Our School

MENTOR · BARRACÃO DA CAPOEIRA

Mestre José Antonio

Mestre Jose Antonio was born in Brazil in 1958, founder of Barracão da Capoeira Guaratinguetá in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Mestre Jose Antonio has been teaching capoeira for over 40 years developing work with disadvantaged children from the suburbs of the city and helping in the education and training for a better life.

It is also the director of a dance company that presents folk dances including African-Brazilian dances and capoeira. This show has been running successfully for over twenty-five years

Mestre Jose Antonio nowadays teaches at his academy for children and adults and travel yearly to give workshops around the world.

Mestre Jose Antonio supervises Apêiara Capoeira Academy and he comes to Cyprus twice a year to teach classes and supervising our grading ceremony.

Mestre Jose Antonio is also the Master of Mestre Casquinha and many other well-known Capoeiristas worldwide.

FOUNDER

Mestre Casquinha

A lifelong journey through Capoeira, beginning in Brazil in 1987.

Born Rodrigo Gonçalves in Guaratinguetá, São Paulo, Mestre Casquinha discovered Capoeira in 1987. Growing up in a humble family, he began working at the age of eleven to help support his household. His mother even sewed his training trousers from fabric bags so he could pursue his passion.

Inspired by Capoeira demonstrations at his school, he joined community classes organized by Mestre José Antonio and Grupo Barracão da Capoeira, beginning a journey that would shape his life.

What started as a childhood fascination became a lifelong dedication to movement, music, culture and the traditions of Capoeira.

Nearly four decades later, his passion remains as strong as ever. Through Capoeira, he continues to share knowledge, inspire others and bring people together.

For Mestre Casquinha, Capoeira is more than an art. It is a way of life.

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TEACHER

Capoeira Instructor

Yoyo began his Capoeira journey 16 years ago in Greece before continuing his training in Cyprus with Apêiara Capoeira under the guidance of Mestre Casquinha.

For the past four years, he has been dedicated to teaching Capoeira to children and Adults, creating a welcoming and engaging environment where learning and fun go hand in hand.

His teaching approach combines movement, music and play, helping children develop coordination, body awareness, rhythm, focus and confidence while discovering the rich traditions of Capoeira.

For Yoyo, every class is an opportunity for children to learn, express themselves and grow through Capoeira.

TEACHER

Capoeira Instructor

Eleni began her Capoeira journey in London, where she trained for three years under Mestre Poncianinho and met Mestre Casquinha.

Upon returning to Cyprus, she joined forces with Mestre Casquinha to establish Apêiara Capoeira in 2010, the island’s first official Capoeira group.

Since then, Eleni has remained dedicated to the art, continuing her training and contributing to the growth of the Capoeira community in Cyprus.

Today, she shares her experience and passion by leading classes at the academy, welcoming newcomers and helping students develop their skills, confidence and connection to Capoeira.

TEACHER

Capoeira Instructor

Amigo began his Capoeira journey in 2014 when a friend introduced him to Apêiara Capoeira and Mestre Casquinha.

Fascinated by the art, particularly its rich musical traditions, he developed a deep passion for Capoeira’s instruments, rhythms and songs.

Over the years, Amigo has become an essential part of the Apêiara family. His dedication goes far beyond teaching. With the new academy, affectionately known as the Casa da Capoeira, located in his family’s building, Amigo has played an important role in helping create a home for the group. His commitment, generosity and continuous support reflect his passion for keeping Capoeira alive and growing in Cyprus.

Today, Amigo teaches both Capoeira and music classes, sharing his knowledge of movement, instruments, rhythms and traditional songs. Through his teaching, he encourages students to explore the art, develop their skills and understand the connection between music and the roda.

For Amigo, Capoeira is more than movement and music. It is about community, dedication and keeping the traditions alive for future generations.