Instrutor Mateus Gato
A Few Words From Me (Instrutor Mateus Gato)
My vision for this club is to build a community of like-minded people who believe in real human connection, built through hard training, making music together, and truly connecting with one another through the beautiful art of Capoeira.
01
Resilience
Develop mental and physical toughness through consistent training and perseverance.
02
Focus
Maintain a level head and practice emotional control, even under pressure.
03
Discipline
Commit to regular practice and self-improvement.
( in english: Upside-Down Legs)
Founded on 24 March 2000 by Mestre Boca de Peixe and Mestre Porquinho, both with over 30 years of experience in Capoeira. The group uses Capoeira to teach values like respect, creativity, and community — celebrating Afro-Brazilian heritage through movement, music, and education.
Operating in Brazil (Belo Horizonte, São Paulo, and other cities) and internationally in Germany, Poland, Greece, and the United Kingdom, the school reaches over 1,000 students worldwide. Its mission: to teach, promote, and develop Capoeira through classes, cultural events, and social projects for young people.
Capoeira in East Finchley was founded by Instructor Mateus Gato in 2024, making it a very young club. We're an official affiliate of CPPA, and we're about to host our very first grading event on 5th September 2026, where our first eight students will earn their first belts. Our instructor travels regularly to affiliates around the world, including in Brazil, Poland, and Germany, keeping the club closely connected to the wider Capoeira community.
Instrutor Mateus Gato
Mateus Gato, a passionate Capoeirista and dedicated teacher, trained extensively in Brazil under Mestre Boca de Peixe, a student of Mestre Reinaldo from Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte. His journey took him across the vibrant landscapes of Brazil, including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Salvador. Along the way, he sought wisdom from various masters, continuously enriching his practice.
He travels to Brazil every year to train and take part in important events, staying connected to the roots of the art. Gato also participates in numerous workshops annually — both as a student and as a teacher — always expanding his knowledge and skills. He played a key role in founding the CPPA group in Poland when, helping ensure that Capoeira’s legacy transcends borders.
Arrival Time
Aim to arrive 5–10 minutes early. Classes begin promptly at 8:00 PM, and doors close on time to respect everyone’s focus.
Uniform
White trousers, belt, and group T-shirt are part of showing up prepared. Wear them with pride.
Attitude & Responsibility
Greet others warmly and help newcomers feel welcome. If you see someone struggling with a technique and you know how to do it correctly, share your knowledge. Help set up instruments, keep the space clean, and treat it with respect.
Camisa
T-shirt
Corda
Belt
Abadá
Trousers
07 — Grading
Mestre
Contramestre
Professor
Instrutor 3°
Instrutor 2°
Instrutor 1°
Graduado 2°
Graduado
Monitor
Aluno 3°
Aluno 2°
Aluno 1°
Aluno
Possible side effects may include:
01
Noticeable improvements in physical fitness.
02
Significant enhancement of mental well-being.
03
Increased likelihood of forming new social connections.
04
Unintended development of musical skills and rhythm awareness.
05
Improved coordination and overall body control.
06
Potential disconnection from excessive screen time and social media platforms.
07
Unexpected acquisition of basic Brazilian Portuguese vocabulary.
⚠ Capoeira has been associated with high levels of enjoyment and may lead to long-term commitment.