So fun! A session here turns a groggy day into a happy one, guaranteed. Everyone, from the instructors to the other students, are just super nice and explain so much (and are oddly geeky??). I think I have done more fist bumps here than in my entire life, and I just started like two months ago. The different aspects of capoeira are super cool. The intimidating part for me was the fitness, but they make sure we do regular water breaks and stretches and don't, like, hurt yourself. The day after the first class, I was so sore I couldn't get out of bed, but since then, I can actually feel muscles now--as they say, it's worth it! read more

I have been coming to ACL for about 2 months now after wanting to get back in shape after my surgery and injury. While I have had trained in various martial arts throughout my life, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect from capoeira. Honestly, I was a bit nervous wanting to try this out since I wasn't sure what I can and cannot do physically anymore. However, I'm so glad I started! Training with Mestre Aranha has been very positive and fun! When I entered this studio I was out of definitely out of shape, not as confident in my physical abilities, and just overall, a bit nervous. But Mestre Aranha has been very patient, easy, and overall just a great teacher. He's the type of teacher that genuinely wants you to get better every single time you enter the studio. Not only that, he has created a culture of positivity and motivation among the students. Everyone is willing to help you get better no matter what rank you are or what they are. It has been a very fun experience. So, if you're simply looking for a place where you can earn belts/cords as quickly as possible - this isn't it. But if you want to come to learn fun, unique, martial arts, and improve your overall fitness abilities - come check out ACL. I promise you won't be disappointed. read more

Been training here for more than a year and I've never known a more engaging or effective workout. Mestre Aranha's patient approach to training breaks down fundamental movements to be easily understood at any level. Best of all, everyone students and teacher alike are friendly, supportive and patient. To train here is to learn an unconventional martial art with rich history and culture while conditioning your body to ever more feats of agility, endurance and strength. read more

On the surface, capoeira looks like any other training program. However, the secret of the art lies in the magical combination of movement, music and mental focus that one finds in the roda, or circle of play. Mestre Aranha introduced me to a world of possibilities I thought were out of my reach- I was overweight, unhappy and not feeling joy in my life. I started training with Aranha and dropped 30 pounds in 4 months, and have never been more fit in my life. I continue to reach goals I did not think possible, goals i could not even imagine 2 years ago. If you want to lose weight, build muscle and increase your flexibility, capoeira is 100% for you. If you want to create a lifetime of mental clarity, mind/body/spirit connection and confidence to live your true life, capoeria is 150% for you! If you are considering this class for your children, I recommend Aranha wholeheartedly as his patience and playful nature is sure to win their hearts and improve their overall focus and mental as well as physical fitness. read more

I have been going to this place for about a year and a half now, and I must say it is by far the best decision I have made for myself. I entered the building for the first time at almost 340 lbs, and dropped to around 255 lbs. Mestrando Aranha is awesome and very dedicated to helping you get wherever you want to go with the art. He is an experienced teacher with almost 25 years of Capoeira experience! If you want to lose weight, master the art, learn the culture, or play the music, he has the best tricks to do so. This school has truly helped me to do things I never thought I could. The martial art is fun and the students are super friendly. It is an all around great experience. read more

I have been taking classes here a little over a month now, and I love this place! I never review anything but I wanted to do it since experience here has been so positive and made me feel like I want to support the business! I have no marital art experience. The last exercise class I took was before I had my first baby a few years ago. I'm not athletic at all. After the first pregnancy and delivery I felt like my whole body changed, and of course I got busy parenting and became so out of shape. I wanted to do some exercise, but I hate running, cross fit is not my thing, and I was looking for something exciting and fun yet challenging. I started my introduction to Capoeira class and instantly loved the friendly and welcoming environment. The teacher is amazing, incredible Capoeira master but also very good at teaching the intro level too. Plus the other students are all super kind and fun! We have good laughs, and I truly enjoy each class. Music element of the Capoeira is so interesting to learn too. Definitely recommend this place! read more

Whether you're looking to unleash your inner Eddy Gordo or you're simply trying to stay in shape, look no further than Allied Capoeira League. This academy provides residents of the Sacramento area with top-notch martial arts instruction and effective, challenging workouts. If you've always wanted to learn capoeira but didn't know where to start, Mestrando (Master) Aranha is the instructor you seek. Aranha has a very practical and common sense-driven approach to martial arts, teaching beginners everything they need to know. He designs workouts in a similar fashion, implementing a variety of different skills and movements in order to build athletic, well-rounded students. It's no secret that some martial arts schools carry a bad reputation for trying to squeeze every last dime out of their students. However, being a long-time participant here, I can safely say that Allied Capoeira League is different from those other schools. If you need to supplement athletic training or change up your boring old workout routine, taking classes here would be a great idea. Just be ready to work hard and sweat a lot. And remember: always, ALWAYS esquiva. ;) read more

I must explain the wonder that is Allied Capoeira League- Sacramento. I've taken a multitude of martial arts in my past, but nothing compares to the degree of knowledge, benefit, challenge, and fun of Capoeira. This isn't just a martial arts academy to learn some moves to get you by; this is a home, a sanctuary, and a center of learning in so many aspects. If you're looking for a martial art to learn, this will BY FAR be something new, unique, and exciting for you. It provides a healthy challenge that you definitely become accustom to and come back for more. Maestrando (Master) Aranha provides efficient and clear teachings and lessons for all ages and will never hesitate to provide help to make sure you understand the material. He has no problem repeating and further explaining material until it sticks to you and is extremely adaptive to all walks of life. On top of that he's one heck of a friend and mentor. He offers warm up circuits at the start of every class to get the heart moving and that alone will challenge you as a workout. If you are looking for a new form of workout, this will definitely top most circuits or workout regiments. It will test your endurance, your flexibility, your agility, your rhythm, and your overall control over your body. a lot of people get intimidated by the art, and I sure was one of those people, but the more you do it and the more you love it, the more you realize you are limitless to the things you can accomplish. Be ready to get the heart pumping and be ready to sweat, because no class goes without sweat. Aside from the workout aspect, you will slowly but surely learn the culture behind the art. You will pick up some Portuguese since all of the moves are titled in that language, you will learn unconventional instruments, you will participate in group songs and dance, you will pick up on how to identify rhythm and how to enter in a song just by the sounds you hear. And the history of Capoeira will definitely be shared one way or another, and the history of it will only make the art more fascinating. It is a true discipline that will always have something new to teach you and is always adapting to new heights. It not only is a great workout and a fantastic martial art, but it is also a way of life. It's something to make your own and to help express your inner self. Join the league, come play Capoeira! P.S. if you sign up, you will receive a slick Capoeira outfit consisting of a shirt and elastic, comfortable pants. And let me tell you.. those pants are better than wearing no pants, in my opinion. read more