Capoeira Classes for Adults and Kids in Silver Lake

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Capoeira in Los Angeles is now in Silver Lake!

The goal of the United Capoeira Association in Los Angeles (UCAinLA) is to bring the rich and dynamic culture of Capoeira to the local community.

Instructor Guatambu (gwah-tahm-BU) has been training Capoeira for over 12 years and teaching for over six years under the guidance of Mestres Acordeon, Ra, and Suelly of the United Capoeira Association in Berkeley, CA. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and educated in the San Francisco Bay Area, Instructor Guatambu shares his goal of honoring the joy, personal growth, and community that the art of Capoeira offers to anyone willing to learn. 

Anyone and all are welcome to come and take a class! The only things you must bring are a desire to have fun, an open mind, and an interest in expanding your horizons.

Reviews

• September 22, 2011

  

  I stumbled upon Capoeira completely by accident, watching MTV's Wildboyz of all things. It was an accident that I am so thankful for what it has led to.
  I've been around the block fitness wise. But no touchdown, no goal, no pullup, no barefoot run, no climb, no activity or achievement has given me the same satisfaction Capoeira has. Something about it makes me leave feeling good, like I have spent my time doing something I actually enjoy, yet it is unbelievably physically satisfying. Maybe it's the contagious smiles of a welcoming group, maybe it's instructor Guatambu's positive energy that he actually cares about his students, maybe it's the music, the rhythms I can't help but move to. Most likely it's a combination of all these.
  A friend of mine, outside the context of Capoeira had once called Guatambu an angel. I'll completely agree with him. How lucky I am to have this kind of person as my teacher, with this kind of activity.
  -Sparta

  – Markos

• September 22, 2011

  

  About a year and a half ago, our then 10 year old son found a capoeira studio on line in our neighborhood. His find, and consistent involvement there ever since, has enriched the lives of our whole family!
  
  Capoeira as an art (An Afro-Brazilian "Martial Art"), is a thing of jaw-dropping beauty, stellar athleticism, rich culture and exquisite music. It has given our son physical prowess, emotional balance, and even spiritual and moral learning.
  
  Guatuambu has a unique calling in this work. He is skillful, knowledgeable, and passionate, and speaks with great clarity. His musical abilities elevate his classes yet further, for he plays with inspiration and sings with a beautiful voice and full heart.
  
  Come see for yourself,
  Lia

  – Lia

• September 22, 2011

  

  There is over 400 years of history and tradition of Capoeira, that is very present for me at UCA in Los Angeles. I credit this to Instrutor Guatambu for enriching the physical aspects of capoeira through music, the philosiphies and cultural origins that makes what capoeira is today. A multi faceted experience that leaves nothing out. I have always been interested in martial arts but it is at UCA that it has become an important part of my life. Instrutor Guatambu has been a student of MEstre Acordeon, who was in turn a student of mestre Bimba. He (Instrutor Guatambu) creates an opportunity for an environment his students to learn and grow as Caporistas & more so, as people. When I set out to find a place to learn Capoeira I wanted to find a place that embraced all of Capoeira. I can say with great certainty I have found that place at UCA in LA. THere is no escaping the Graduality of learning a new artform. For what ever your reason, your personal goals, It takes time, patience and the will to learn and it is a journey. To decide to learn with Guatambu and his students is a choice to take a journey. So be prepared to be changed for the better and enjoy every step! As a person as a Caporista, I feel sincerely fortunate to be guided by someone who is as dedicated to learning and growing as all of his students are.

  – Keith (Pintado)

• September 22, 2011

  

  I've been studying Capoeira under Instrutor Guatambu for about 2.5 years now. Besides being a wonderful teacher, he's also a great friend. This branch of the United Capoeira Association does a wonderful job of helping you explore the world of Capoeira. Just check out the website http://www.capoeiraucainla.com for a starter. The classes are very well structured. The students that train here are a lovely bunch to be around. Guatambu is very attentive and I can't remember a time where he didn't answer my questions. He can always be reached via telephone or email.
  
  This school also gets frequent visits from Mestres and other instructors from the U.C.A. family which is always a blast. I subscribe to the 12 months payment plan and it hasn't broken my piggy bank. I would and have recommended my friends to check out this school.
  
  Bottom line is, if you are looking for a place to explore your mind and body then this is it.
  
  Thanks for reading.

  – Peter

• September 22, 2011

  

  Back in I believe 2006, I surprised my husband (Dragao) on a date and took him to Guatambu's class. We had been wanting to check out Capoeira for awhile and I figured this would be a fun date. I have to honestly say that this particular date was probably one of the most rewarding dates we had ever gone on!
  
  I am truly grateful to Guatambu and am so honored to have him as our Instrutor. I love the flow of Capoeira, the music, the instruments we play, the songs we sing, and the community that is created in our school.
  
  One of my best memories was when I was pregnant in 2008 and being in the Roda at our Batizado in Berkeley. It was exciting, a little nerve-wrecking yet deeply moving to be able to be in that Roda with my son in my big belly. After our lil one was born, I had taken a hiatus from Capoeira but it had always been ingrained in my soul. And my son's for that matter who likes to ginga and make the sounds of the berimbau with his mouth. But the hiatus honeymoon is over and hubby and I are now coming back! And let me tell you, it feels good to be back!!

  – Princesa

• September 21, 2011

  

  Being a student of Guatambu's for the past 6 years has been a great experience. His dedication to all things capoeira, which includes not just the physical act, but the culture and language of Brazil, is inspiring. His enthusiasm is contagious, and his knowledge is impressive.

  – Meghann

• September 21, 2011

  

  My experience with UCA in Los Angeles has been great! The teacher is patient and understanding. The students are all super nice. The learning environment is safe and fun. Capoeira is great to improve conditioning and more fun than just going to the gym. On top of all of that, capoeira provides a great community that everyone can be a part of. The teacher speaks fluent Portuguese which helps out a lot. I highly recommend going to UCA in LA whether you are a beginner, an experienced capoeirista, or someone from out of town that just wants to stop by and say "hi". You will be rewarded with a great experience and that chance to make friends with a fun and supportive group of people. What more can you ask for?

  – Espantalho

• September 21, 2011

  

  This class has been one of the best things I’ve done ever. I’m very lucky—I found it just by doing a google search—and now I’ve been going there every week for over a year and a half! The instructor is kind, patient, understanding, and super fun, but also doesn’t let you get away with anything—in your best interest— you can’t really slack off. I was intrigued by capoeira because my brother was doing it, so I thought I’d check it out. It wasn’t something I thought I could really do, but the class was so engaging and challenging, and there was not an air of competition or exclusivity, and it was such a great work-out, that I ended up staying. It turned out to be more than I could ever have dreamed—the history, music, culture—the variety of movements—kicks, flips, attacks, defenses—it continues to be an immensely fascinating class.

  – Risos

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