I am a little confused about the review left by the first person . I was a student once (wish I still was , too little time)of Mestre Ecilsons, and had trained at this particular academy. Now I do agree, Mestre Ecilson is friendly, and helpful. And like the first person complained about the childish leap frog comment, on my first day training with Mestre Ecilson, he had us all act like an animal inside a circle. Ya I admit, kind of creeped me out. But as you progress in capoeira you learn that expression, and Style is at the core of it's dynamics. So if you can't Pretend to act like a cat, or bird in front of total strangers, how do do expect to pretend to kick someone, only to trip them up.
Now regarding the instructors.
I Trained in Karate before as well, and there was a variety of instructors. However, they all seemed to try and mirror the Sensie. They had no different style, and no personal identity. I had experienced a variety of personalities from the instructors at Ache Brasil some at first seemed bad, And to someone who doesn't have the guts to stick it out, will only see the glass half empty.
The one important thing you should know about Capoeira is "style". You can be told how to do a move by the mestre, and be told it a different way by an instructor, and find that you can do it a different way yourself. You'll find in this mix, your own Style.
And yes it is a dance school....no wait...it's a martial arts school.....no wait it's a games rooms.....No wait.....It's a a music school.....no...it's all of those. it's called capoeira. As for the singing, and Clapping. That can be one of the best parts. Haven't you ever heard the saying "cheering works". and besides, better learn the songs, cause if you don't, you may be in some trouble. There is meaning in the music.
Oh, and the time late thing. OMG I take it this person hasn't done any other martial arts. It's a respect thing. First you give..... then you get.
So to sum it up. If Capoeira is a drug, and Capoeira Ache Brasil was my dealer, I would be the person going to Capoeira Anonymous standing at the podium exclaiming"ya'll got to try this stuff right here".
To get a better understanding Of Ache Brasil watch this clip( but ignore the Kung fu part)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oO3SYTXKyA read more