Infromation about Me and my Classes
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Instructor "Girafa"

Born Marcelo Fantozzi Guimaraes in Santos/SP Brazil, my first contact with Capoeira was in the second grade when I saw a presentation during recess. My attention was caught by the two men spinning so fast and so close to each other like snakes in a mating ritual.
Many years later I found out those "spinning guys" were doing "meia-lua de compasso".
Around 1992 at the age of 15, I walked in for my very first class, Mestre Carneirinho taught me the very first steps in the Capoeira world.
A year later Mestre Carneirinho moved out of town and I played Capoeira on different places until I found one where I felt confortable and started training
Under Contra-Mestre Marcelo Cunha of Filhos de Aruanda.
The next year due to School times being the same as Capoeira classes, the only time to play was on the street and beach with my friends.
After finishing school I moved to California and visited a few diferent classes, in 1998 I had my first contact with Mestre Amen Santo and started training with Capoeira Batuque shortly thereafter and have not stoped since.   
I have lead classes under Mestre Amen supervision in Santa Barbara,Santa Monica and at the main studio in Culver City ! I have been teaching in the San Fernando Valley since early 2003 making it the second Batuque school in the area. The San Fernando Valley school has participated in  many shows and opened for artists such as OLODUM (2003) and apeared in TV shows such as "FitNation with Gina Lombadri" on FitTV!

What can I expect from your classes?
The classes are very focused on the basic moves of Capoeira although Acrobatic and advanced moves are taught as well, you will learn the Fight,Show,Dance,Musical and Historical side of Capoeira if this is your first class or first in a long time, one thing is for sure...expect to be a little sore on the day after class because you will be using muscles you had forgoten about...but...don't feel like you have to be in great shape to start Capoeira.
I have heard many people telling me that they are not strong or flexible enough, don't worry, we will work on all of that in class so give it a try!
Classes are very upbeat, I believe the way we learn the most is by enjoying ourselves and having fun.

Where are the classes and what should I bring/wear?

House of Champions (Please make sure to ask for Girafa and mention that you have seen one of my website or my add)

17228 Saticoy St.

Van Nuys, CA 91406

Tuesdays: 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM

Thursdays: 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM

Fridays: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM


It is recomended to wear loose fiting pants a t-shirt or sports top, Most Capoeiristas prefer not to wear shoes...bring a small towel .We do have water and sports drinks available for sale at the studio at a very reasonable price...

Is the group available for demonstrations?
Yes, please send me an e-mail or call me at (818) 448-5419 for more details...
girafabatuque@yahoo.com

Capoeira is fight, dance, art, joy...
...all you want it to be and more than you expected! SALVE CAPOEIRA!



Salve!