Inspiring Conversations with Francisco Da Silva of Capoeira Maculele Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Francisco Da Silva.

Hi Francisco, We are so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Francisco Da Silva “Mestre Fran,” originally from Brazil, is Maculele-Capoeira Atlanta’s founder and artistic director. Since 1982, Mestre Fran and Capoeira Maculelê have worked to promote an organization that values all dimensions of the human being, including the physical, moral, and spiritual. He has focused on awakening the talents of his students, elevating the awareness of society, and encouraging the practice of Capoeira as an art, fight, and a means of social, cultural, and athletic integration. Today, anyone would agree that Mestre Fran has succeeded in these endeavors. He has taken his passion and shared it with hundreds, maybe thousands, of people all over the world and, unintentionally, Mestre Fran has created a reputation as one of the greatest Capoeira Mestres and maintains international recognition for his accomplishments in the field and teaches regularly throughout Brazil, North America, Europe, Asia, and Colombia.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story. Has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Francisco says that there were numerous difficulties. “I had to plant a seed everywhere I went” because when I arrived in Atlanta in 2002, many people did not know what Capoeira was. There was also the language barrier since English isn’t my first language. But I was always confident that Capoeira would become popular here one day, always listening to my heart’s voice and thinking that everything would be all right. Capoeira is a complete art form that enchants people through its history, dance, acrobatics, music, games, and culture. Deep down in my heart, my family and I always believed it would work because Capoeira is different; it creates communities where it goes. Capoeira brings joy to people’s lives! Capoeira is a fight of resistance. All practitioners learn to be resilient and face difficulties with a smile!

I appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Capoeira Maculele Atlanta?
When you combine world-class instructors with real capoeira experience, curriculums, a welcoming and safe environment, camaraderie, and passion, it’s clear that Maculele-Capoeira is one of the most sought-after capoeira academies in the world! Capoeira Maculele is the #1 place to learn Capoeira and the only 18 award-winning Capoeira academy in Georgia. We are at Core Studios in Downtown Decatur and SFX Fitness in Alpharetta. We offer beginner-friendly and advanced Capoeira classes for ages 2.5-5, 6-13, and 14. Our classes include Martial Arts, Acrobatics, Music, Dance, Fitness, and more. We also provide entertainment for Corporate Events, Weddings, Birthday parties, Television Shows, and festivals. We offer unique, high-energy lifting performances that will leave audiences on the edge. As Atlanta’s first and largest Capoeira academy, we have been at the forefront of Capoeira and the Afro-Brazilian Culture in the city for the past 20 years. Capoeira is martial arts, movement, fitness, acrobatics, dance, music, and much more!

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Maculele-Capoeira has the best team! Our award-winning teaching method was created by a team of psychologists, teachers, neurologists, physical education specialists, and nutritionists, along with our 45 years of capoeira experience. Mestra Sara is the first female Mestra in Georgia with over 40 years of experience. She’s an innovative choreographer’ a sought-after teacher, a teacher and mentor, a role model for Brazilian Immigrants, women, and girls, and a bridge-builder in our community. Mestranda Dandhara is one of the head kids teachers and senior director at Maculele Capoeira Atlanta. She has over 23 years of experience. Dandhara holds the title of a 3x world champion. Mestre Tito Santos is a world-renowned Mestre from Sao Paulo, Brazil, with over 30 years of experience in the art form of Capoeira. He traveled all over Brazil, the USA, and Europe, sharing the art form of Capoeira.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.trycapoeira.com
• Instagram: capoeiradecatur
• Facebook: capoeiradecatur
• Linkedin: capoeiradecatur
• Yelp: capoeiradecatur