Welcome to the official Axé Capoeira's website. From its modest origins, it has grown into a global community.

Axé Capoeira began in Recife in 1982. Over the last 4 decades the group has risen to be one of the world’s leading Capoeira organizations, with the legendary Mestre Barrão at its helm.

Backed by the worldwide release of ten albums of music on Spotify, Apple, and Bandcamp, and the five-volume instructional DVD compilation, enrolment continues to steadily increase with over 10,000 members around the world in over 30+ countries.

WELCOME to AXE capoeira

Welcome to Axé Capoeira

What is Capoeira? Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art developed in the 1500s by African and Indigenous slaves in Brazil as a form of self-defence from their oppressors.

It is marked by its agile and tricky movements that may be executed anywhere from an upside-down position, to a gravity defying kick. It has a strong acrobatic component in some styles and is always played with music.

The word Capoeira is an indiginous word meaning ‘tall grass’. If slaves managed to escape, they would often use this grass to hide in and ambush their masters.

OUR LOCATIONS

- PHILOSOPHY -

Axé Capoeira Philosophy

The philosophy of Axé Capoeira is to respect all the mestres, preserve the roots and traditions of Capoeira, and train Capoeira in all its aspects: as a fight, art, and culture.

We endeavor to teach and educate so that capoeira will grow in a positive healthy way. We attempt to pass on to the students physical and mental methods of training so that they learn to create situations and maintain a dialogue within the game.

By playing both with friends and adversaries, students learn to deal with any situation in or out of the roda. In North America, we not only teach movements, but the Brazilian language and customs as well, so that the students may become true capoeiristas.

- MISSION -

Axé Capoeira Mission

Axé Capoeira works relentlessly to ensure that Capoeira has a strong future and can be placed among the most widely practiced and respected martial art forms in the world.

Through historical research, travel and event participation, we hope to increase our knowledge in the art and contribute to the evolution and growth of Capoeira.

In addition, we strive to promote a healthy and active lifestyle for our members of all ages. At Axé Capoeira, we take pride in providing a positive atmosphere where youth and members of the community have a place to build self-confidence, tactical skills and improve their lifestyle.

- VISION -

Axé Capoeira Vision

Capoeira's foundational style is characterized by its fluidity, grace, and emphasis on evasion and deception.

By celebrating the unique styles and movements from different regions, practitioners can deepen their understanding and appreciation of Capoeira. This approach not only preserves the cultural heritage of the art but also fosters innovation and creativity, ensuring that Capoeira continues to evolve and thrive.

Additionally, passing down knowledge and techniques through storytelling, and songs, known as oral traditions, is vital.

"AXE Capoeira is one of the best schools in the world, with almost 40 years of history. At this school children and adults have unique chance to develop their skills in martial arts, music, dance, and learn about rich and colorful Brazilian Culture."

Evgenia Kolesnikova

Vancouver, bc

"One of the best capoeira schools and one of the best teachers. I've trained with the teacher here, Marcus many times, locally in Vancouver, several places across the United States, and even in Brazil."

David Payne

vancouver, bc

"My son has been attending the mini kids Capoeira classes for around 4 months now and he absolutely loves it!"

Oliver McKiernan

VAncouver, bc