Intro Program — Evolve Miami Team | Capoeira in Miami
Intro Program

Your Journey
Starts Here.

Everything you need to begin, grow, and master Capoeira. This is your resource hub — use it every week.

What You Will Learn

Watch this video to understand the full scope of the Intro Program — what we cover, how we progress, and what is expected of you.

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Bonus Resource

Understand What's Being Said in Class

Capoeira is taught in Portuguese. Learn the words, songs, and commands so you can follow along, connect with the culture, and feel at home in the roda.

Your Learning Path

The full curriculum of Evolve Miami Team — from your first day to mastery. See where you are and where you are going.

How You Advance

Two systems — one for adults, one for kids. Both reward consistency, focus, and effort.

1 Star — Getting Started
  • Minimum 3 months of Capoeira
  • Attend at least 1 class per week
  • Complete each Intro technique at least 2 times
You are building your foundation!
★★
2 Stars — Growing Stronger
  • Minimum 6 months of Capoeira
  • Attend at least 2 classes per week
  • Complete each Intro technique at least 6 times
You can now join the Fundamentals Program!
★★★
3 Stars — First Belt Ready
  • At least 6 months of consistent training
  • Confident performing all basic techniques from the ginga, alternating sides
  • Able to enter the roda, play the game, respond, finish, clap, and sing
You are ready for your Capoeira batizado!
Belt Progression
  • After your first belt, progression to the next level usually happens annually
  • Check the belt requirements page for each level
  • After earning your yellow belt, you can attend the Advanced Students Class
  • Your ultimate goal: Blue Belt preparation and Instructor Course completion
How to Earn Points
ActionPoints Earned
Come to class+3
Listen and follow directions without reminders+5
Wear full uniform (pants, shirt, and belt if you have one)+1
Do extra work or help in class+3
Complete an extra task outside class when the teacher asks+10
How to Lose Points
ActionPoints Lost
Talking over the teacher−1
Not watching or paying attention−1
Forgetting what you are supposed to do more than twice−1
Being silly or lazy when practicing−1
Not following directions−1
Being rude or disrespectful−3
Not following safety rules−3
Damaging or not caring for instruments or materials−3
Breaking something−10
Points Goal — Belt Levels
100
1st Belt
200
2nd Belt
250
3rd Belt
300
4th Belt & Up
  • If you reach half your goal, you will get a small prize for your effort!
  • If you drop below half the goal close to the belt event, you may not receive your next belt.
  • If you drop to 0 or have negative points, you may lose your current belt.
  • If you reach your goal, any extra points carry over to the next belt.
Respect + Focus + Effort = Capoeira Growth!

School Rules

Be mindful of how you present yourself in the space. The way you show up will determine how strong you grow and the example you set for others.

Safety Rules

Avoid any actions that could cause harm to yourself or others.

  1. Stay aware of your space and friends around you.
  2. Move with control, never too fast or wild.
  3. Don't hit, push, or kick anyone.
  4. No acrobatics when running or playing tag.
  5. Warm up before training.
  6. No food, gum, or drinks while training.
  7. Don't get in the way or distract friends when they're training.
  8. Stand against cowardice; protect those who need support.
  9. Use kind words, no rude language.
  10. Always respect everyone.

Discipline Rules

This is where you focus if you want to become an outstanding Capoeirista and a better human being.

  1. Focus your ears to listen.
  2. Focus your eyes to watch.
  3. Focus your brain to think.
  4. Focus your body to train with purpose.
  5. Speak only at the right time.
  6. Practice with effort and intention.
  7. Pay attention to how you move and behave.
  8. Try to learn as much as you can.
  9. Be kind and help others.
  10. Always give your best in everything you do.

How to Show Up Right

Capoeira is not just about physical movement. Watch this video to understand the mindset and behavior we expect from every student.

Belt Progression

Evolve Miami Team follows the traditional Capoeira belt system. Each belt represents a new level of skill, understanding, and commitment. Your first belt is just the beginning.

Student receiving Capoeira belt at Evolve Miami Team
Batizado — Your first belt ceremony
Beginner — Levels 1 to 9
1st
Green
★ You Are Here
2nd
Prep Green‑Yellow
3rd
Green‑Yellow
4th
Prep Yellow
5th
Yellow
6th
Prep Yellow‑Blue
7th
Yellow‑Blue
8th
Prep Blue
9th
Blue
Advanced — Levels 10 to 13
10th
Graduado
11th
Monitor
12th
Instrutor
13th
Professor
Master Levels — Contra-mestre & Above
14th
Contra-mestre
15th
Mestre 1° Grau
16th
Mestre 2° Grau
17th
Mestre 3° Grau
Mestre
Estagiário
Beginner — Levels 1 to 5
1st
Green
★ You Are Here
2nd
Prep Green‑Yellow
3rd
Green‑Yellow
4th
Prep Yellow
5th
Yellow
Intermediate — Levels 6 to 9
6th
Prep Yellow‑Blue
7th
Yellow‑Blue
8th
Prep Blue
9th
Blue
Advanced — Levels 10 to 12 (Teens Transition)
10th
Green Blend
11th
Yellow Blend
12th
Blue Blend

Meet the Founder & School

Evolve Miami Team is built on nearly 30 years of Capoeira experience, a deep lineage, and a genuine love for the art.

Meet the Founder
Julio Arruda dos Santos — Mestre Cabeção
Julio Arruda dos Santos
Founder • Teacher • Visual Artist • Performer

I embarked on my Capoeira journey in 1996 in my hometown of São Paulo, Brazil. From the first class, I fell head over heels for this captivating art form that seamlessly blends martial arts, dance, music, acrobatics, culture, and community.

I began teaching and performing Capoeira at a young age. In 2007, I traveled beyond Brazil's borders — first to Mexico for five enriching months, then to Paris for nearly four years, spreading the Capoeira spirit across Europe and North Africa.

In 2012, I relocated to the United States. By 2018, I found my way to Miami, and in 2019 I founded Evolve Miami Team to nurture and spread the roots of Capoeira in South Florida.

In 2022, I opened my first Capoeira academy in North Miami. With almost three decades of experience, I feel privileged to help people live better lives through Capoeira.

The School
Mangalot Capoeira
Founded by Mestre Coruja

João Ricardo Patriota da Silva — Mestre Coruja — started Capoeira in 1995 under Mestre Xavier. A year after earning his first belt, he began teaching at a community center in the São Paulo neighborhood of Mangalot, where a group of enthusiastic children (including me, Mestre Cabeção) began training under his guidance.

The Mangalot community center was a branch of Cordão de Ouro, founded in 1967 by Mestre Suassuna and Mestre Brasília. In 1999, Mestre Coruja began training directly at Mestre Suassuna's academy, exposing us to a whole new level of Capoeira alongside legendary capoeiristas.

In 2006, we opened our first dedicated studio in Mangalot. Today, Mestre Coruja has over 30 "formados" and branches in Brazil, Mexico, Trinidad, Europe, and the USA — with nine mestres continuing the dream that began in 1995.

Now transitioning to Mangalot Capoeira Schools, paying homage to our roots. In 2025, a special event in Brazil will officially launch the new school and celebrate the next generation of professores and mestres.

"Devagar se vai ao longe." — Slowly, one goes far. Capoeira is not a race. It is a practice. Show up, stay consistent, and trust the process.

Brazilian Capoeira Proverb

You Have Everything You Need.

The resources are here. The community is here. The only thing missing is you showing up. See you on the mat.