About Us

Capoeira I Movement I Music I Culture

Raízes do Brasil Capoeira Santa Cruz was founded in 1992 by Mestre Papiba as the first U.S. branch of the Raízes do Brasil group, originally established in Brasília. Our school offers capoeira classes for children, teens, and adults, led by a team of experienced instructors. Classes include movement, music, and cultural foundations and consistent training in a respectful, multigenerational environment where students are encouraged and guided to develop skill, discipline, and connection.

Head of Raízes Do Brasil International, Brasilia (BR)

Mestre Ralil

In 1982, Mestre Ralil founded Centro Cultural de Capoeira Raízes do Brasil in Brasilia, Brazil with the goal of empowering the city’s under-represented children and adults. Inspite of facing incredible socio-economic odds, many of Mestre Ralil’s students have employed the lessons of capoeira to overcome challenges outside of the roda and now thrive as active and visible leaders.

Mestre Ralil also participates in social outreach projects in partnership with the city, state and federal governments. As a teacher and activist, it is always his objective that capoeira is recognized as an avenue for creating social change, wherever it is practiced.

Raizes do Brasil now has branches in all 24 states of Brazil, several European countries and 7 schools in the United States, and a school in Africa

Raízes do Brasil, Santa Cruz (CA)

Mestre Papiba

Mestre Papiba began training with Mestre Ralil in Brasilia, Brazil, at the age of 16, He continued to train with him until coming to the U.S. in 1991. He arrived in Santa Cruz in 1992 where he began his own chapter of the school. Raizes do Brazil Capoeira, Santa Cruz offers classes five days a week for adults, teens and children.

Mestre Papiba has also been teaching capoeira in the public elementary schools in Santa Cruz, Watsonville, and Pajaro Valley school districts for the past 20 years. He has participated in many arts enrichment programs as well as after school offerings such as CKC. He was also a spectra artist for many years.

Over the last 8 years, Papiba has been very honored to participate in a focused undertaking in São Tomé e Príncipe, Africa. The Capoeira project: technical-professional training and citizenship – basic level of the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC), of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is an initiative that aims to teach citizenship values, raise awareness among young people through capoeira — in addition to showing how the practice leads to a healthier lifestyle habits and choices.