Professor Café ( Zranwea Deyein ) started training Capoeira in Los Angeles with Capoeira Brasil under the tutelage of Mestre Boneco. In 2012 he moved to Shanghai share his love for Capoeira with the community.
Let's find out how the dream became a reality.

How did you get started in Capoeira?
As a young kid I always enjoyed athletics . In high school I played football and basketball, but as a university student I was no longer involved in competitive sports. I worked out at the gym, but I wanted more than general fitness.
Then I found out about Capoeira.
A classmate invited me to class multiple times and I finally gave it a try.
A few months of Capoeira couldn't hurt, right?

What kept you going to Capoeira classes?
I fancied myself as relatively strong and coordinated. The first Capoeira class changed my mind real quick. I fell hard attempting handstands and couldn't do the simplest movements. Then there was the music. Clapping and singing at the same time required maximum concentration.
But embarrasment wouldn't keep me from going to class twice a week. I was getting in shape with calesthenics and doing feats with my body I never imagined. I found the new challenge I was looking for.

At what point did you start to feel successful in Capoeira? How did that impact your vision of yourself in Capoeira?
As a beginner, I was frustrated because I wanted to do a floreio (acrobatic movement) that everyone else at my level could do except for me! It was beautiful day when I did my first aú de frente in the roda.
I practiced for hours on my own to get that movement so it was a huge accomplishment for me.
The success that I worked for built up my confidence.

What made you decide to become a Capoeira instructor?
After advancing to the level of Monitor in 2005 I was eligible to teach. I sought out my best friend who led the kids Capoeira program at our studio and asked if I could intern with him. I figured if I could teach kids capoeira, I could teach anyone. On Saturday mornings we would  train together, and after or training I would help him out with the kids classes. Two years later I advanced to the rank of full instructor, and was looking for an opportunity to teach adult classes. However, most of the slots were already filled by higher ranking instructors.

I got the opportunity to teach thanks to the Hollywood nightlife.
Friday nights in LA are legendary and the guys scheduled to teach Saturday morning would often go out and party.  Since I was always at the studio, I would end up teaching when people had long nights.
I wish I had a more heroic story, but that's the reality.

What brought you to Shanghai?
I made my first visit to Shanghai in 2011 after being invited by my friend Bo “Tanque” Chung.
I knew Shanghai was where I wanted to be after the first week.
Six months later I sold my cars, packed up my Capoeira instruments, some clothes, and bought a one-way flight LAX to PVG. I spoke no Chinese and had no job prospects. If I had thought about this...

What made you decide to make Capoeira teaching your career?
In one word...SHANGHAI.
A  teaching career was definitely not on my mind because I knew how hard group leaders work. Teaching in my Master's academy was awesome! He took care of all the business aspects and established the culture. All I had to do was show up and teach.
In Shanghai, all the responsibilities my Master used to take care of were now the responsibility of me and my partner.
On January 29, 2016 our company 上海卡波耶拉 was founded.
It has not been a smooth path, and  I still have much to learn, but I wouldn't change the experience.

What is important for students to learn when playing Capoeira?
To play and enjoy the game of Capoeira, and let the lessons they learn in the roda have a positive influence in their lives:

• Challenge yourself.
• Put energy into what you do.
• Don't give up.
• Have fun.

GET IN TOUCH:
You can connect with Instructor Café on wechat at: cafecb
He is an ACE certified Personal Trainer helping people to get fit, focused, and have fun through body movement.

​
You have always wanted to try Capoeira but didn't know where to start.
There are people flipping, kicking, and singing. 
It's looks amazing and intimidating, but you want to know how to get started? 
Our Express Capoeira course is here to meet your goals.
This is a foundation course designed specifically with beginners in mind. 
Not only will you play and exercise, you will learn to express physical creativity with your body.

Here's your opportunity to learn Capoeira if:

• You have never been to a Capoeira class in your life.
• A significant amount of time has passed since your last class.
• Desire to learn principles of Capoeira movement for dance or fitness.
• You have a limited amount of time and want a fresh experience

SESSION DETAILS:

MOVEMENT

• Learn the fundamental movement of Capoeira––Ginga
• Move and groove in the Ginga with several variations.
• Practice standing and ground transition movements.

KICKS
Learn the 4 fundamental kicks of Capoeira:

• Meia lua de frente
• Queixada
• Armada
• Meia lua de compasso

ESQUIVAS
Esquivas are defensive responses to the circular kicks in Capoeira, and allow for continuity in the game versus blocking.
On the menu for the course:

• Esquiva na frente
• Esquiva da ginga
• Esquiva lateral

FLOREIOS
Floreios are the acrobatic movements in Capoeira. 
We start with exercises to build neuromuscular coordination and awareness.
Fundamental movements include:

• Bananeira
• Aú 
• Ponte
• Queda de Rins

MUSIC
Capoeira is about tribal-primal energy.
Singing in Capoeira neither concert nor competition. 
It's a show of unity and strength as we encourage magic to happen in the roda.

RODA
The roda is the circle where the action takes place. After training, it’s time to create and play your game.
You’ll learn how to enter into and exit out of the roda along with basic Capoeira etiquette.

YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Professor Café has been teaching Capoeira in Shanghai for all levels since 2012 and formed the first Capoeira based company in Shanghai to encourage the growth of the culture. 
He is a student of the founder of Capoeira Brasil–Mestre Boneco.

METHODOLOGY
We believe in challenging you, yet we balance this with your health and safety in mind. Each class will have a review and take home information to reinforce your learning via private wechat group.
We aim to balance teaching, with active learning.  That’s the essence of Capoeira.

WHAT THE CLASS IS NOT!

• This is not a Teacher Training Course! Just a small taste of Capoeira.
• You won't instantly transform into an Instagram Capoeira sensation.

TOPIC
Beginner Capoeira Course

DATES
See Next Available

TIMES
Monday-Wednesday 19:00-20:30

PRICE:
¥1,288 per person

Cancellation Policy:
No refund provided once the course has started.
If not enough sign-ups, course may be cancelled and payment refunded.

Book Your Spot
Book directly through the iWOD mini app on wechat
or contact at tel: 186 0169 4337
WeChat account: Shanghai Capoeira

Axé!

Background:
The inspiration for Capoeira First Fridays comes from Oakland, California.
The city hosts an inclusive art and culture showcase for the community called "First Fridays".
Through our First Fridays we share the art of Capoeira with Shanghai.

Concept:
No experience necessary, no commitment required.
You don't always have time to try something new and we get that.
So we bring a bit of Capoeira to you in a judgement free environment.
Learn a song, a movement sequence, and meet new friends who enjoy Capoeira.
Not a dancer or acrobat...so what!
Each session will cover different aspects of Capoeira from movement, to music, folkloric dance, and more.
This is an active event, not a lecture.

November 8th:
You'll learn your fist song and core movement of Capoeira—The Ginga.
It will be chill as we move together through the language of Capoeira with your first words.
Afterwards, all participants are welcome to join us at Dada for a Capoeira demonstration and party.

Please arrive 10 minutes early to the session.
Capoeira Regional is practiced barefoot.
We have water so bring a bottle.
You will sweat!

Payment:
This is a Pay What You Want (PWYW) class.
You can give ¥50 or ¥150.
Up to you.

Address:
7/F 185 Tianping Road
Xuhui District
Shanghai, China 20030

Cancellation:
In case of cancellation we will let you know 24 hours in advance.
Please let us know if you need to cancel as well.
We would like to have at least 6 people for the meetup.
Please let your friends know so that we can make this happen.

Axé

Instructor Tanque takes us inside the Capoeira Brasil Los Angeles Batizado.
At the Batizado, Capoeira Masters and students from all over the world come together for an intense
week of capoeira workshops, competition, and camaraderie.

​The lights dimmed with a dramatic blue and yellow glow that spotlighted the roda. The gunga started and the viola cried, Mestre Toni Vargas's voice rang out into the room. Outside the cars were crammed into nearby streets and the hot Indian summer night air was buzzing. Two capoeiristas knelt down in reverence of this gathering amidst swelling voices and hands clapping together. I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand on edge and the moment was gone, some of the best capoeiristas in the world had come to do what they love doing best. This is the 18th Capoeira Brasil Los Angeles Batizado.

I’m sorry
This is Mestre Boneco's (Beto Simas) house, one that is managed by Pavão Jessica Carla, and continually constructed and renewed by Sean Anthony Moran. These are people I have known as family since the day I stepped into the roda 16 years ago. They say nothing can try you like family, and this is all the more true with people you choose to be part of your clan. If nothing else, the last year or so has been a difficult time, from starting school, ending a relationship, and trying to pursue life. Capoeira is my release, my escape into the a sea of joy and movement, yet for the first time ever, here was my Mestre, a second father, scolding me for not coming in on time and questioning my heart as to whether I am really committed. I have seen it a thousand times but have never been on the receiving end of his storm. It tilted my balance and threw me deep into questioning the very core of my being, and by the time Mestre Mindinho Capoeira Brasil had given the cabeçada mid role, it had gotten to be too much. The look on my mestre's face after that game said it all. Disgust. It was then that I had ever even considered stepping away from capoeira, and it was ripping me to shreds. Thank you Chitra Chandran for being my life preserver.

Forgive me
Being falsely accused and feeling like I am letting a father figure in my life down are things I cannot accept, it would much sooner choke me to death than sit inside my person. I spoke with him and he accepted my words, there is no doubting my commitment to capoeira and nosso grupo, life has been hard and I don't want to let another person down. Since I left Shanghai, I have been unmoored and adrift in the winds of foreign lands, of expectations, of solitude. My casa of capoeira in Los Angeles is where I seek refuge and it would destroy me if this piece of paradise were to be lost as well. The man who had filled me with energy and inspiration then opened a channel, no, I don't need to worry about letting him down, he had never questioned my heart and understands that I have been ravaged by life as he knows life had ravaged him. But it is up to me to make that switch, to fight for that silver lining and breathe, knowing that there is a different approach, and that I just needed to find it. He is hard on me because he believes in me, that through the fire of work and dedication, I will become more. Time to go to work.

The day of the batizado had an atmosphere of life and anticipation, with a hint of spirits, both ephemeral and from the party the night before. Nervous eyes and timid gingas all wrapped up in batizado shirts, abadas, and dangling cordoes. The first sweat breaks with ease as I let go of my pounding head, and I embraced my brothers and sisters I have longed to play with. Fominha, Bo Tiziu Seriki, Joy San Agustin, put my hat back on my sweaty head and buy the next game. Armada, compasso, macaco, not done out of routine, but with love and eye contact with my partner. The sun was beating down this morning with a ferocity of the desert, maybe the sahara, or probably the sertao. But even that was tempered, softened, tamed, by a beautiful rendition of Mandei caiar meu sobrado led by none other than Kristin Ouro Scheimer. The kids quieted down, the people held their breath, and the voices of people transformed transmitted love and emotion to everyone present, regardless if you understand Portuguese or not. Love is universal.

The voice in my head that criticize my every movement, questioned every song I had ever sung was calmed, but never for long. The past few days were a blur of messy emotions and rhythmic rituals. It was time to decide my path in capoeira, and only I knew what it was I wanted from it, just needed to listen. As my legs crossed into the half lotus in the room that has been the place of my salvation, I breathed, listening, loving kindness, and I knew my answer (thanks Johnny Blu Pants) . A serenity had enveloped my being, how many years have I been at this event? How many times did I see my siblings, my fellow capoeiristas, cry, laugh, and need me, as I needed them? Ouro got her blue cord and the roof exploded. She, who has been a perennial presence was being recognized and celebrated, as she is deserved to be. The energy had grown and it felt as though we were not there as individuals, but one being, awesome and glorious.

I am grateful
Corda roxa! Boomed Mestre Boneco, and the room somehow managed to contain itself. At that moment my choice was crystal clear, I will work and dedicate myself to becoming a better person, not for anyone there but myself, I will commit myself to work to earn that cord one day, but not today. But first, let me congratulate my brothers Tethpelyah Reed (Alongado) and Oba Vita (Relampago), both of whom were letting their emotions show through tears, laughter, and trembling bodies. TANQUE!! It was a bolt of lightning that sealed my feet to the ground. That is not me, surely, had my thoughts betrayed me and Mestre knew where my tumultuous journey would end? I was transported over to receive a blessing that I could only describe as love and light in the truest sense. My body is laid down at your feet because I am transformed because of this house. The person who I am today is as much a product of this house as anything else. The tears flowed painlessly from my eyes in the middle of a sea of smiles, laughter and shouts. Tiziu, Relampago, and Alongado, we represent four different paths in how we pursue capoeira, bestowed by a community of capoeiristas that we would not otherwise know if not for Mestre Boneco, and for that I am eternally grateful.

I love you
​Those games were hardly memorable, but the roda was unforgettable. Axe permeated every corner of 5557 Washington Blvd and the celebration was in everyone's hearts as evident by the smiles and laughter. Yet in that very moment, in that concentrated ball of love and energy, misfortune struck like the sound of breaking glass. Our heartbeat, Festa Capoeira had just lost her father to an unspeakable tragedy, and I understand now why we had created so much love and light, it was so that we could send that to one that would be drowning. Her soft wails rippled through our moment of silence as we try to console her with every fiber of our being.
As the day came to a close and we looked to each other for comfort or some level of understanding of what we had been through, many of my idols (Pinga Fogo, Mindinho Capoeira Brasil) looked me in the eye, congratulated me and told me I was within their hearts and could count on them for anything. One of them told me that I had once trained capoeira, now I am becoming capoeira (Thank you Mestre Itabora Ferreira).

Special Guest Professora Joy from Capoeira Brasil New York in the studio tonight. Her workshop will be from 8:30-9:45pm, with a short Q&A session afterwards about her experiences as a group leader and woman in the capoeira world.

Professora Joy's Bio
Joy San Agustin a.k.a “Coruja” began her Capoeira training with Grupo Capoeira Brasil. Though her home is New York City, Joy has spent significant time training in Brazil in places such as São Paulo, Aracaju, Salvador, and Rio de Janeiro. A talented martial artist, Joy has been a featured performer for Nike and Sony. Joy has also performed for non-profit organizations such as the Capoeira Foundation, Roots of Brazil, and Dance Connecticut in Hartford. In addition, Joy has been featured in numerous TV programs including “EGG” on PBS Channel 13, MNN (The Manhattan Neighborhood Network) and “A Capoeiragem na Bahia” on the Brazilian Network TVE. In addition to entertainment and media venues, Joy is often invited to bring her Capoeira talents to educational and cultural centers. Joy recently performed Capoeira at Middlebury College in Vermont, Penn Sate University and at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.
For five years, Joy has been a guest teacher at The Happen’n , an Annual Womyn’s World and Drum percussion workshop in the Catskill Mountains. An active member of the Capoeira community, Joy travels a great deal both in the US and abroad to play and to teach Capoeira. Some of the places she regularly travels to for Capoeira events in the US include Gainesville, Boston, Connecticut, Newark, St. Louis, San Antonio, Los Angeles, Berkley, San Diego and Houston. In Europe, Joy has been invited to play and teach in Paris, Nice, Marseilles, Brussels, the Canary Islands and Madrid. Joy completed her M.S. in Physical Education at Queens College.
Currently, Joy instructs all levels of Capoeira in Manhattan, and teaches Capoeira classes for the Brooklyn Technical H.S. and the New York City Board of Education. Joy also teaches children’s classes, which she finds extremely rewarding. Her children’s classes at this time include a youth program for Amplify.

Connect with her at:
www.capoeiratrainingcenter.com