Julio Arruda
dos Santos

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. At the time, I was happy to simply train with friends and find joy in playing capoeira. But soon capoeira became more than just a hobby, and I experienced the first inklings that capoeira would eventually become my profession.

I began teaching and performing capoeira at a young age. In 2007, I took a significant step in my capoeira journey by traveling beyond the borders of Brazil. My first destination was Mexico, where I spent five enriching months sharing the magic of capoeira throughout the country. I then received an invitation to Paris, where I made my home for nearly four years, continuing to spread the capoeira spirit across Europe and even reaching some North African nations.

In 2012, I relocated to the United States, dedicating myself to the practice and promotion of capoeira. By 2018, I found my way to Miami and integrated myself swiftly into the city's capoeira scene. In 2019, I founded Evolve Miami Team, an initiative aimed at nurturing and spreading the roots of capoeira in South Florida.

In 2022, I realized a long-held dream and opened my first capoeira academy, located in North Miami. Every day I work to create a vibrant and close-knit community while promoting a healthier and more enriching lifestyle for everyone who enters the studio, both children and adults. With almost three decades of capoeira experience under my belt, I feel privileged to help people live better lives through capoeira.