The mission of Centro de Capoeira Angola Filhos de Dunga is to promote freedom, self-respect and respect of community. 

Our objectives include forming a very positive, diverse and strong group of angoleiros with the ability to sing, play the instruments, execute the movements, and have knowledge of the roots, rituals and traditions of Capoeira Angola. Every member of the group should feel they are important part of the community and the knowledge is shared equally.

Mestre Grande teaches in Brooklyn, New York in the same tradition as learned from his Master. Mestre Grande is part of the 2nd generation of Capoeiristas under the lineage of Mestre Pastinha. We are committed to teach Capoeira Angola based on what our ancestors taught us. Love, dignity, freedom, respect, discipline and non-violence are our principles.

What's Capoeira?

Capoeira Angola is an Afro-Brazilian martial art mixed with elements of dance and practiced with traditional music.  Although the roots of Capoeira originated in Africa, Capoeira was developed in Brazil by enslaved Africans, indigenous peoples and their descendants.  This art form, orally passed down through generations, began as a form of resistance and continues in this tradition today.  More than ever we are in need of ways to connect to one another, to heal, and to be healthy in both body and mind.  Capoeira can open these doors.

Mestre Grande

My name is Luiz Rocha, well-known as Grande in the world of Capoeira. I was born in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. I started practicing Capoeira in December 1983, in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. My first Master/teacher was Grão Mestre Dunga (http://senzalagmdunga.blogspot.com/p/o-gr.html), president of "Associação de Capoeira Cordão de Ouro Eu Bahia - A Senzala". I received my certificate of Capoeira Professor in June, 1997. I practiced Capoeira at “Associação de Capoeira Cordão de Ouro Eu Bahia - A Senzala” for 14 years. I started practicing Capoeira Angola in December, 1996 with Master João Bosco at Grupo de Capoeira Angola “Eu Sou Angoleiro…” in Belo Horizonte, Brazil (https://pt-br.facebook.com/acesaeusouangoleiro/). I moved to the United States of America in April, 1998. Since then I have been practicing Capoeira Angola with Grand Master João Grande (http://joaogrande.org).

In November of 2013 I received the title of Mestre of Capoeira from Grão Mestre Dunga. I couldn't be more honored. IÊ VIVA DEUS DO CÉU! IÊ VIVA MEU MESTRE!