About Us
Join us at our premier Capoeira martial arts academy, where you will find a supportive community and expert instruction that will help you achieve your goals in self-defense and fitness. Discover our variety of classes, and start your transformation journey with us today!
What Makes Our Capoeira Academy Different - And Better - Than Any Other
We are a team of passionate and professional Capoeira instructors, who have dedicated our lives to sharing the art and culture of Capoeira with the world. We have trained with some of the best masters in Brazil, and we have developed our own unique and innovative teaching methods that suit every level and style. We are not only teachers, but also learners, who constantly seek to improve our skills and knowledge, and to inspire and empower our students. We are proud to be part of the most innovative Capoeira academy in the world, and we invite you to join us and discover the magic of Capoeira.
Discover Capoeira Martial Arts in Orlando: Exciting Instruction, & Life-Changing Benefits!
If you're looking for a fun and effective way to improve your fitness, self-defense, and well-being, then you'll love Capoeira, the Brazilian martial art that combines dance, music, and acrobatics. At our Capoeira martial arts academy in Orlando, you'll learn from experienced and friendly instructors who will guide you through the basics and beyond. You'll also join a vibrant and supportive community of fellow Capoeira enthusiasts who will motivate and inspire you. Don't miss this chance to discover Capoeira martial arts in Orlando - sign up for a trial membership class today and see the difference for yourself.
MEET Mestre Lazaro Santos
Owner & Capoeira Master
Mestre Lazaro comes all the way from Bahia, Brazil, where he has developed a unique teaching style in the art of Capoeira. He has dedicated his life to this martial art, starting at age 14 as a young Capoeirista under the guidance of Grande Mestre Dinho from the group, Capoeira Topazio. After years of hard work, Mestre Lazaro became a Mestre himself, embodying the wisdom passed down through generations.
His journey took him across continents, showcasing the beauty of Capoeira to audiences in Europe, Japan, and the USA. Eventually, he made his way to Central Florida where his performance group was contracted to perform at Epcot. Eventually, in 1994 he established his own Capoeira Academy in Orlando and has been teaching ever since!
Mestre Lazaro's passion for teaching people of all ages shines through in everything we do. His core mission is to help students believe in themselves, achieve their full potential, and thrive in a supportive and empowering community. This message is ingrained throughout the academy, creating a space where students are inspired to grow both on and off the mat. Today, he continues to inspire and teach students, sharing his passion for Capoeira with a growing community.
Get to Know Our Team
Instrutora Gine
Jessica Wernett "Gine" currently teaches Capoeira at Capoeira Brazilian Pelourinho in Orlando, Florida, under Mestre Lazaro.
Gine runs youth programs and a nonprofit organization called Capoeira For Tomorrow. She teaches children's and adult classes while taking care of academy members.
She started training Capoeira in 2005 under Mestre Lazaro and has been actively involved in the growth and development of the main academy in Orlando, Florida.
Professor Bambu
Bambu currently teaches Capoeira under Mestre Lazaro at Capoeira Brazilian Pelourinho in Orlando, FL.
Bambu started training Capoeira in 1998 and received the rank of Professor in 2019 at Capoeira Brazilian Pelourinho’s 26th annual batizado. He often teaches adult classes at the academy in Orlando, Florida.
Professora Paraiba
Jessica Ortiz "Paraiba" currently teaches Capoeira under Mestre Lazaro in Harrisburg, PA.
Paraiba, originally from NYC and now in Orlando since 1994, is pursuing a career in medicine while being deeply fascinated with martial arts. Introduced to Capoeira in San Francisco, she struggled to find a local teacher until college, where she met Mestre Lazaro. Capoeira has since become a transformative force in her life, improving her character, focus, and helping her overcome bad habits.
Professor Palhaçada
Wellington Lima, aka Palhaçada, has been practicing Capoeira for 25+ years in Recife, Pernambuco. Despite parental criticism, he pursued Capoeira as a positive outlet for self-expression. He excelled in gymnastics, winning the Brazilian national championships at 17. Joining Cirque Du Soleil, he performed in over 20 countries, including the show Dralion. In 2009, he moved to Las Vegas to perform in "Viva Elvis" and later in "Michael Jackson One" at Mandalay Bay Hotel. Professor Palhaçada believes Capoeira is an art that unveils new levels of capability and self-awareness.
Instrutor Scooby Doo
Craig Ellis Raboteau, also known as "Scooby Doo," became a student of Mestre Lazaro in 1995 and instantly fell in love with Capoeira. Over the years, he has embraced Capoeira as an integral part of his identity, learning to prioritize thought over conflict at a young age. Capoeira has influenced every aspect of his life, including art, philosophy, and personal growth. With the guidance of Mestre Lazaro, Scooby has gained confidence and had the opportunity to travel the world. Currently, Scooby teaches classes and trains at the Orlando, Florida academy location.
Instrutor Rafael
Born in Salvador, Bahia, I was introduced to capoeira by my father when I was just six years old, along with my brother. For the past 20 years, I have been dedicated to training and performing capoeira. This incredible martial art has taken me around the world, and I wouldn't be where I am today without it.
Instrutor Rato
Teaches Capoeira For All Ages
Rato began his journey in capoeira in 1996 in Recife, Brazil. In 2010, he became a student of Mestre Lázaro, dedicating himself to practicing, learning, and exchanging life stories and experiences with fellow capoeiristas ever since. Capoeira is my family, capoeira is my life.
Instrutora Ciclone
Teaches Capoeira For All Ages
Viviana Castaño, also known as "Ciclone," currently trains and teaches capoeira at Capoeira Brazilian Pelourinho in Orlando, FL, under Mestre Lazaro Santos. She fell in love with the art form from a very young age but was not allowed to practice it until 2005, when she started training. Capoeira has played a transformative role in her life, giving her a new perspective and allowing her to apply the strength gained in Capoeira to all other aspects of her life, for which she is truly thankful. Capoeira é vida. Axé.
Professor Pike
Teaches Capoeira For All Ages
Professor Pike is a Brazilian and French who traveled the world. He started Capoeira in 1998 and has been teaching Capoeira for 20 years. He has taught classes and workshops all over the world. Australia, Mexico, Brazil, Vegas, Melbourne, California, and Orlando. Pike has a passion for teaching music and has a creative way of incorporating his broad knowledge of capoeira into his classes for kids and adults.