There are many wonderful things I could say about UCA Berkeley, but I'll summarize it this way: this capoeira community is a second home for my daughter and me. It is a special place where we come to train capoeira (a lot), to learn songs and play instruments, explore the Brazilian culture, and to challenge ourselves and have FUN. UCA Berkeley is a quintessential Bay Area treasure: a diverse and inclusive community, a powerhouse of culture and learning, and a place for personal transformation. And for us, capoeira has become a way of life, and the very best addiction a family could have -- to health, happiness, and inspiration. I am grateful for the rich culture and history that comes with the master teachers of this school and the wider UCA community. Mestre Acordeon is an icon in the world of capoeira, and was a student of the legendary Mestre Bimba who is credited with formalizing capoeira in Brazil. Mestra Suelly is the first American woman to achieve the title of Mestra, a pioneer for introducing capoeira movements into modern dance, and continues to be a model of strength, power, and grace, for all in capoeira. Mestre Recruta and Contramestre Pincel, who are the primary teachers for the kids and teen classes with Mestra Suelly, are masterful at creating an environment where kids bring their best while learning and playing with each other. I am constantly amazed at their abilities to harness the wandering energies and attention of a group of 30 kids of all levels and ages and backgrounds; their sense of humor, positivity, patience, and care for each child comes through both when they teach and when they discipline. As for the adults: well, all I can say is that I am in the best shape I've been in all my life as a past artist, dancer, yoga practitioner, and martial artist. I am more challenged than I have been most my life, as well as the happiest and most inspired. Thank you, Mestres and UCA! read more

My daughter has been taking capoeira here since spring 2023. She likes it a lot. She tends to be the oldest in her class, which I think accommodates kids 6-12? She's been fine "playing" with the younger kids --it's a very musical, non-competitive, almost dance/gymnastics like sport...it takes flexibility and strength. There's also a teen class. I think the first class is still free. And I think there are adult classes. I'm reviewing partly to promote the correct website --which incorrectly links to an outdated website in a few places, specifically the Google Business link. Apparently they can't do anything about this--the classes are consistent and good, but there's room for improvement on the marketing side of things. This is the current website: https://berkeleycapoeira.com/ read more

WOOOOO!! What a FUN way to work-out! After taking a few introductory classes for $5/ea., I was hooked! It was my very first time taking Capoeira. Upon the first class, I felt very welcomed. Mastre (Master instructor) Batterilla broke down the challenging maneuvers into simple moves. Although I have a history in dance, I can tell that even the beginner of all beginners was able to keep up and have a good time. We even get to partner up and meet some really fantastic people. The instructors are really inclusive so no one is left behind, unlike our education system. We learned so much in just a session. By the end of the first class, we learned the jinga, various forms of kicks, down to techniques. Get ready for this one, some beginners get to play in their very first class. The game is the best part b/c it allows one to incorporate instructions and get creative. The maestras bring out their instruments with drums and let people go at it. At first I got nervous b/c everyone was standing in a circle watching and clapping, but once I got in the middle, the experience became less about performance and more about dance. But be ready for a good complete body-work out. I already got the first month intro class. Holy Jesus, for $40 to be a part of a community and have fun, I don't know what could be a better way to unwind my days. read more

I am so grateful to have gotten a chance to learn from the wonderful teachers at UCA. I took their introductory course and learned the basics movements, some of the principles, and some of the history of capoeira. The people there are so friendly and warm, and they're all super knowledgable and willing to share that knowledge. I always left with a smile on my face! Unfortunately, being in an accelerated master's program led to an avalanche of work and I was not able to continue the whole introductory course. They called me up a few weeks later and told me they would be happy to have me back and would reduce the price since I wasn't able to complete the first course. I am so touched and impressed by their extension and follow-up - they really care about their students and giving people the opportunity to learn this amazing art. If you're interested in learning capoeira, please check this place out and revel in all the wonderful things they have to offer! read more

My only missing star is because I was actually expecting a cafe :( But it's not a cafe--it is an open studio--an amazing place to observe and take it all in. I was lucky that a friend invited me to watch the Capoeira open roda on Friday evening, which was such an amazing treat. Beautiful and fluid movement, infectious music, acrobatics. Just go check out any one of the classes--it's sooooo worth it! read more

Brazil Day and it was a blast!! **Tip for next year: WEAR ALL WHITE read more

UCA introduced me to capoeira and I've got to say their teachers were AWESOME. They were SO friendly, never made me feel awkward, and kicked my a**. If I were still living in the East Bay, I would come here in a heartbeat. One of the most underrated capoeira studios IMHO! read more

Well it said on the door it was reopening 1/20/07... and I'm still waiting. They have the BEST Ginger tea that will knock you on your ass. In addition to the traditional coffee fare, they serve great panini's and salads at lunch. Many times you also get entertained by watching the cap' classes and start feeling guilty how they are working their butt off and you are sitting in your chair stuffing yourself like a pig! life is good. read more

I was in town for a massage training, and stopped in to check out Capoeira Arts Cafe. Wow, the style of Regional and the structure of the classes really reminded me of my first Capoeira school on the east coast. I wanted to start training there, but realized it's wouldn't be practical to drive all that distance a few times a week. =( The cafe wasn't open, but I watched a class, and was invited to join the roda. The Mestre was so kind, amiable, and generous. I felt immediately welcome and at home there. I really like the studio as a whole, it's beautiful, open, and joyfully decorated. The vibe I got was that it's a hub for Brasilian arts. There is capoeira (of course), but I saw a schedule for samba, percussion, orixa, and a kids carnival. It seems to be a true blessing to the Bay Area, and I wish I lived closer. read more

I love pretty much everything about this Academy, the Mestres, the community, and the United Capoeira Association. Axe! read more

A great place to learn capoeira from the masters! Doesn't matter whether you have previous experience in martial arts or never been to gym at all - you can always start your journey to capoeira. Check out the website for the special offers for beginner series or just stop by for a class to try it out. read more

I have proudly discovered capoeira through this school and I now attend regularly. Capoeira has become my therapy. Every instructor I have ever had has been welcoming and encouraging. I have found a community in this school and made some new friends. But, most of all, I have grown to love capoeira and I have much improved since I began practicing a year ago. I couldn't have asked for a better school to learn from than UCA Berkeley. Mestra Acordeon's approach is one of humility and motivation and, often, a metaphor for becoming a better human being overall. I also can't say enough about Mestra Suelly, she is incredibly dedicated to help making us the best capoeiristas we can be. read more

Beautiful space and a friendly crowd. A great place to study capoeira with kids or to take dance classes. When I was there it was still a work in progress, but beautiful murals are being painted on the walls. This place is a wonderful place to learn and participate in all things Brazil. I especially love the way that everyone gets into the music. read more

Oh when oh when will you reopen??? I miss you! I miss watching the classes over a capuccino! I miss your wifi. *Sigh*

I'm a bit biased since this is where I train, but the place and the people are the coolest! If you haven't seen capoeira--it's a little hard to describe.. you'll get the experience more from seeing the jogo and hearing the music. The training space is beautiful --walls covered in murals of Bahia and there's always someone playing music or capoeira or both. The place is also connected to a cafe where they serve yummy foods--from Brazilian goodies to sandwiches to acai. So, if you're interested in checking it out, you can hang out in the cafe and check out our class! read more

Its being ten years that I am studying Capoeira at UCA Berkeley. I am so thankful to all the Mestres and teachers at this school. I got a great group of friends, an amazing training routine, and lots of great lessons! read more

Another year has passed, and still I endure the constant learning, struggling, physical change, and humbling moments of learning as I fall -- again and again. In addition to the physical playing and training, it has been equally gratifying to attempt to learn to play instruments and sing in Portuguese. A final note, seldom have I observed a place so genuinely "family friendly" where it is not uncommon to see three generations together watching and playing together. read more

Thee space to go and learn, see, and experience the art form and expression of capoeira in all of the bay area , if not the whole country. Mestre Acordeon has almost single handedly transported the Afro Brazilian martial art of dance-fight-game to the west coast in the 70's from Bahia,Brazil and now resides and teaches here with his rich devoted diverse staff and students. Come and experience this unlimited physical, acrobatic medium of self defense which is as much an integration of life as any art form, through music ,community, mentorship and gravity defying movement. read more

So you go into the cafe and wonder why there's people in their white pajama bottoms, walking around with fishing poles. Then you realize it's a bateria playing the berimbaus for the capoeira class being held in the back stage...doyng-chiky-doyng-chiky-doyng!! Very cool. The drinks are OK, nothing too special but I think most people comes here to watch the classes. I did have a pastel on one of their weekend brunch services and it was OK. read more

My son has been taking classes here for about 6 months and we love it. The teachers are passionate and kind and there is a strong sense of community. read more

I'm eating one of their excellent salads right now while watching a Capoeira class. One of the most unique and beautiful cafes I've ever seen -- great food, good coffee, hardly if ever crowded. I'd give them five stars if they didn't seem to be open flaky hours -- and if they were open later. read more

Wow, now this place is funky cool! Part coffee house (serves beer and wine too), part sandwish shop, and part dance studio. Reminds me of Cost Plus for the regular world music being played which I happen to enjoy. One of those places you go that you can go back to and see mroe stuff on the walls you missed the first time. The place has a definite pulse to it on Saturday nights. read more

Great place to learn music and capoeira and make some friends. The teachers are great and super encouraging. Besides the classes, they occasionally have concerts and other events going on--keep an ear out for them! They tend to have a great energy and serve yummy caipirinhas. read more

I've been training with Mestre Acordeon and Mestra Suelly for over ten years. The depth and wealth of knowledge they have about Capoeira is difficult to match. Likewise, they've formed a group of highly talented teachers who teach classes when they are not around. Even after all this time, I'm always learning new things, making new friends, and growing in Capoeira. I highly recommend this place if you're seriously interested about learning Capoeira. read more

graarrawwwrrrrgrrugghh... ugh.. *cough* excuse me, whew. just got out of a little brawl with rodan. that guy is tough lemme tell you. ever have an oil tanker thrown at the back of your head? no, well lemme tell you... it sucks. still cleaning the oil from my horns... i'd say this place is my home away from home except i spend more time there then i do... well at home. if you know anything about capoeira, then you know mestre acordeon. regardless of your preferences he is pioneer of capoeira in the united states and has been teaching here for 30 years. some things can only be said with experience. if you're interested, i highly suggest you just take a class. M, W, F at 5pm are the intro classes. We also have beginner classes on Mon. at 7:30 and Wed. at 6pm. All levels classes are on Fri @ 6pm and Sunday @ 12:30. Check it out for yourself.... Grawr! read more

I've taken quite a liking to this place- Interestingly delicious Sandwiches, good coffee, and I can get Diet Coke in the can, which you cannot in many coffee houses. I've been going there to write, it isn't hardly ever crowded and they don't mind if you sit there awhile. I would recommend it for for a place to sit and write as long as you don't mind the Capoeira classes going on in the main space. What is Capoeira? I'm not sure, but it is interesting and mezmorizing to watch. If world music bothers you, bring some earphones for your computer. Oh, and they have free wireless access, which rules the world. read more

I have been training here for over 4years and a part of Capoeira for more than 7 years. This is a great school to train, and great community to be a part of. You can learn martial arts, music, acrobatics, and dance all under the same roof. read more

My kids started training at this school years ago and I was impressed with how family-oriented things were at UCA Berkeley. Martial arts schools can sometimes be very meritocratic, but I felt like the teachers here treasured the unique abilities and personalities of their youngest students. The adoration and respect the kids have for their teachers is genuine and well-deserved. The master teachers here are literally historical figures (Mestre Acordeon studied with the legendary Mestre Bimba and Mestra Suelly was the first American-born woman to be granted master status). I so enjoyed hanging out at this school that I recently started training too! :-) read more

This place is an oasis of authenticity in Afro-Brasilian art, music and culture. The teachers are incredible and students and masters alike travel from all over the world to visit and learn in this space. It's a Bay Area landmark and gem. read more

UCA Berkeley Capoeira is an inspiring place to practice all aspects of capoeira!! I live in Davis CA, and have been doing capoeira for almost 15 years. I take every chance I can to visit UCA Berkeley because the community, the energy, the training are amazing. I am so glad I can come visit whenever I can! read more

Loved it!!!!!! Good people. My calves are burning!! lol. For that reason actually I'm going to wait a bit on signing up for their fabulous new student introduction deal. I'm training in another sport for an upcoming competition and don't want to exhaust all these new muscles. So yes, a great exercise ... and fun too. Cool place, a lot of culture! Take a look inside. Enjoy!! read more

This is the spot! So much axe'! Great schedule, capoeira almost all the time, with world renown teachers. It's like recess for grown-ups. (kids classes too) I'm a believer! Come have fun,get In shape and learn a really cool artform! read more

This is a beautiful space to train and meet people from all over the place! I truly enjoy the connection I have made with myself/my body while training there. They are dedicate to teaching music, culture, & language in conjunction with capoeira classes. There are so many additional activities to involve yourself in like outdoor rodas, musical performances/shows, fundraiser events, workshops, music classes, language study and social gatherings. read more

Although I was never the athletic type I have always been drawn to the beauty of capoeira so about four years ago I finally decided to go to United Capoeira Association in Berkeley. At first, I found the training to be very challenging, however, I always felt the support of my Mestres, teachers, and peers. Then I started witnessing how my body became stronger and more synchronized with my own movements. I am a true believer that capoeira is for everyone, even for those of us who never exercised in the past. The support that United Capoeira Association offers is amazing and the space is beautiful. We are very lucky to have Mestre Acordeon and Mestra Suelly in Berkeley. read more

I have been training in UCA Berkeley Capoeira School for 6 months. The teachers and the group are GREAT! The place is very friendly and I miss the time spent there. read more

Best capoeira school ever! Mestre Acordeon and Mestra Suelly are such gifts to this community! I was super bummed when it moved, but now I like the new space even better. read more

If you are looking for capoeira, this is the place! The Mestres (teachers) are the most experienced and well known in the area. Mestre Acordeon is a true master of capoeira and was the one who brought capoeira to the West Coast. There is a great vibe among the students and the new place is beautifully decorated. read more

This place is awsome! The Capoeira Art Cafe is a warm place that welcomes new students and students from other schools as well. The training is intense. They offer a wide range of classes and have 3 Mestres: Acordeon, Suelly and Calango not to mention a hand full of Professores. Each teacher has their own style of instruction which keeps things interesting. I dont know of any other Capoeira school that has as large of a training space or has the amount of instructors per class to help out. This is the school to go to if you want to get the most out of your training. read more

This is a great place to learn capoeira. Capoeria builts body mind and soul, while addiing rythum to your life. There is no pressure, it's only you and you 'playing' with others. Instruction is great and people of all ages and abilities are welcome. read more

took a samba class here the other night, which was challenging but great fun! i've never actually eaten here, but it's a cool place to experience brazilian culture and check out some capoeira and brazilian dance classes! read more