about
MESTRE RECRUTA
Mestre Recruta is an esteemed educator and practitioner of Capoeira with over 30 years of expertise. His journey began in 1996 under the mentorship of the legendary Mestre Acordeon and Mestre Rã in Berkeley, CA. In 2016, his lifelong dedication to the preservation and dissemination of this Afro-Brazilian art form culminated in the title of "Mestre," awarded by the founders of the United Capoeira Association (UCA).
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As a student of Mestre Acordeon—one of the two original pioneers who introduced Capoeira to the United States in the late 1970s—Mestre Recruta serves as a vital bridge between historical roots and the next generation. In 2009, he realized a vision by opening UCA Hayward, a dedicated academy that has served as a cultural pillar in Downtown Hayward for 17 years.
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A Legacy of Empowerment​
Mestre Recruta’s teaching philosophy is centered on the principle of "resistance through joy." He is highly skilled at tailoring his instruction to meet the individual needs of diverse students, ensuring that everyone—from children to adults—finds their own strength within the roda (circle). Today, he focuses his energy on the UCA Hayward community and impactful local outreach, including:
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Youth Mentorship: Partnering with regional school districts, like HUSD's YEP program, and various summer programs throughout the Bay Area to help youth build self-esteem and find connection through cultural exploration.
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Spreading the Art: Has taught workshops and seminars across the United States, Brazil, Korea, and Mexico, bridging diverse communities through the art of Capoeira.
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Cultural Preservation: Honoring the art's "cultural DNA" by hand-making and importing traditional Capoeira instruments.
More than just a martial arts instructor, Mestre Recruta offers a gateway into a living legacy. Through his leadership, he invites students to step into a lineage of empowerment, helping them carry the torch of Capoeira’s history into the future with confidence and grace.
