Teachers
Paulo Silva “Professor Dacor” began studying Capoeira since 1993 with Master Tucas and Master Umoi from Grupo Uniao Na Capoeira in Lisbon, Portugal. He moved to London to attend university and undertook a degree in Sport Studies, B.A. Hons and trained as a Fitness Instructor (YMCA personal trainer, Level 2). With his studies, he has been able to incorporate modern techniques to his Capoeira training.
Dacor has had the opportunity of travelling to Brazil, Africa and Europe to further his Capoeira practice. From his contemporary knowledge and training in the ancient practises of Capoeira, Dacor has developed a philosophy for training. He believes Capoeira should no longer be taught according to the traditional individual notions of Capoeira Angola or Capoeira Regional and instead capoeiristas should be able to play to whichever rhythm the berimbau calls.
His coordinator is Master Tucas from Grupo Uniao Na Capoeira.
Milton Correia “Professor Macauba” also known as Makas first saw Capoeira when he 12 years of age. His cousin was swinging his body back and forth in a strange manner while pretend fighting with other children. When questioned about the movements, his cousin replied that he had seen on television.
In 1995 a friend from school; Tifu, invited Professor Makas to a Capoeira class, however he didn’t know what Capoeira was and refused to go. Later during a P.E class at his school ‘Escola Basica de Alfornelos’ Tifu began performing a series of light beautiful movements in front of the class. He didn’t waste anytime and began practising Capoeira the next day.
In 1996 Makas left school and started practicing Capoeira in a community space called Mae da Agua. He and his friends “brothers of war” (Oclin, Cabrita, Carriteu and Cabritao) would walk 40 minutes to the training space made the same journey home every day. When they returned to their neighbourhood, they would then practice for another 2 hours. Professor Makas’ Mother would tell him off for coming home so late. In 2006 Professor Makas was given the title of Professor of Capoeira by Mestre Tucas who he thanks for everything what he knows today.
Vincent Cullane “Instructor Carpinteiro”started Capoeira after seeing it being played on the beach, he joined his first class in 2001 with Professor Dacor and never looked back. He has played and trained Capoeira throughout Europe and travelled to Brazil to enrich his knowledge of Capoeira and Afro-Brazilian culture.
Carpinteiro began teaching capoeira with Uniao in 2008 under the supervision of Mestre Tucas and Professor Dacor. His energy, vitality and commintment supports and enriches the growth and continual development of the group, his energy and style helps make Capoeira Uniao the unique group that it is.
Peter Kelley “Instructor Dois Metros” began training Capoeira in 1999, under the instruction of Professor Dacor of Capoeira Uniao.
He is passionate about Capoeira and actively promotes the art form in the community through workshops and performances.
He has travelled extensively throughout the Caribbean, Brazil and Nigeria, developing his interest in African artistic expression within the Diaspora. He believes Capoeira to be a celebration of life, and a unifying force.
Ivan Muñoz “Estagiário Aranha” started training Capoeira in Barcelona, Spain, in 2004. He attended his first class and was instantly hooked to it. He first joined the group Senzala, under Profesor Lau Santos. When the latter left for Brazil, Aranha joined the group Cativeiro and trained Capoeira Angola with Contramestre Gil Maciel. In 2007 Aranha moved to the city of Almería, in Southern Spain, where he joined the group of Capoeira Regional Porto da Barra, training for three years under Profesor Freddy Negrão. In 2009 Aranha arrived in the UK, and quickly started training with Dacor in Luton. Besides Spain and the UK, Aranha has attended workshops in France, in the
Netherlands and in 2008 he travelled to Brazil, where he trained in Rio de Janeiro and Salvador de Bahia.
Aranha is passionate about Capoeira. He enjoys each and every side of it: the sport, the martial art, the dance, the body language and drama, the music, as well as its philosophy and history. He currently trains in Luton and runs his own class in Bedford, after being awarded the grade of ‘Estagiário’ by Mestre Tucas in 2012.