During our regular practice at the Kyoto branch of Group Nzinga, we play the main instrument, berimbau and other instruments, practice singing, and practice moving the body along with the music and rhythms. As we train our mind and body through capoeira, we learn the spirituality and philosophy of capoeira.
Nzinga Kyoto was founded from May 5, 2015 The members include children and adults of all ages and genders.
We are recruiting new members all the time, so please feel free to visit and join us!
Capoeira Angola Group Nzinga Kyoto
mestre - kosuke
Kosuke Arakawa
Started Capoeira in Kyoto in 2002, and visited Brazil several times to train.
He lived in São Paulo from 2009-2013, and began training at the São Paulo branch of Group Nzinga. He worked at a photo studio and majored in photography at the University of the Arts (FAAP).
In 2014, he returned to Japan and invited three Group Nzinga teachers to Japan for an event he hosted called Ginga Nzinga inviting three Group Nzinga teachers to Japan, and was awarded the rank of Trainee (Treinel) .On May 5, 2015 Group Kyoto was created official to be a base for training Kyoto. At present, we actively carry out Capoeira activities throughout the country.
2016 - 2017: Held capoeira classes at Kyoto International School
November 2017: Received rank of Contramestre in Brazil.
While learning and teaching Capoeira Angora, He also focuses on spreading knowledge of capoeira outside our classes. In addition to regular classes, he give workshops overseas and throughout Japan.
He believes it is important to interact with many people, regardless of organization or style.
Through the vehicle of capoeira, his everyday focus is on teaching, especially to children, about how to create a gender equal world free from discrimination.
In July 2025, Sao Paulo, during the 30 years commemoration event of Nzinga, he was recognized as a Master of the group and Capoeira Angola.
Currently, while teaching Capoeira Angola, he also performs at events and conduct workshops for children and adults across various locations, in addition to regular classes. He believes it is vital to interact with many people regardless of group or style, and consider it important that Capoeira enables the creation of a diverse society characterized by gender equality and freedom from discrimination.
Capoeira Angola Group Nzinga Kyoto
Emilie
Emilie Tsuru Devaux
Group Nzinga Kyoto: Instructor
PhD, University of Kyoto. French language teacher.
Started capoeira in 2005. From 2012 to 2013 she lived in São Paulo from 2012-2013 and started training at the São Paulo branch of Group Nzinga. Upon returning to Kyoto she helped with the establishment of Group Nzinga Kyoto.
She is currently teaching classes for the group while deepening her knowledge of Capoeira Angola.
Capoeira Angola Group Nzinga Kyoto
Treinela - YuUmi
Group Nzinga Kyoto: Treinela
Vegan chef and restaurant owner. Sunny Place Kyoto.
Started capoeira in 2014 and joined Nzinga Kyoto in 2015.
She helped with the establishment of Group Nzinga Kyoto.
She is currently teaching classes for the group while deepening her knowledge of Capoeira Angola.
Treinela - TOMOmi
Starting to train capoeira in 2010, she joined the group Nzinga in 2019. She was recognized as a treinela of the group in 2024.
