Much like any art or sport you practice, your development in the art of Capoeira will be a direct result of your consistent and dedicated training, effort, drive, and your desire to learn.  No prior experience is required to begin training, you will learn everything you need while in class.  

We recommend training at least two times a week.  This will help your muscle memory lock in and get you on a schedule. There are many class times to choose from. There is no excuse. Stay consistent! 

Capoeira is a holistic art with many elements; each person brings their own set of experiences, strengths and interests to class.  Whatever your reason for training, remember that becoming involved in the Capoeira community by learning more about Brazilian culture, attending weekly rodas, workshops, and other special events are all a great way to better understand the beauty and strength of the art. 

Capoeiristas are rewarded for their dedication and growth once a year by graduating to their first (or next) cord at an event called a Batizado.  Once a year, Capoeira Brasil Los Angeles hosts its International Capoeira Festival and Batizado. 

The festival is a week-long event where Capoeira mestres (masters), teachers, students and supporters come together for special workshops, lectures, rodas, seminars, performances, and parties!  The Batizado graduation and cord ceremony is the festival’s culminating event.  The annual International Festival and Batizado is the most important event all year for capoeiristas.  It is what capoeiristas train for and look forward to all year.  It is important not only because of the cord ceremony but also because it is an opportunity for students to train with all the visiting mestres and teachers as well as meet capoeiristas from all over the world!

One month prior to the International Capoeira Festival and Batizado capoeiristas participate in their individual “ACE”:  Annual Capoeira Evaluation.  This is how each capoeirista’s progress is assessed. 

“ACE” or the Annual Capoeira Evaluation is an individual assessment of your development as a capoeirista and the progress you have made in your training over the past year.  The assessment is performed by lead teachers at CBLA, and done in a group as well as individually. Capoeiristas will be considered for their next cord by being observed in their day to day training as well as their performance in their Annual Capoeira Evaluation.  This is where their movement, music, participation, and in-the-roda skill is tested and individually assessed.  The “ACE” process is different at each cord level.