Our Mission
About Abadá-Capoeira DC
The mission of Abadá-Capoeira DC is to promote, spread, and support Brazilian arts and culture through capoeira, while building a healthy and connected Washington, DC-area community. We are organized to accomplish charitable and educational goals, including reducing socio-economic inequality.
Values & Philosophy
Our work is guided by principles such as:
- Appreciation for diversity
- Equal respect for all individuals
- Integrity, honesty, and accountability
- Leadership through role modeling
- Lifelong learning
- Cultivating community, belonging, and camaraderie
Capoeira is taught as a tool for individual and communal growth. Technical mastery promotes discipline, creativity, and awareness. Students progress from learners to teachers, building leadership skills and strengthening community.
Cultural & Charitable Activities
Abadá-Capoeira DC shares Brazilian culture and engages in community support across Maryland, Virginia, and DC.
Charitable campaigns include:
- Annual blood drive
- Annual clothing drive
- Toy and food donations
- Road cleaning
Donations benefit organizations such as the American Red Cross, Interfaith Clothing Center, and Salvation Army among others. We also provide free outdoor capoeira performances at community events, county fairs, and town centers. Attendees learn about capoeira’s history, music, and instruments, and can try basic movements themselves. Children in after-school programs are introduced to capoeira through demonstrations and hands-on participation.
Global Community & Events
Annual Batizado: International gathering of top-ranked instructors and masters in the DC metro area for our main event, featuring free public performances.
Trips to events: Students travel throughout the U.S. to visit other Abadá-Capoeira groups, coinciding with ceremonies and competitions.
Biannual trips to Brazil: Participate in world competitions and global gatherings, deepening mastery and cultural knowledge.
Through these programs, Abadá-Capoeira DC fosters a strong local and global community, connecting practitioners across generations and borders.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Administrative structure
Nycole Klein (Cigana) – President
Yara Cordeiro (Mestranda Yara) – Executive Director & Treasurer
Thu Do (Raiz) – Secretary
John Patton (Fósforo)
Ruth Lezama (Charada)
Liane Agulto (Joaninha)
Ashley Gam (Brisa)
Carla Verkoren (Sol)
Annual Report
To open our annual report or our last fiscal year 990-EZ please click on the links below:
To request previous annual reports / 990-EZ forms, please contact us.