My son decided to do a trial. He enjoyed it a lot and felt welcomed. The staff and other students were helpful and supportive. We're hoping to get him in a class. He has a busy schedule and trying to see where we can fit it in. read more

Our kids have been attending UCA Hayward since they were small, from the toddler pre-cap class to now the youth and teens classes. Mestre Recruta (Chris) is one of the best teachers we've ever seen -- his classes are fun, but disciplined, and full of amazing energy. In addition to the martial art itself, the kids are exposed to language, music, and community. Even though we've moved away from the area, we still drive 1-2 hours twice a week to UCA Hayward for the kids' classes. We cannot recommend Mestre and this studio enough. read more

Here's a link to a video of past event know as batizado. https://fb.watch/4bBUjnTpbZ/ Here's a video of Mestre Recruta, singing and playing a game in the roda. https://fb.watch/4bBZLGokuU/ read more

United Capoeira Association - Martial Arts Near Me - Hayward, California

See all

Through capoeira one undertakes a journey of understanding - not only of your own physical self (though you definitely do) but also those around you, and the very space which you inhabit in this dimension. Mestre Recruta is an incredible teacher, a patient master of the form. He guides with a kind, open heart and abundant soul. If you are fortunate enough to live near this studio, GO! read more

I moved to this school 2 years ago and I have never looked back. It has everything you want in a school, a sense of community, prestige, challenge, and lots and lots of laughter. Being a student here has put me in contact with so many different types of people locally, across the nation, and from around the world. It feels great knowing you can travel around the world and meet other people who already know about your school. And I haven't even started with the workouts, which as a previous Cross Country and Track athlete, can put me through the ringer. Mestre Recruta is a great teacher who really works at understanding what a student wants from their training and does what is necessary to support them in their own goals. This environment that he fosters makes the school a welcoming place as it encourages the other teachers and students to do the same. If you want to engage with a different culture, get a good workout, and to make friends along the way then UCA Hayward is the place for you. read more

Capoeira for any who venture in , is upfront be healthier physically, flexible, more agile, for all ages, and is so much more, a place to build confidence, comradely, friendship for years to come, wait but there's more, is a place to to sing, learn to play music, capture your rhythm in body and mind. Yet I'm still scratching the surface here, few that I know can mentor and has the knowledge to teach adults and amazing with kids as Mestre Recruta, for the 10+ years I've known him. On top of his game, wears this art form from his heart to his sleeves. Empowering so many and all of this magic happens at this place, UCA Hayward! Give it a try! read more

When I moved from Florida to California, I was looking for a high quality and welcoming group for my family and I to continue our Capoeira training. This was absolutely the place for us. Mestre Recruita was super patient with the youth and welcomed us with open arms. Thank you Mestre! read more

Mestre Recruta has the ability of creating fantastic community among adults children and families. His work and dedication to Capoeira is amazing. This last year was tough for UCA Hayward they lost their studio on a bad fire, but yet Mestre managed to keep on striving and look for other studio to call UCA Hayward new home!! I know this community is strong and solid and with Mestre tenacity UCA Hayward will once again be open and with open harms you will be welcomed. Check this school and his work @ https://www.ucahayward.com/. We can't wait to see UCA Hayward open and striving again! Com muito Axé!! read more

We've been sending our oldest to UCA Hayward for 4 years; first as a pre-cap student and now as a youth. We chose Capoeira because it's non-contact, but we've stayed because Chris is AMAZING with the kids. We've really appreciated how over the years Chris has recognized what our kiddo needs to stay engaged and that our kiddo may need a little more help than some of the other kids. And that hasn't been an issue. Chris is invested in all of his students learning and enjoying Capoeira, and our kiddo's desire to keep up with Capoeira has so much to do with Chris as an instructor. If you're looking for a compassionate, energetic, and invested instructor and environment for your kid - Chris and UCA Hayward are it. read more

Chris(Mestre Recruta) is one of the best teachers I have ever been taught by. In addition his instruction goes far beyond adults. He is one of the most dedicated and eager instructors for a kids class I have ever expeirienced, even has a program for the little littles (pre-cap). It's an extreemly tough job teaching minies kids and adults, Chris is so patient and takes it all in stride effortlessly. I fully endorse and highly reccomend UCA hayward and Chris' (Mestre Recruita) teaching and programs. The kids absolutly love his style of Capoeira instruction, he sets the bar extreemly high! read more

A beautiful place for community. My boyfriend has been coming here for about five years and the people here have always made me feel like part of the family. If you are looking to learn more than just a martial art this is a place for you read more

This place is great! I've trained a bit in some other martial arts circles but this was a lot more fun due to the way the classes are structured and how the community works. Maestre Recruta checks the skill level of all the people participating and adapts accordingly; it's great to have that personal touch to the class as initially, it's hard to get any martial art maneuvers (this is true for all martial arts). all the classes I attended were fun and productive. Can't ask for anything more than that! read more

Five stars! UCA Hayward rocks!

I trained for a year with this group, and I joined it at my own risk not knowing what I was getting myself into. I just trusted everyone's word saying "Recruta (the Proffesor) is badass and that I was in good care of someone very talented, very passionate, and who is a very good teacher." .... They were right :) I learned so much from Recruta, not only do you just go through the movements of how to play capoeira, but he teaches you the lifestyle, tells you stories, and really makes you feel like family to him. His teachings come with passion and that is everything a student needs from their teacher. I stopped training because life happened, but still support and think about the group all the time.... UCA Hayward really is a special team, take my word for it. Anyone and everyone is welcomed with this group. Anyone and everyone can do it. If you know nothing about it, like how I was when I started, it's OK. Hop into class and find out what it's all about! p.s. it doesn't hurt to ship your booty into shape -- if you want a nice bum, capoeira can make that happen... TRUTH! Axé read more

I started capoeira about 20 years ago and have met a lot of different teachers and seen many school. UCA Hayward has excellent teachers and classes for people at all levels. I highly recommend training here. It's fun, challenging, and a great workout and self defense. read more

As a new addition to this group, I have experienced nothing but good energy. Contamestre Recruta is a great Mentor and friend. He is very versatile in his capoeira game and teaching style. His classes are structured for newbs, intermediate and advanced students, so it does not matter what level you are you will be treated like family. Very legitimate Teacher and group. go share your energy!! read more

I started training with Contra Mestre Recruta back in 1999. He's by far one of the most dedicated capoeiristas I've ever met and it shows in his game and in his teaching. In our old academy, his classes were highly attended. He would always introduce new and interesting drills, floreiros, and movements and his enthusiasm for capoeira was contagious. In his new academy these qualities have flourished. If you've ever been interested in capoeira or have trained previously, I can't recommend this place enough. Take some time out and stop by, you have nothing to loose and a wealth to gain. read more

Mestre Recruta puts his heart and soul into creating a community, classes that give you all you need to know about capoeira, and fun! Capoeira is a very special way to express yourself and be supported in a group while learning music, movements, and exercising. Try a class and fall into something healthy and worth it! read more

Contra Mestre Recruta is an amazing teacher, many can do, but few can excel at teaching, Recruta does both. Truly knowledgeable about Capoeira, the art, the fighting, music, dance, body coordination and so much more. If you ever wish to be upside down and be able to do things you never taught your body could do, this is your to go to person! Contra Mestre Recruta it's extremely humble, enthusiastic and modest, with patience to teach all ages and different skill levels. In addition to grasping a new language and culture as nice as the Brazilian culture you will have the opportunity to grow in life, become a better person. I've never experience anything like it, now 6 years in it, my only regret was to have waited and not have started earlier. So here is a chance for you to do so! read more

Our daughter joined 4 years ago, just after her 9th birthday. She was a complete novice and was quite shy and nervous. Mestre Chris and the other students welcomed her with open arms. She quickly fell in love with the community and with capoiera. She has continued to attend class several times a week and always looks forward to the new lesson. Her skills continue to develop, along with her knowledge, strength, and confidence. Chris has been amazing! He knows EVERYTHING about capoiera. In addition to the finer points of the sport, he teaches the kids about the music, language, culture, and history. He takes the time to talk with them about effort, determination, and character. And he always makes sure the environment is safe for all. We feel very lucky to have found UCA - Hayward! read more

United Capoeira is an awesome place for my son! The teacher stays engaged with the students! And to see how the kids stay focus,determined and engaged as well is awesome! I highly recommend this business. read more

UCA Hayward and Mestre Recruta are absolutely amazing and I would recommend capoeira to anyone and everyone. The passion, guidance, and compassion shown in this program by Mestre Recruta is unmatched! All three of my sons absolutely love capoeira and have learned so much and gained so much confidence in these past few years. Even through Covid and a devastating fire that destroyed our capoeira home, Recruta has still been there for us, doing his best through Zoom sessions, hybrid classes, and keeping the community alive and well. I'm looking forward to seeing this program get back on its feet, in a new home with familiar and new faces, as well. SIX STARS! read more

Great place for new martial artist and people who want to learn new things. Its also a good place to learn about the culture behind the art.

Chris is a great teacher just to start with. He has a way with even small kids. My son started Capoiera when he was just 3,5 years old and did not speak english or Portuguese or Spanish. And he was having so much fun and exercise. He got results and started doing hand stand and everything age appropriately. It's a great way to do marshal arts while doing gymnastics and learning dancing moves, music and playing instruments. We would follow Chris even if he moves. Highly recommend. read more

Our family has been a part of the UCA Hayward community for over 6 years now and both my children have shown tremendous growth, both physically and in character thanks to their training with Mestre Recruta. There's no other place I can think of where they have the opportunity to interact with such a beautifully diverse community learning an art form that through language, song and martial arts strengthens their bodies, minds and spirits. We are grateful our children have capoeira in their lives! read more

Maestro Chris teaches not only the how but the why. He realizes each movement is related to the next movement and the importance of doing each move correctly. It's all done with fun and energy. And that's with the children and the adults. Love this guy! read more

United Capoeira Association - Martial Arts Near Me - Hayward, California

Regarding Kids Classes: We have been at UCA for just a couple of years and have been completely impressed, amazed, and inspired by the transformational impact it has had on our 11 year old. She has never had much interest in sports beyond swimming, and certainly never wanted contact martial arts, but we needed her to have some self-defense training. Choosing capoeira, and choosing UCA in particular, was a perfect match for her sensibilities and our family's values. She started out very reserved, cautious, and even scared to try the movements. In just a couple of months, she opened up and really has come to love the teaching approach of gentle, patient, and inspirational motivation to push yourself. The teaching leadership and model from the head instructor sets the tone for valuing community, respect, inclusion, patience, and culture in a couple of senses. This is not just a martial arts school, it is also a school for learning about the deeply-held values in the practice of capoeira as stemming from the experiences of Afro Brazilians, so they learn about history, social justice, and, and and! they learn to sing the songs that go with the practice and they learn to play instruments! They have really worked hard to build a solid community among the parents; they are all warm, friendly, welcoming, and supportive of all the students. It's pretty amazing. My big concern in sharing all these great things is that rude people might want to join. Please check out the culture and values before you join to make sure you are the right fit for this loving, kind, patient, welcoming, accepting community. read more

This is a great community and environment, especially entering in as a beginner. Mestre Recruta has great instincts as a teacher and provides an atmosphere where you really get what you put in. If you end up in it for the exercise, it's absolutely great on that level -- but if you end up being drawn to the history, culture, and community of capoeira, not just in the Bay Area but all over, this is a great place to start and a great place to learn, and you end up feeling part of something much bigger just by going to class. And lastly, this space has a way of bringing in classmates that are dedicated, will help you with your own dedication, and make for great people to train with. It's an environment of everyone building each other up, and it quickly gets hard to resist! read more

Mestre Recruta is a super nice guy who always makes you eel like you are his best friend. Trust him and any member of the UCA group to show you the way in capoeira. The vibe is always positive and the people are always wonderful to be around. I am so happy my son and I train with UCA and can call Mestre Recruta "brother." read more

Okay! I can honestly say I love coming here to train and to be around these awesome group of people. If you are look a place to train Capoeria where everyone including the beginners support you to do better and push you then you came to the right place. I am recent addition to UCA Hayward and have been training for about two months now. Every time I take classes with Contra-Mestre Recruta I come back wanting more. Not just for the skills as a growing capoerista, but also being around great people you can train with. I would definitely recommend and even hand out flyers to anyone interested in training Capoeria at UCA Hayward. read more

I train capoeira in Berkeley, but still make a point of making the trip down to UCA Hayward when I can because the energy is positive and infectious. I agree with all the other comments below, but don't want to bore you so I'll just add that Contramestre Recruta is an accomplished musician, and I appreciate the focus he places on capoeira music and other cultural aspects of this martial art that are sometimes overlooked. Check UCA Hayward out for yourself, it's awesome! read more

I'm very happy with this program , my little girl enjoys every single class with Chris , and I am very thankful for that , I totally recommend this place. read more

Professor Recruta is one of the most talented, unique, and helpful teachers around. He has great patience and helps you improve on your skill no matter what level you are at. He is a great person to be around and brings a lot of energy to the table. Give his class a try and im sure u will want to return. read more

Today i did a beginners capoeira class as a staff bonding activity. It was 2 hours of learning the steps and how to make them into fluid motions. We also learned about the musical instruments used. I really enjoyed myself and i know the rest of my coworkers did too. I am going to get the class info and go asap. it was great exercise. read more

If I could give this place 10 stars I would! We joined 2 months ago after my 7 year old had no desire to after I showed her youtube videos lol. She only wanted to dance hip hop and I told her to just try and that Capoeira can help her be a better hip hop dancer. Well, she loves it! She has completely forgotten the motive why she didn't want to at first. We have had the privilege of joining right when Mestre Recruta Chris traveled to Brazil to get promoted to Recruta. He shows so much passion for this art and demonstrates his educated knowledge. He is awesome with kids and manages the class well by providing equal instruction time to both the vet and new students. He focuses on all aspects of this art from the form, discipline to music and history! Best of all we feel like we're part of a family and not just a "class". I cannot say enough great things. We are just so happy we joined. read more

UCA-Hayward is a great place to get started on Capoeira, there is nothing but good energy in this group. Chris, the instructor is very personable and takes the time to pay close attention to the beginners. He pushes you to your limits, but does not "break you". Great Class, Great People, Good Fun, Great Exercise. read more

I wish I started Capoeira when I was little. However, at age six I started Kajukenbo, a mixed martial art from Hawaii. I am a first degree black belt and trained Capoeira for a few months. I cannot think of a more beautiful martial art. Contra Mestre Recruta is a beautiful man and a kind and patient teacher. The intricacies of capoiera were always explained with patience and passion. The new language started to settle into my brain. I'd be washing dishes and remember the lyrics. Capoeira, like any martial art-is challenging to learn-you will feel awkward and self conscious at times but it is such a good opportunity to engage with energy and history and community. The Capoeira community is amazing. Most martial arts communities have politics-with Capoeira they just love on you-instantly-life long friends type of energy. There was no bs-just come play-just try-just this-just fun. I highly recommend UCA to people interested in Capoeria. It's affordable, it's enriching, it will increase your flexibility and your spirit. If you have ittie bitties-bring them in-it will enrich their lives and give them such a unique upper hand. I believe children should learn martial arts but I never felt as enraptured as I did when I watched these 10 year olds play capoeria-made me jealous I didn't start sooner. Gorgeous challenging martial art that usually just feels like fun. The only time you'll feel wrong is if you get hung up on things mentally. read more

Capoeira is a great activity for active kids and if you live in or near Hayward, UCA is the perfect place to do it. My 8 year old started about a month ago and can't get enough. He had been nagging me to take him to karate for years, but I was secretly holding out for Capoeira because it is so much cooler and looks like a lot more fun. Plus, I love that he is getting some exposure to music, rhythm, Portuguese, Brazilian culture, etc. My son likes it because the teacher is encouraging and upbeat, the students get lots of individual attention, everyone is really nice and they are all having FUN! I like it because the price is right, the location is convenient, and the commitment is manageable. UCA is just what Hayward needed! read more