Association of Capoeira Mestre Bimba

I’m not exactly the most athletic or coordinated person, so when I first saw people playing capoeira I thought it looked awesome but that I would never try it. Luckily for me, I finally did try it when a friend introduced me to Jadson’s class and it’s been a blast. Jadson is patient enough to explain everything thoroughly (even when I forget and have to ask a second or third time), but still challenges you so that each week you are building on what you learned last class. It’s a great class for someone at any level. Not only that, but the classes are really fun and everyone is very friendly.
If you are thinking of joining, I highly suggest you try it out — it is a good community, a good way to challenge yourself, and a great way to stay in shape!

I joined Jadson’s class because I had a Groupon for the old location. It was for ten classes… I’ve been training with him now for 3 years! He’s a talented professor with much to teach and a friendly motivating personality. He goes beyond expectations in answering questions after class, Capoeira movie nights, making berimbaus with class the OG way, and keeps students posted on events all around the Bay. It’s not a big school relatively (so far), but that means more instruction for you! The current facility (Bladium) is great for Capoeira because easy parking, decent space, and after open roda, we can get bar food and drink upstairs!

From an experienced (at least a little) capoeirista :)
I started playing capoeira a little over three years ago in Seattle with another new-​to-​the-​US teacher. I really enjoyed being part of a growing and community-​oriented group with a very enthusiastic, authentic leader fresh from the source: Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, center of afro-​brazilian culture and a mecca for capoeira. Jadson is a from this town as well, and carries on the lineage of Mestre Bimba, famed and adored leader who resurrected capoeira into the Brazilian mainstream (for one getting it legalized! Read more of this history on the group’s very informative Facebook page:
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In addition to the nature of the group and style of play that appeals to me, Jadson brings EXCELLENT teaching methods drawing on his degree in Physical Education from Brazil. He also speaks English quite fluently and thoroughly describes goals and tips for improvement verbally in addition to demonstrating effectively (with fresh Brazilian instructors, this is not always the case!) I understand Portuguese and learn very well by observing (extensive background in movement and acrobatics), so I was fine with my previous teacher’s limited explanation in English and demo/​interactive style, but noticed it was not clear enough for many of the newer or less cross-​trained students. Jadson is really talented at catering to multiple levels within the same training session, which is also traditional for capoeira and fundamental for building a strong community.
They have a kids group too, as well as outreach teaching in schools! I haven’t been part of the kids trainings, but sometimes some of them have played with the adult group, and they have impressive enthusiasm and skills already :)
I highly encourage anyone looking to become part of a supportive, dynamic community and willing to contribute dedicated effort to join this group. I still also recommend it as an enriching and non-​intimidating start for those who just want to try it out (but caution you that you’ll get hooked! Luckily the prices are VERY reasonable and flexible to how often you train; no commitment needed but lower rates for frequent participation.)
To keep people from having an experience that wasn’t what they were looking for:
*Potential* downsides for some (Pluses for me!):
–This group is small, community/​friendship oriented, and building itself up.
If you are looking for an established, larger capoeira or a more aggressive style of play, this is not the group for you. That said, Jadson still challenges us according to ability and reminds us gently but firmly to get in the game and remain aware of the ways you could get hurt if you don’t stay aware and keep skills sharp!
–Jadson is in the middle levels of leadership in his own capoeira training, not a full mestre or contra-​mestre.
If you want to train with an older, more seasoned «expert», there are many such groups in the area. Yet, he has played for many years and has a degree in PE to solidify his «qualifications» to teach. The traditional capoeira formation is VERY rigorous and a life-​long process, so if you would like a younger, enthusiastic teacher who remembers what it’s like to be at your level, you will be very happy here. I sure am!

Jadson is an incredibly patient, passionate and inspiring teacher. He cares deeply about his students and about the art form of Capoeira. His class allows students to learn about many parts of Capoeira: the movements, the music, and the culture. I feel so lucky to be able to learn this all from Jadson– check it out!
Also, the first class is free, so it’s stress free to give it a try. It’s a warm, supportive community of students and I feel very welcomed each time I come to class. Jadson does a great job of teaching to many levels at once, so whether you are a beginner or a seasoned Capoeirista, Jadson will have something for you.
See you there!

If you want to workout, send the stress away and have FUN; this is the place to go!
You don’t need to have any experience to enjoy this class, Jadson (the teacher) is really nice and patient and the group is just amazing… I’ve been feeling welcomed and comfortable since the first lesson.
I started this class with no experience 5 months ago and now I feel comfortable with the basic movements.
The lessons take place at The Work Studio every Monday and Thursday nights 6 – 7:30pm, but sometimes we do some «unscheduled» like playing capoeira on the grass at the Willard Park (which I love) or learning to sing and play capoeira music with instruments (which is a lot of fun!).
You have to try it!

This is my first review ever on Unilocal,so it must mean either I really like this class or I hate it! Well, I love it!
It’s my first time taking capoeira and, honestly, I never thought (having watched performances before) I would be able to do it!!! It’s a very acrobatic activity and it just looks impossible but Jadson (Professor Caçador) makes it easier by explaining things step by step. Jadson is very sweet and attentive and is able to create an environment where students of all levels can thrive.
Another great thing about this class is the companionship: I don’t know if all students are great people or if this is just something that the practice of capoeira instills in people, but everyone is incredibly friendly and willing to help you move forward on your learning.
First class is free and then you are hooked!

Jadson’s got this great energy that’s really fun-​loving and happy, but still focused. The class is a good way to get and stay in shape because you do a lot of cardio, strength-​building, and even stuff like learning to stand on your head! (I was scared to try that, but Jadson was really patient helping me). The class is welcoming to beginners — Jadson gives you a lot of one-​on-​one guidance. There are mostly women in the class, which is really nice for a beginning female martial artist.

This course is held twice a week on Monday and Tuesday, starting from 6 pm, lasts for 90 m.
I joined the class six months ago with no experience, and picked up the basic movement fairly quickly. The class has people with a wide range of levels, from beginner to advanced, which helps the progress a lot. Besides the physical training, the course also teaches the basic musical instrument that adds lots of fun to it, I’ve enjoyed it a lot.

I’ve been taking Jadson’s capoeira class for almost a year now but once I started I couldn’t stop! Monday and Thursday nights 6 – 7:30pm have become a part of my weekly routine.
The first class is free to try, the next 2 are $ 5 each, and then there are a few options for continuing the class. I’m using the 10-​class-​card for $ 90, classes are normally $ 10 for drop-​in students.
The class itself is mixed level, I started with absolutely no prior knowledge and feel pretty comfortable now with most of the things we do in class. I was sore for about a week after my first day because capoeira uses muscles that we don’t often use in regular life. Jadson is very good at working with beginners to help them feel comfortable with each movement. Most of my classmates have said that they love this class especially because it’s not intimidating.
We usually have about 6 to 9 people. So, it’s a pretty small group and we all know each other. It’s great having more advanced students in the class because they often help teach newer students during games. Sometimes we’ll split up and work in groups depending on level and then come back together at the end.
The Works Studio itself has a very spacious room with lots of mirrors for dance and exercise classes. I usually go barefoot during capoeira so I definitely notice when they don’t clean the floor. Get ready for some blisters if you decide to continue barefoot!
(This review is also posted on The Works Unilocal page.)