Gingarte Capoeira Chicago

Tamandua Bandeira _{on Google}

Jul 31st, 2018

I started training Capoeira in 2003 in Detroit, moved to Chicago in 2005 and started training with Gingarte immediately. Now I am one of the teachers of this beautiful art under the support & guidance of Mestre Marisa. Dreams really do come true. Salve salve Mestre Marisa!

Pensador 1416 _{on Google}

Oct 11th, 2017

I enjoy training at Gingarte because the instructors are highly skilled and the classes are physically challenging. The curriculum includes the martial arts, music, and dance elements of the art and each instructor brings a particular style to the academy. Training in this environment, my own capoeira develops as a hybrid of the movements and concepts presented by the different teachers.

Jennifer Zeiger _{on Google}

Sep 24th, 2017

Gingarte is by far my favorite place to train in the city. They really foster the concept of each individual making capoeira their own. There are multiple people teaching for the group, so I get exposure to a range of ideas about and approaches to the art form. Every class is different. Plus they have classes in a few different locations around the city, which is nice accessibility.

Rhea Yap _{on Google}

Aug 1st, 2017

I've been attending classes with Mestre Marisa and Gingarte Capoeira for many years. As someone who grew up taking dance (ballet and jazz) and tae kwon do, I like capoeira for the blend of music, movement and culture. Having a female master of capoeira is inspiring each time I take class. And for boys to have a female master is just awesome.

carlyn iuna _{on Google}

May 5th, 2017

I've always hated going to the gym, and Capoeira doesn't ever feel like working out. And it's deeper than just a dance class. It's always felt like a meaningful way to spend my time, because it's a combination of the physical, mental, and social. The deep history and music during class set it apart from other martial arts.
The group of students at Gingarte is like a second family to me. They are of all ages and backgrounds, and it feels like you're just going to hang out with friends after a hard day's work/studying ... yet you happen to be getting in a great workout. It's given me flexibility, strength, coordination, discipline, and technique that I never could've imagined. But the rich layers it offers (like Brazilian culture, history, language, rhythm, learning instruments, etc) are what made me stick around.
All of their teachers volunteer their time to teach, and their passion really shows. And Mestre Marisa is one of the most patient human beings you'll ever meet. Not only is she an experienced capoeirista hailing from Mestre Suassuna's São Paulo academy, she brings her expertise on Afro-Brazilian culture to Chicago.
Capoeira has definitely changed my life for the better, and I have Gingarte to thank.