Welcome to capoluke.com
The digital home of our Capoeira lineage. Train with intention. Preserve the details.
Drop-ins and Donations
If you have been supported by capoluke.com and ASCAB Capoeira, this is a place to contribute. Help sustain classes and development of programming, local and online.
Local
in-person Classes in Nevada County, California:
Rough and Ready Grange Wednesdays
Kids class at 5:00 p.m. - Adults at 6:00 p.m.
Weekly classes in Nevada County are being being led by Melissa Faisca, and Miguel Nativo. $20/drop in. $40/month for individuals and $60/month for families.
in-person Classes in Silver City, New Mexico:
Community class at Silver City Rec Center Saturdays
Kids class at 10:30 a.m. - Adults at 11:30 a.m.
Weekly classes in Silver City are led by Contra Mestre Palhaço. Ongoing classes for WNMU students are open for sign up. New weekly classes coming soon!
For more information and updates about any local classes, questions, comments and concerns please,
Join our group on Telegram
About
CAPOEIRA
At its heart, I see the Afro-Brazilian art of Capoeira as a social tool and a method of building community.
Capoeira gives us an opportunity to discover and celebrate ourselves and our individual human potential. Fueled by joy, it brings together movement, dance, martial arts, music, language, songs, philosophy, crafts, and new lenses through which to view the world.
It empowers us to develop our individuality and become authors of our own stories. At the same time, together as a group, we find our shared humanity and power.
CONTRA MESTRE PALHAÇO
Capoeira found me in 2002, toward the end of my senior year at Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia. I was among the small minority of students who chose not to pursue college. During that time, the man who would become my teacher and mentor, Mestre Doutor, came to lead a workshop and performance. I was immediately drawn in, and that day I began what has become a lifelong practice.
Capoeira became my continued education. As a musician, athlete, and artist with a deep interest in wilderness, native mindset, and lineage-based learning, I found that Capoeira unified all of those pursuits. It has been a driving force in my life ever since.
The art has taken me to Brazil to deepen my studies and has provided community wherever I’ve lived. I ran a movement studio in Sebastopol and taught throughout Sonoma County for ten years before moving to Nevada County. I am now working to establish roots here, as well as in Silver City, New Mexico. I am continuing building a community that supports and grows this art with depth and integrity.
FAQ's
If you have any questions feel free to message in the telegram, or message me directly @capoeirapalhaco on Instagram.
What is ASCAB?
ASCAB (Ah-ska-bee) stands for Associação Santista de Capoeira Areia Branca, which translates roughly to “Santista Association of Capoeira Areia Branca.”
In the United States it is also known as the American Society of Capoeira and Arts from Brazil.
How much time do I need to train?
It’s up to you. Many students train 3–5 days per week, but even 15–30 minutes a day can produce meaningful progress. The academy includes both short and longer classes depending on how much time you have.
Can I train capoeira alone?
Yes. While capoeira is traditionally played with others, many essential skills are developed through consistent solo practice. This program helps guide that process.
Do I need prior capoeira experience?
No. The academy includes material for beginners as well as deeper training concepts for more experienced practitioners.
I already train in a capoeira group. Can this still help me?
Yes. Many students use the academy to support their training between classes and refine their understanding of movement, philosophy, and strategy.
How is the academy organized?
The academy currently has three main sections:
Movement Library – an encyclopedia of ASCAB movements organized by attacks, escapes/defenses, and aús/floreios.
Classes – guided training sessions ranging from 10-minute short classes to hour-long practices.
Culture – philosophy, history, music, songs, and roda strategy.
Where should I start?
Most students begin with a short class, then explore the Movement Library to study specific movements in more detail.
Is this a replacement for in-person capoeira classes?
No. The academy is designed to support and deepen training, especially for people without regular access to a group.
Will new content be added?
Yes. The academy will continue to grow with new training material and deeper exploration of capoeira.