Welcome
Our Mission
The aim of Capoeira New Orleans is to promote awareness of Brazilian culture through the Afro-Brazilian arts, primarily Capoeira. A big focus is our kids program here in New Orleans as well as in Goioerê, Paraná, a small rural town in southern Brazil. Capoeira and its rich history not only creates an atmosphere for physical fitness, respect and discipline in the youth but also for personal and social growth and creative expression. Our community invests funds from classes and fundraising into our local and international programs that create opportunities for participating kids.
About Us
Capoeira New Orleans is the first Regional style Capoeira group on the Gulf Coast and has been in the area since December 2006 with the arrival of Mestre Cocada. With the formation of the Capoeira and Brazilian Cultural Arts Center, a 501(c)3 non profit organization, the group has set out on its mission of creating awareness of Brazilian culture through Capoeira here in our beloved city.
The Mission of Capoeira New Orleans is to perform community outreach activities to people of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities through the education of students in the art and culture of Capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art. Through exposure to Capoeira, the leaders of this organization aim to instill confidence in those who study Capoeira, encourage knowledge of the Afro-Brazilian culture, develop musical and physical abilities, and improve the quality of life of those in the greater New Orleans area.
Interested in having Capoeira New Orleans perform for your next festival or event? Contact us at capoeiraneworleans@gmail.com or (504) 383-3577.
Mestre Cocada
Rogerio Valencio da Silva, better known as Mestre Cocada in the Capoeira world, began training at the age of 15 in his city of Goioerê, Paraná, Brazil . At the age of 18, Mestre Cocada opened his own academy in 1999. In conjunction with the local government, he implemented a social project in ten schools of Goioerê. The programs are highly successful today with over 500 students ranging from ages 5 to 15. In September 2019 in the presence of Mestre Joao Grande, Mestre Jelon Vieira, and many renowned capoeiristas, Mestre Cocada was promoted to the level of Mestre.
Since coming to the United States, Mestre Cocada has traveled all over the country as a guest of great Capoeiristas. He has participated in events and workshops in New York, Florida, Texas, Georgia, Colorado, Illinois, California and Missouri. In 2005, Mestre Cocada appeared in the Sergio Mendes and Black Eyed Peas video “Mas Que Nada.” He also appeared in the video “Miracles” with the group Arrested Development, which features him in a one-handed handstand.
Mestre Cocada has trained, taught, and lived Capoeira for 30 years.
Instrutora Maratona
Porsche Jackson, known in the Capoeira community as Instrutora Maratona, began training Capoeira in New Orleans in 2011 with her son under the leadership of Mestre Cocada. Since then she has been able to travel domestically and internationally to train, learn more about Capoeira, and participate in competitions. In 2021, she successfully defended her doctoral dissertation in Business Administration.
In 2023, she took on the role of lead instructor for the kids and adult programs at the Arte Reviver New Orleans academy and is the Executive Director of our nonprofit, the Capoeira & Brazilian Cultural Arts Center. Her latest initiative is the “Distinctive Warriors” program, a class for youth of different abilities. She is currently also working on building partnerships with other nonprofits, foundations, and local businesses to spread the art of Capoeira in the greater New Orleans area.
Maratona’s mission is to continue to spread and share the Afro-Brazilian art of Capoeira with everyone, especially the youth, of Orleans and surrounding parishes.
New Orleans Instrutores & Graduados
Graduada Golfinha
Graduada Barbi
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