Our Instructors
Graduada Areia
Graduada Areia began her capoeira journey in 2008 in Queretaro, Mexico, with Academia Nacional de Capoeira. After a short break, she then rediscovered her love of capoeira in training with Cordão de Ouro under Contramestre Himura for another five years before moving to Milwaukee and joining Capoeira Nagô in 2024.
Areia sees capoeira as a way to express our inner selves and to connect our minds and bodies through the vibes of the music and the energy of the roda. Her infectious enthusiasm never fails to sweep up everyone fortunate enough to experience it firsthand.
Graduada Areia is currently lead instructor of Capoeira Nago MKE. As head of the group, she aims to create a strong community where students can develop confidence in themselves, flow in their games, and build passion for the beautiful art form that is capoeira.
Professor Arrepiado
Daniel Farmer, known in the capoeira world as Professor Arrepiado, started capoeira in Paris, France as a teenager. He trained capoeira with several different groups, including Capoeira Brasil, Capuraginga, and Capoeira Maculelê before making his home with Capoeira Nagô, under Mestre Andre.
He loves the flow of capoeira, and the energy of a good roda. As a teacher, he is passionate about the strategy and psychology of the game, as well as helping students of all levels really nail that one cool move.
Professor Arrepiado led Nagô MKE for a decade up to 2025. While he is not actively training, he still stops by for the occasional class or roda.
Mestre André Gusmão
Mestre Andre pioneered the presence of Capoeira Nagô in the United States when he moved to New York in 2001. He has since opened two academies in Miami—the first in Wynwood, in summer 2016, and the second in Coral Gables, in early 2021. In addition to establishing Nagô in the U.S., Mestre Andre is known for his explosive, high energy capoeira, and for his all-around athleticism. His achievements extend beyond the world of capoeira: Mestre Andre holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and has been an MMA fighter in the UFC.
Mestre Andre comes to Milwaukee once a year for our annual batizado event.