About Our Non-Profit Group

Who We Are

          Capoeira Institute, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote exposure of capoeira and its powerful elements of dance, athletics, music, arts and craft, and foreign language, as well as Brazilian culture, on a broader scale, to our communities – with a special interest in at-risk youth. We accomplish this via our Capoeira Mandinga groups throughout the United States , New Zealand , and Brazil . In San Diego , Capoeira Mandinga San Diego is led by Executive Director Paulo Lima.

          Our work in providing education of Brazilian culture extends beyond capoeira classes. Each year our organization produces a wide variety of events at each of our locations. These include annual graduation ceremonies for the Capoeira Mandinga students, fundraising events and innumerous performances throughout California .

Giving Back to the Community

          Capoeira Institute’s main commitment with the community comprises of granting scholarships to talented yet troubled and/or underprivileged kids and teens, on a monthly basis, to Capoeira Mandinga’s Academy.

          At the Capoeira Mandinga academy, these at-risk youth individuals have a chance to train and interact with students from various different backgrounds, ages and experiences, at an average of 2-3 hours daily.  Such interaction and structured training schedule help them in building self-confidence, a sense of belonging, teamwork, leadership, agility, physical strength, balance, discipline, endurance, and concentration – necessary skills for a healthy physical and mental development that will allow them to achieve individual dreams in addition to functioning as well-rounded, successful citizens in today’s increasingly complex world – while keeping them off of the streets.

          Ten to twelve new scholarships are granted per year and select students have a chance to maintain their complimentary membership based on their level of interest, performance and commitment.

          In addition to our scholarships, the Capoeira Institute, by means of Capoeira Mandinga’s members and students, on a volunteer basis, also offers public demonstrations and performances of all magnitudes.

          The following is a list of some of our appearances:

Assembly, Chollas Elementary School                                                                                 Annually

Assembly, Mueller Charter School                                                                                                 2004

Multicultural Fair, Loma Portal Elementary School                                                                          2004

YMCA After School Program Talent Show                                                                                Annually

Sun God Festival, UCSD                                                                                                         Annually

Admit Day, UCSD                                                                                                                  Annually

Spring Festival, UCSD                                                                                                            Annually

Winter Festival, UCSD                                                                                                                  2004

Raza Awareneness Week, UCSD                                                                                                  2004

Workshop, Cordão de Ouro Capoeira School, Arcata,CA                                                                 2004

Workshop, Capoeira Resistencia School , San Diego , CA                                                      2003

Workshop, Capoeira Batuque, Santa Barbara, CA                                                                          2003

Workshop , California Brazil Summer Camp, Casadero , CA                                        1997 – 2003

Workshop, University of Arizona , Tucson , AZ                                                             1999 - 2000

Belmont Part, Mission Beach                                                                                             Weekly

Pacific Beach Fest                                                                                                             Annually

Latin Book Festival                                                                                                                 Annually

Teen Awareness Block Party                                                                                                        2003

Escondido Street Fair                                                                                                                2004

Healing Arts Festival, Balboa Park                                                                                                 2004

Filipino Cultural Festival UCSD                                                                                                      2004

Health & Fitness Fair, Salk Institute                                                                                              2004

San Diego Sockers, Family Sunday Game, Sports Arena                                                             2004

Memorial Academy Multi Cultural Fair                                                                                        2003

500-year Anniversary of Brazil Celebration, City of San Diego                                                           2000

Capoeira Mandinga Batizado                                                                                                   Annually

Shows, workshops & social events with renowned masters and students are always held at public spaces and open to the entire community.