PROFESSOR COCO (Marcelo Fagundes) holds the 2nd highest attainable rank in the international ABADA-Capoeira school. He began Capoeira at the age of 10 in his native Curitiba, Brazil as part of a free after school community program. He began teaching youth at age 16 under the supervision of Mestre Piriquito Verde. Professor Coco was part of Mestre Piriquito Verde’s team of students that explored dynamic and engaging ways to develop an effective teaching methodology for children. This pivotal work yield the publication of 6 books that have become a must-have resource for Capoeirista who teaches children. 

Professor Coco’s expertise and ability to inspire young students has enabled him to become a sought-after Capoeira teacher. He has a natural ability to engage students to learn through dynamic and encouraging instruction that leads to athletic and artistic excellence.
Professor Coco has traveled to multiple countries as guest artist


INSTRUTORA FRANJINHA (Jennifer Sanchez) is the first female born and raised in New York City to receive the rank of Instrutora (purple cord) in the international ABADA-Capoeira school. She began practicing Capoeira her first year at Hunter College at the age of 17 and since then has worked to hone her physical and artistic skills. Her keen interest in making Capoeira accessible to underserved youth of NYC led her to create and introduce Capoeira arts to NYC public schools. In her native New York, she has received multiple accolades for her contributions to community development. Instrutora Franjinha is a strong mentor to young girls and women in the art form, leading a number of female-focused events throughout her Capoeira career.  She has performed throughout the country including stages such as the Kennedy Center in DC among other. In addition to her capoeira career, Instrutora Franjinha has a career in Marketing, specializing in multicultural audiences.