Management, Joanna has also been a small business owner in San Diego for the past seven years. Recently, she decided to dedicate her career fully to teaching Capoeira, building a Capoeira school and sharing the rich heritage that has deeply shaped her life. She believes Capoeira strengthens the soul and empowers people from all walks of life.
Capoeira School SSC
Our school was founded on November 16, 2006, in Linz, Austria, by Wilian da Silva Sampaio (Mestre Xuxo). The philosophy of our school is to keep the roots of Capoeira alive in each of our students, showing that Capoeira is more than just a fight or a dance — it is a way of life. For this reason, friendship and respect are essential values within our community. We aim to teach not only movements but also the foundations of history, musicality, and cultural knowledge, helping our students to better understand the vast and fascinating world of Capoeira. Today, our school has members across the globe, including Brazil, Germany, Spain, Mexico, India, Singapore, Guadeloupe Island, Martinique Island and in the USA.
Mestre Xuxo
Wilian da Silva Sampaio, known as Mestre Xuxo, was born on August 22, 1986, in the small city of Francisco Morato, São Paulo, Brazil. At just two years old, he began practicing Capoeira with his father and master, Mestre Sampaio. From an early age, Xuxo showed remarkable dedication—training up to five times a day during his childhood. Yet, his most challenging lessons were not in the academy alongside adults, but rather afterward, at home, where discipline and resilience were truly forged.
At the age of 17, Mestre Xuxo made the bold decision to leave Brazil and travel the world, carrying with him the mission of sharing and teaching Afro-Brazilian culture through Capoeira. After visiting more than 42 countries, he settled in Austria in 2006, and in 2007 he founded his own Capoeira group. His goal was simple yet powerful: to transmit the knowledge and experiences he had gained throughout his life in Capoeira. To this day, Mestre Xuxo has traveled to over 144 countries, continuing to spread the art and philosophy of Capoeira across the globe.
Capoeira SSC San Diego
graduations
Kids & Adults
In our school, the graduation belts are much more than just colors – they are symbols of a journey.
Each belt reflects the knowledge, time, commitment, competence, progression and love that our capoeiristas bring to the art of Capoeira.
The colors of the belts follow the vibrant palette of the nature and on the nature and the Brazilian flag, reminding us of the roots of Capoeira and the spirit of the culture it carries.
Unlike many other martial arts, our assessment is not about rigid examinations, but about living and embodying the art. Belts are awarded in a special ceremonial event called the Batizado. This celebration is a milestone: it marks each student’s growth, their dedication, and the connection they have built with Capoeira, their peers, and themselves.
At Capoeira SSC, we take pride in guiding our students through this unique process. Every Batizado is a reminder that Capoeira is not only about movements – it is about community, tradition, and a way of life.
Our Mission
is to transform life through the art of Capoeira
Capoeira SSC San Diego is dedicated to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for kids aged 5 to 12 and adults to learn the art of Capoeira. We are committed to promoting mental and physical well-being through the practice of this traditional Brazilian martial art. Our program focuses on instilling discipline, fostering creativity, and building a strong sense of community within our students.
What is Capoeira?
Culture & Respect
Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines movements of attack and defense with music and expressive play, making it both fun to practice and deeply transformational. Physically, it strengthens the body, sharpens reflexes, and enhances spatial awareness. Acrobatic training further develops flexibility, balance, and overall body awareness. There is also an unpredictable (but respectful) nature of Capoeira that enhances cognitive engagement and is fun! In addition to exercise, it offers a joyful and safe space to grow physically, emotionally, and socially. Through learning movement, rhythm, and music, kids express themselves freely, build confidence, and develop important values such as cooperation, discipline, respect, and responsibility.
More than a sport...
Capoeira is life
History of Capoeira
* Born in the sugar plantations of Bahia - 16th century origins
* Practiced in secret for centuries - Disguised as dance and music
* Became legal in 1937 - Thanks to Mestre Bimba's efforts
* Recognized by UNESCO in 2014 - Intangible Cultural Heritage
* Blends martial arts, music & dance - Unique holistic art form
* Symbol of resistance & freedom - Cultural preservation tool
Discover the rich and powerful history of Capoeira, from its origins in Brazil to its global influence today.
Origins of Capoeira
Historical depiction of Afro-Brazilian cultural
practices in colonial Brazil
Salvador of Bahia - Brazil
Capoeira was developed in Brazil by the enslaved African people, but its exact origins remain a mystery. We know it is rooted in the African presence in Brazil, but we cannot say for certain if Capoeira was brought directly from Africa or if it developed entirely on Brazilian soil.
The beginnings of capoeira are hidden in the poorly documented first centuries of slavery, making it impossible to identify exactly when it started or who the very first Capoeiristas were.
What is clear is that Capoeira became a powerful expression of resistance and freedom. It was prohibited by the 1890 Penal Code of the First Brazilian Republic, which criminalized its practice, but it survived in quilombos and in the streets.
In the 20th century, two great masters shaped capoeira's modern forms. Mestre Pastinha preserved Capoeira Angola, while Mestre Bimba developed Capoeira Regional, helping capoeira gain legal recognition throughout Brazil.
Legendary Masters
The visionaries of Capoeira
Mestre Pastinha
Capoeira Angola
Mestre Bimba
Capoeira Regional
Today, capoeira is practiced around the world, valued not only as a martial art but also as a cultural and educational force that promotes respect, cooperation, and happiness. In 2014, UNESCO recognized Capoeira as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, affirming its importance as a living tradition that continues to inspire people of all ages.
Evolution Through Time
16th-19th Century
Underground Practice
Developed in secret by enslaved people
as a form of self-defense disguised as dance and music.
Early 20th Century
Legalization & Schools
Mestre Bimba and Mestre Pastinha formalized
Capoeira, creating the first official schools.
Modern Era
Global Expansion
Capoeira spread worldwide, becoming a symbol of Brazilian culture and Afro-Brazilian heritage.
Historical Documentation
Rare photographs and illustrations that capture the essence of Capoeira throughout history
Traditional Roda de Capoeira
Historical photograph capturing a traditional Capoeira roda, showcasing the circular formation that has been central to Capoeira practice for generations. The white uniforms and formal arrangement demonstrate the art's evolution into organized practice.
Colonial Era Practice
Historical illustration showing enslaved people practicing early forms of Capoeira during the colonial period. This artwork provides valuable insight into how Capoeira was practiced and preserved during times of oppression, often disguised as dance and cultural expression.
Cultural Significance
Symbol of Resistance
Capoeira represents the struggle for freedom and dignity. It preserved African traditions and provided a means of cultural identity for enslaved communities in Brazil.
The art form taught practitioners to be cunning, flexible, and resilient - qualities essential for survival and resistance.
Living Heritage
Today, Capoeira is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, acknowledging its importance in preserving Afro-Brazilian culture.
It continues to teach values of respect, community, and cultural pride to practitioners around the world.
Capoeira Kids Classes in San Diego
Building confidence, fitness, and cultural awareness through the beautiful art of Brazilian Capoeira.
Why Capoeira for kids?
Physical Development
Improves flexibility, coordination, balance, and overall fitness through fun, dynamic movements.
Mental Growth
Builds confidence, discipline, focus, and problem-solving skills through creative expression.
Cultural Learning
Introduces Brazilian culture, Portuguese language, music, and the rich history of Capoeira.
Age Groups & Class Structure
Open to ages 4 - 12
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60-minute classes focused on fun and basic movements
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Simple songs and rhythms to develop musicality
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Games that teach balance and coordination
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Introduction to Portuguese words and Brazilian culture
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Traditional Capoeira movements and sequences
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Musical instruments training (berimbau, atabaque, pandeiro)
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Participation in rodas (Capoeira circles) and events
Skills Your Child Will Develop
Physical Skills
Acrobatics, kicks, dodges, and fluid movements that improve strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health.
Musical Skills
Learn traditional Brazilian instruments, rhythm, and singing in Portuguese, developing musical appreciation and skills.
Social Skills
Respect, cooperation, teamwork, and cultural awareness through group activities and community participation.
Personal Growth
Self-confidence, discipline, creativity, and emotional regulation through structured practice and positive reinforcement.
Benefits of Capoeira
which can transform your life
Why Capoeira is amazing?
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Develops physical strength, flexibility, and coordination
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Builds confidence and self-expression through movement
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Fosters community connections and cultural understanding
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Enhances rhythm and musicality through traditional songs
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Promotes discipline, respect, and responsibility
CAPOEIRA FOR ADULTS
Mestre Xuxo
Thursdays 7:30 - 8:45pm (beginners adults)
Fridays 4:00 - 5:00pm. (Adults class)
The Fridays classes with Mestre Xuxo they're specifically for parents who would like to stay active while their children are in class.
While the kids train on one side of the room, parents are invited to join Mestre Xuxo on the other side for their own guided session. It’s a great opportunity to move your body, learn something new, and be part of the Capoeira experience alongside your child.
No experience needed — just come ready to move and have fun!
Capoeira SSC San Diego
Areia's cell phone: (760)607-7386
Social Media
Capoeira SSC support
Come & join us
Classes on Fridays
Open class to ages 5 - 13
From 3:45 - 4:45pm
Price: $80 per month
Bookable Studio
Bookable Studio 835 s. Coast hwy
Oceanside, CA 92054
Phone: (760) 607 - 7386. Areia