Dear Community,
As we reflect on our accomplishments in 2025, we are truly inspired by what we have achieved together. Our youth classes have experienced significant growth, reminding us that nurturing the next generation is at the heart of our mission. This spirit flourished even more during our Capoeira Summer Camp, where young students enthusiastically explored the cultural roots of capoeira.
Outside our school, our teachers brought capoeira to classrooms across the Bay through teaching residencies, sharing movement, music, history, and Afro-Brazilian cultural pride with hundreds of students. In the spring, our community came together to participate in our 2025 Carnaval contingent, celebrating the African diaspora on the streets of the Mission District.
One of the standout moments of the year was our journey to Brazil for the 2025 Jogos Mundiais, which served as a powerful reminder of our global community and the lineage that connects us all. A historic number of ACSF students received cords in Brazil, expanding our team of high-level artists. Back home, our annual batizado and graduation ceremony celebrated the dedication of students who challenged themselves physically, artistically, and personally.
This year was also marked by profound celebrations. We gathered to honor Mestra Márcia on her 60th birthday—a heartfelt tribute to a leader whose lifelong work continues to shape capoeira worldwide. Additionally, we launched Mission: Workout, our new fitness program that broadens our approach to movement, strength, and wellness.
In these final weeks of 2025, two major milestones remind us that capoeira is always evolving: the establishment of ABADÁ-Capoeira Oakland and the premiere of Claudia Escobar’s beautiful short film, “Márcia,” on Dec. 2nd, honoring the life and work of Mestra Márcia Cigarra.
To everyone who trained, volunteered, donated, performed, supported our youth, or simply showed up—thank you for making this year possible. Your belief in the power of capoeira to build community and improve lives has been invaluable. We have exciting plans for 2026, including workshops with visiting artists from Brazil, an archival project documenting Mestra Cigarra’s legacy, and the SF Arts Commission’s artist convening in February, among other initiatives. I hope you’ll join us for our final gatherings and training sessions of the year—details are included below!
With gratitude,
Jennifer Walsh “Professora Sereira”
Executive Director, ABADÁ-Capoeira San Francisco