Youth Capoeira Classes

Discover the Joy of Capoeira for Kids & Families

Through Capoeira Vida, Tacoma Capoeira Center offers free youth programs for families across Tacoma and Pierce County. Tailored for children ages 6 and up, our vibrant and interactive classes help kids build confidence, stay active, and connect through movement, music, and culture.

These programs are made possible through partnerships with local organizations and public funding, helping expand access to cultural arts education for youth across Tacoma and Pierce County. Registration opens in our shared regional calendar. Choose the Tacoma/Capoeira Vida class shown.

Why Choose Capoeira?

Active Movement

Build strength, coordination, and confidence through dynamic movement and play.

Cultural Connection

Explore African-Brazilian history, music, and traditions through hands-on learning.

Supportive Community

Classes create a welcoming space to build friendships and a sense of belonging.

Accessible to All

Programs are offered free of charge, removing financial barriers so more youth can participate.

Program Details

Schedule & Location

Classes are offered in Tacoma with flexible scheduling to support local families. Visit our calendar for the latest updates and locations.

Curriculum Highlights

Movement: Master Capoeira basics like ginga, kicks, and evasions.
Music: Play traditional instruments, including the berimbau and atabaque.
Cultural Lessons: Dive into the rich history and meaning of Capoeira Angola.
Rodas: Join community rodas to apply your skills alongside peers and instructors.

Hear From Our Students

      
   Tacoma Capoeira Center (Capoeira Vida)
   41 Google reviews 
  Write a review 
  
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Daniel Barner4 z 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This is a very fun positive capoeira group. Through  the years I have trained with other capoeira groups by far this one is the best with family and growth in mind. I took my son here just to try and he ended up loving more then the physical part but the culture and the music. CM Galo is a very patient teacher fun and very knowledgeable.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Hitul Shah 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Prof. Galo and the team are amazing. I had no prior experience with Capoeira but the team made me comfortable and made learning a beautiful experience so easy. One of the things I learned from them is that, unlike other martial art forms, Capoeira is a fun side of art which celebrated as an expression of freedom rather than an expression of survival or dominance. I do not doubt that anyone will have a transformative experience and be able to feel the passion in their day-to-day lives
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Larsen Maxwell 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The community and the capoeira here is great. I love training and playing with these folks.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   O'Hara Jiménez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you have the opportunity to train with Professor Galo, do it. Professor Galo holds a special place in my heart. During the pandemic I was looking for ways to keep my kids occupied, and knew very little about Capoeira. What I did know was that the history is rich in social justice and resistance to slavery in Brazil, and that the art form blends dance with music. Professor Galo welcomed our family with calm humor as he coached my then 7yo boy through how to do a cartwheel in just two weeks, taught all three kids beautiful songs in Portuguese, all while teaching them how to “play” Capoeira, a skill they have happily carried with them in their lives, spontaneously playing the sport anywhere they have space to do so. Their body awareness and confidence were also both markedly improved. Overall an excellent experience for our whole family.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   shapreise J 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My 2 sons love the leadership and encouragement to always be their best self. The positive energy and love while they play in a roda always is the highlight of their day. This is a very eclectic art of diversity and creativity.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   terrance jones 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 3 year update: Capoeira is great for mobility, building strength and rhythm. The Capoeira community is a welcoming and great group. Bonus on top of the Music, training and history and cultural lesson. You get some pretty fire gear and stickers. ON TOP OF THAT YOU GET LEARN ANOTHER LANGUAGE. Run don’t walk, trails free anyways. If your looking for a great community and a place to have fun and train, this is it. I started Capoeira last year and not only is it a physical learning experience but also a cultural and historical one as well. Learning instruments,songs the history behind them and the art it’s self is just another added onto the experience.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Stephen Markham 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. “My Tacoma Capoeira time each week is soul food, community connection, and dance for my Life!” This was my review 3 years ago. In 3 years, even with pandemic, I have been strengthen mind-body-spirit from my Capoeira Life community. I dare say it saved me from myself, the family of Capoeiristas holding me, supporting my growth as a conscious, balanced human. I’ve watched my son find his space in Capoeira too, both of us humbled by the transformative, binding love-game-play-fight-dance. Capoeira has given us a bond to ourselves and each other that we celebrate in every roda, our circle of Capoeira Life, viva la Capoeira!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a trial class?

What should my child wear to class?

Do we need to bring anything?

Can parents observe the classes?

Are there performance opportunities?

Are there belts and promotions?

How is the family class structured?

Free Youth Capoeira Classes in Tacoma

Introduce your child to the dynamic world of Capoeira Angola in Tacoma! This engaging art form will help them develop confidence, strength, and cultural awareness while having fun.