Instructors
Instrutor Salseiro has dedicated his heart and soul to the Afro-Brazilian art form of Capoeira. Having a background in dance and martial arts provided an organic transition into Capoeira. Instructor Salseiro received the rank of Instructor and constantly refines his training under the guidance of Mestre Gordinho.
Instructor Salseiro’s classes focus on movement, expression, flexibility, acrobatics, transitions and realistic application of Capoeira’s martial arts techniques. Dedicated to preserving Capoeira’s cultural history and traditions, he offers classes in music which consist of singing and percussive instrument training. These are all requirements needed to become profoundly efficient in mastering all components of Capoeira.
Instructor Salseiro has trained with reputable mestres and instructors, such as Mestre João Grande of Capoeira Angola (2003-2004), Principal and founder of Capoeira Angola Center, Instructor Mucuiù of ABADÁ-Capoeira (2004-2016), Principal and founder of Arte Capoeira Center. Currently, he continues his training and guidance with Mestre Gordinho, Principal and founder of Capoeira Guatambu (2016-present).
Instrutor Salseiro
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Instrutora Esquila has practiced capoeira for more than twenty years, with experience teaching children and adults spanning over a decade. She trains with Mestre Gordinho, the principal founder of Capoeira Guatambu in New York City.
Since starting her training with Instrutor Mucuiú of ABADÁ-Capoeira, Esquila has had the opportunity to train capoeira around the world and showcase the art in countless forums, including the Africa-America Institute’s 65th Anniversary Gala honoring President Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique. In 2018, she placed 2nd in the ABADÁ-Capoeira NYC Jogos among female competitors of her rank. Esquila received the “Instrutor” title in 2021, becoming one of Capoeira Guatambu’s first two instrutoras.
A native New Yorker, Esquila is inspired by the power of capoeira to build community, connecting people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds.
Instrutora Esquila
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Organization and Founder
Mestre Gordinho
Principal and Founder of Capoeira Guatambu
Mestre Gordinho is the Principal Founder of Capoeira Guatambu, a premier Capoeira organization in New York City. Mestre Gordinho works closely with his instructors to ensure quality and consistency at all Capoeira Guatambu locations.
Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Mestre Gordinho is a dedicated and passionate Capoeira Instructor. He has practiced Capoeira for 30+ years and dedicated his life to Capoeira, traveling extensively throughout Brazil, the U.S. and more than 30 countries to demonstrate, teach and promote Brazilian culture through the art of Capoeira. He is also an internationally-recognized Capoeira musician and composer, having composed and recorded many songs that are performed at Capoeira ‘roda,’ competitions and performances around the world.
For more information about Mestre Gordinho’s classes visit www.capoeiragutambu.com.