About Capoeira Malês DC

Our Mission

CapoeiraDC (Capoeira Malês DC) is a community-run nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering the Afro-Brazilian martial art of capoeira in the nation’s capital through classes, community outreach and access, and youth development.

Capoeira is a unique blend of martial arts, dance, and music that evolved from the vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture.  Under the tutelege of Instrutor Morcego and Mestre Curisco of Capoeira Malês in Seattle, WA, CapoeiraDC is a dedicated community of capoeiristas who practice the Afro-Brazilian art of Capoeira.

History of CapoeiraDC

Instructor Morcego, Borboleta, Sorriso, and Gavião formed the nonprofit organization CapoeiraDC (Capoeira Malês DC) in 2000 with a group of dedicated capoeiristas practicing after hours in Morcego's restaurant.

Eventually, the group expanded and moved to a garage on U Street, then to a historic firehouse on M Street, and finally to our present location - the old hardware store Florida Avenue. 

With each expansion, Capoeira Malês DC renovated abandoned and blighted buildings emerging as a more dynamic organization. CapoeiraDC is essentially a cooperative.

Our members volunteer their time to teach classes, perform, organize community events, and renovate and maintain the studio. Working together, we stay true to the spirit of Capoeira community-building, comradery, and great axé or energy.

Nearly a decade after our inception, Capoeira Malês DC has expanded to offer adult and kid capoeira, Samba/Afro-Brazilian dance, and drumming classes to over 100 students.

We are committed to making arts accessible to the community by offering Capoeira and Samba workshops, and teaching free capoeira classes at afterschool and summer programs at the academy and in the Adams Morgan, Columbia Heights, and Anacostia neighborhoods in Washington, DC.

CapoeiraDC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All proceeds from classes support our mission to purchase and develop our own building and cultural center in Washington, D.C.