The Birth of Casa Capoeira: The Journey from Komotini to the World

By Mestre Ligeirinho

The First Seeds

The story of Casa Capoeira begins long before its official founding in 2017. One could say the seeds were planted back in 1996, when as a young student I took my first steps in Capoeira in Komotini, without even having a teacher. The flame was ignited through videotapes, internet, and an irresistible attraction to this mysterious art that combined movement, music, and history.

I still remember training alone in school yards, parks, and anywhere I could find a bit of space. With passion as my only guide, I tried to decode the movements I saw, to understand the logic behind this strange "game-fight."

The Encounter with Tradition

In 2001 came the defining moment – my official induction into the Grupo Capoeira International "Jacobina Arte" under the guidance of Mestre Pitbull. It was like a door opening to another world. From a self-taught approach, I suddenly found myself in the rich current of tradition, with teachers who passed down knowledge that had been transmitted from generation to generation.

This period was crucial in shaping my philosophy of Capoeira. I understood that this art is not just a set of movements – it's an entire cultural system, a way of life, a community. Mestre Pitbull's teaching, which combined strict adherence to tradition with an open spirit for evolution, laid the foundation for my own approach later.

The Journey to Teaching

From 2001 to 2016, my journey in the world of Capoeira was filled with intensive practice, travels, meetings with great masters, and gradual deepening in both the technique and philosophy of the art. With eachroda(game circle) in different parts of the world, with each workshop I attended or later taught, my vision for what Capoeira could be in Greece became clearer.

As agraduado(graduate) and later as aprofessorandcontra-mestre, I began to form my own approach to teaching – an approach that deeply respects tradition but also recognizes the need for adaptation to modern times and the Greek context.

The moment I received the title of Mestre in 2016 in Thessaloniki, in the presence of renowned Capoeira masters from around the world, marked not only the recognition of my technical proficiency but also the responsibility I now had to preserve and transmit this art with authenticity and respect.

The Founding of Casa Capoeira

In 2017, Casa Capoeira was officially born in Komotini. The choice of the name "Casa" (Home) was not random. I wanted to create something more than just a school or a group – a real home for Capoeira in Greece, a place where the art could breathe and evolve while maintaining its authenticity.

From the beginning, my vision was twofold: on one hand, to teach Capoeira with the authenticity and depth it deserves, and on the other, to use it as a tool for social change and personal development. I wanted Casa Capoeira to be a space where children, teenagers, and adults could discover new dimensions of themselves, overcome limits, and become part of a global community.

The Expansion of the Family

What started as a local project in Komotini soon began to spread. As students from various parts of Greece and abroad came to train with us and then returned to their cities, new branches were created. First in Chalkida under the guidance of Contra Mestre Caveira, then in Corfu, Crete, and finally in countries such as Austria, Sweden, and Australia.

Each new branch is an extension of the original philosophy, adapted to local conditions but always connected to our shared values and our common understanding of what Capoeira means. It's moving to see how the seeds planted in Komotini have taken root and blossomed in such diverse soils.

Our Methodology: "Whatever the Berimbau Plays"

At Casa Capoeira, our approach to teaching is summarized in the phrase "Whatever the Berimbau Plays." This means we teach our students to be complete capoeiristas, capable of adapting to different styles and rhythms, just as the traditionalrodarequires.

Our methodology combines rigorous technical training with an emphasis on Capoeira values – respect, humility, perseverance, and community awareness. We believe that Capoeira is a lifelong learning journey that affects all aspects of the practitioner's life.

The playful approach we have adopted makes learning enjoyable and accessible to everyone, while simultaneously promoting deep understanding and technical excellence.

The Vision for the Future

As Casa Capoeira continues to grow, our vision remains constant: to spread the authentic art of Capoeira, adapted to contemporary needs but always faithful to its roots. We seek to bridge cultures, bring together people from different backgrounds, and use this art as a tool for personal and social transformation.

We dream of every city in Greece having its own Capoeira community, not just as a sporting activity but as a living piece of the cultural fabric. And we see Casa Capoeira functioning as a bridge, connecting Greece with the global Capoeira community and bringing pieces of Afro-Brazilian culture into dialogue with Greek reality.

The Invitation

If you're reading these lines, I invite you to become part of this journey. Whether you're an experienced capoeirista or have no idea what Capoeira is, there's a place for you in ourroda. As a traditional Capoeira song says:

"Quem vem de fora, entre na rodaMostre seu valor"

"Whoever comes from outside, enter the circleAnd show your worth"

At Casa Capoeira, we believe that everyone has something unique to offer to our art and community. We are a home open to all, a space where the ancient wisdom of Capoeira meets the contemporary Greek spirit to create something new and unique.

Welcome to Casa Capoeira. Welcome home.

Mestre Ligeirinho (Dimitris Chionidis) is the founder of Casa Capoeira, based in Komotini. He has been teaching Capoeira since 2001 and has trained students in many countries, always focusing on preserving the authenticity of the art while adapting it to contemporary needs.