Welcome to Brasil Capoeira Berlin
We celebrate resistance, equality, movement, creativity, rhythm, and community through Capoeira — a unique Afro-Brazilian martial art, disguised as dance and brought to life through music.
Rooted in a history of resilience, Capoeira developed in the 16th century, when thousands of enslaved Africans in Brazil practiced movement, ritual, and rhythm as powerful forms of endurance and resistance against colonial oppression. In 2014, UNESCO added the Capoeira Roda to its list of intangible cultural heritage.
For many of us today, Capoeira is more than a sport — it’s a vibrant cultural expression, a way of life, and a philosophy. We invite you to train, play, and grow with us in a welcoming space that embraces respect, discipline, and joy for all ages and backgrounds.
Training
Capoeira is an exceptionally versatile, non-violent sport that is ‘played’ — meaning there are no winners and no losers.
Regardless of age, background, or physical ability, students cultivate physical, mental, and emotional strength while engaging with historic and cultural values. Through training, they learn respect, rituals, discipline, music, singing, and the Portuguese language.
Trial Lessons
You are welcome to join us for a trial lesson at any time. If possible, please let me know in advance. A trial lesson costs 10€, and if you decide to continue, the amount will be deducted from your first monthly fee.
Capoeira for Adults & 40+
People often come to me with a strong curiosity or desire to train Capoeira. Yet they say, “I’m not flexible,” “I’m not mobile,” “I’m not musical,” or “I don’t have the time or motivation anymore.”
I am 50. My classes for adults are designed to help you feel good and stay mobile through Capoeira — not to turn anyone into a high-performance athlete. Capoeira offers many benefits for body and soul:
- Increases self-confidence and self-expression
- Improves flexibility and joint mobility
- Enhances balance and coordination
- Boosts cardiovascular health
- Builds strength, patience, and endurance
- Supports weight management
- Reduces stress and promotes relaxation
- Stimulates cognitive function and memory
- Encourages mindfulness and body awareness
- Fosters social connection and community
Training Location for Adults & 40+
Elizabeth-Shaw-Schule
Grunowstraße 17, 13187 Berlin
Tuesdays & Thursdays 19:30 – 21:00
Capoeira for Kids & Teens
Children and teens can begin training from the age of 7 (second grade). Registration is required before attending classes, but trial sessions are possible anytime. Please contact me in advance to ensure your child is placed in the appropriate group.
Capoeira is a wonderfully complete and enriching activity for children and teenagers, offering a wide range of physical, mental, and social advantages:
- Provides a fun and engaging way to stay active across all age groups
- Improves coordination, balance, and motor skills
- Boosts physical fitness and flexibility
- Enhances rhythm and musicality
- Builds confidence and self-esteem
- Encourages teamwork and social interaction
- Teaches discipline and respect
- Stimulates creativity and self-expression
- Promotes cultural awareness, appreciation, and inclusion
- Develops focus and concentration
Training Location for Kids & Teens
Sredzkistraße 8
10435 Berlin
Mondays 15:00 – 16:00
Kastanienallee 77
10435 Berlin
Mondays 16:15 – 17:15
Professora Alegria
My name is Tosca Salinas, and I was born in Madrid, Spain. My Capoeira name is Professora Alegría. I began learning Capoeira in 1997 in Madrid with Professor Brucutú from Capoeira Abadá. After a pause to focus on my architectural studies in Oxford, I resumed training in 1999 in Zürich with Mestre Omar. In 2000, I began training regularly with Mestre Matias in Bern, who soon became my Capoeira master.
I have been teaching Capoeira since 2004 and have been part of numerous Capoeira events across Brazil, Switzerland, Italy, Portugal, Belgium, France, Finland, Sweden, Spain, and Germany. Whenever possible, I travel to Brazil to “drink from the source” and deepen my connection and understanding of Capoeira’s roots.
From 2006 to 2011, I taught and led Brasil Capoeira Barcelona. Since 2011, I have been living in Berlin with my husband Boneco (Capoeirista and instrument artisan) and our two children, who have been training Capoeira since the age of three.
I teach under the supervision of Mestre Matias and run Brasil Capoeira Berlin, where I have organised annual Capoeira workshops since 2012. Since 2014, I am also influenced and mentored by Mestre Bailarino (International Capoeira Raiz) in Berlin.
Capoeira is therefore not only my passion — it is also my family. We look forward to welcoming you into our community.
Mestre Matias
Manoel Matias Lopes, known as Mestre Matias, was born on December 2, 1963, in Canabrava, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.
His journey into the world of Capoeira began when he witnessed a Capoeira Roda led by Grão Mestre Dunga for the first time at Praça Sete in Belo Horizonte — it was love at first sight.
At the age of 14, he began practicing Capoeira in Sete Lagoas with the Chocalho group, under the guidance of Professores Nelsinho and Edson, who would later become part of Mestre Marreta’s Berimbau de Ouro group.
Driven by a desire to share the art of Capoeira beyond Brazil, Matias travelled to Europe to explore new possibilities. During one of his return visits to Brazil in 1991, he organized a major Capoeira event at the Ginásio Poliesportivo in Curvelo. At this event, he received a surprise honor: Mestre Dunga officially appointed Matias as a Capoeira Mestre.