Capoeira Cordão de Ouro (cd0)
Our program is based on the methodology of Capoeira Cordão de Ouro (CDO), combined with Mestre Cabeção’s 20+ years of experience working with people of all ages and backgrounds.
We bring the best of Brazilian culture to people looking for more than a simple workout.
Mestre Suassuna founded Capoeira Cordão de Ouro in 1967.
After practicing capoeira for almost 30 years, he came to believe that capoeira was too violent and that the art form had more to offer than kicks and attacks. He developed a way to teach capoeira so that anyone can become a capoeirista and enjoy a robust physical and cultural experience.
Mestre Suassuna had the respect of both the old masters and the young capoeira community. He was known for his amazing voice and talent with music. He recorded one of the first capoeira records, which helped his fame spread throughout the capoeira world.
Mestre Suassuna’s academy was a gathering place for the capoeira community, known for the amazing energy, rodas, and his talented students. He was a charismatic host with a playful way to present his work and his students, making every occasion a unique, special experience.
Today, CDO is one of the most admired capoeira schools in the world, and also one of the biggest. Over the decades, Mestre Suassuna has had 18 “formaturas” – graduations for only the most advanced students. At these events, he has graduated at least 140 students to professor level or above, and these teachers have gone on to graduate many more advanced students themselves.
Capoeira Cordão de Ouro mangalot
In 1995, João Ricardo Patriota da Silva begin his capoeira journey. One year later he began teaching capoeira. He held the first lessons at a local community center. In between classes, the space hosted birthday parties, business events, and even funerals. da Silva wanted his own space for capoeira, so he transformed a space in his family’s home, which his dad had used for his business as a car mechanic, into a capoeira academy.
In 1999, da Silva became a student of Mestre Suassuna, the founder of Capoeira Cordão de Ouro and one of the most well-known and respected capoeira masters in the world.
da Silva’s dedication, passion, and desire to create a family brought talented kids to his group, which soon grew its local reputation. They were invited to perform in local festivals and events, and started teaching in gyms around the neighborhood.
In 2016, da Silva was able to move out of the family home and open a formal academy, Cordão de Ouro (CDO) Mangalot. This expanded his offerings and his positive impact on the community.
Today, da Silva – known as Mestre Coruja – has more than 30 teachers under his supervision, and CDO Mangalot is a reference in the community and around the world. When people travel to São Paulo and want to experience capoeira, they visit Mangalot. The academy is famous for its good energy, warm welcome, and – above all – the high level of capoeira taught and practiced there.
Julio Arruda (Mestre Cabeção) was da Silva’s first student. Now he is one of many to follow da Silva’s leadership and methodology. Cabeção is proud to be part of this beautiful story of hard work and following a dream.
CDO Mangalot is a family, and capoeira is the bond that keeps the family strong.
Capoeira Cordão de Ouro From Brazil to Miami
CDO is one of the largest capoeira schools in the world and contributed greatly to capoeira’s expansion beyond Brazil. The founder, Mestre Suassuna, maintains many of the traditional aspects of capoeira, but also reinvigorated and refreshed the art form with a playful spirit.
The vision of CDO is to bring people together. In a time when capoeira was violent, Mestre Suassuna developed a more playful style. Now, wherever Mestre Cabeção goes, he brings this energy to capoeira. His goal with capoeira is for people to be able to express themselves freely and safely.
Cabeção wants to create the same successful environment here in Miami. Evolve is a space for different types of people to learn, share, and grow. For artists, athletes, and adventurers. For everyone.
Evolve is more than a gym. It is a space for fitness, art, and culture. For the community, by the community.