About us

Instructor Areia

Joanna's Capoeira name is Areia (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 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 8 to 16 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.