Capoeira Institute Southwest raises funding to create opportunities for underserved kids and families in our Southwestern communities to learn and practice capoeira.

Capoeira is a thrilling, expressive Afro-Brazilian art form that is fun for kids, teens and adults. It was started over 450 years ago by Africans enslaved in Brazil as a means to train and fight for freedom. In 2014, Capoeira was officially recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and is the second most popular sport in Brazil. Capoeira combines martial arts, dance, gymnastics and music that includes percussion instruments, rhythms and songs. Originally, elements of dance, song and percussion were interwoven into capoeira to disguise training to fight for freedom by making it appear as a game of dance and music. Today, capoeira is a challenge that creates full-body fitness and a path for self-expression.

Capoeira Institute Southwest partners with Capoeira Mandinga Tucson to create opportunities to take part in shows and events which help build confidence and create exposure to this wonderful art of self-expression. This fundraiser supports our mission to bring together people of different cultures, genders, ages and socio-economics. Our programs culminate in an annual Batizado where we bring internationally respected masters of the cultural arts of Afro-Brazilian capoeira, music, and dance. We celebrate the hard work of our community with workshops and a "graduation" ceremony that are open to the public. This auction also supports our ability to provide scholarships for youth in-need so they don't miss these amazing CIS program opportunities.

Capoeira Institute Southwest Batizado 2026 Auction - PLAYING IS WINNING!©️

Auction open for bidding Nov. 12-Nov. 19.