The largest space I've ever trained in for capoeira. Anthony is a strict but excellent teacher. Be prepared to be drenched after class. The space and people are beautiful. And there's also a ton of Afro dance and drumming classes inside the building. It always feels like a community here. read more

My son started training with Coach Anthony when he was 8 years old and is still there, 3 years later, regularly attending class 2/x week. He's both physically and mentally stronger due to Anthony's focused training and commitment to the kids. Anthony brings so much to his teaching - he understands how to push our towards his potential in every class - without loses his engagement. Training is tough! But our son loves the exercise and is deeply connected to the Anthony and other great students in the community Anthony as created. read more

My kids told me Coach Anthony is a serious teacher and his classes can be intense. However, since my kids have started this class they've begun to embody the traits of a collective more than before Coach Anthony has taught them to be punctual, responsible, and respectful to people of all ages. His classes can be highly intense and my kids are able to exercise and get their energy out in capoeira class. The class is fantastic for helping focus the mind. read more

The class is intense and vigorous, but also suitable for young children, teens, and adults. I've been shown that capoeira is suitable for any age and is a big workout for all parts of the body. Mr.Anthony is a coach that really cares about getting your body to reach your physical capacity and push past your limits to make you stronger both mentally and physically. read more

I had my son signed up for the kid's class at $30 a month, 3x per week which is a fantastic deal. I would not have been able to offer my son a movement class without a price like this. Unfortunately, it seems that the quality of teaching is equal to the price (which is NOT the case with other such programs at the Malonga Casquelord Center!). Its understandable, I suppose, that Anthony, the head instructor, cannot make it to all of the classes due to his other job as a nurse, therefore he has his a number of his adults students come in and sub for him (about 4 or 5 different people). My son has attended about 12 or so classes, mostly taught by his subs, which, although usually late, do an ok job at communicating with kids and gauging what there needs are in the class. Anthony, on the other hand, who boasts about being trained in the military and dismissed, decorated, with honors, communicates to toddlers as if they are his soldiers. I understand the concept of tough love. I run it at home, and one of his other teachers at Malonga Casquelord Center is a master at it, but Anthony's deficiency lies in his very short patience, his demeaning style of communication (using loud and angry yelling as first resort, and tonight, kicking my *well-tempered* TODDLER son out of the class [that we paid for in advance]), and a chauvanistic attitude and communication style towards other adults who aid him during the class. The benefits my son has gained from these classes, I would say are credited to the patient work that his multiple subs have done, but the environment becomes potentially toxic though, when Anthony is there. This probably also speaks to the fact that the average size of his class is only 3 children. Additions below: And there we have it folks. Read the response below for the character of this instructor. It seems he also resorts to bullying adults who give an honest critique of his work. His anger issues need some serious checking. read more

I miss doing Capoeira here. I was inspired by this class and by Anthony instructor Busca He. I've relocated, but if not, I would surely still be coming here. His attention to your movement and music class on Weds is so Awesome. I may still drop in every now and again when in Oakland. read more

I first found Omulu Capoeira Guanabara (OCG) last September when I wanted to reincorporate martial arts into my life. I learned immediately that the workouts are intensive and will leave even the fittest people drenched in sweat. For months, I dropped into class sporadically, but this summer I've been going three times a week and have noticed a huge improvement in my endurance, strength, and skill level. Anthony (Busca Hé) has a tough love approach to teaching. He truly cares about his students and pushes them to their best. The more advanced students are always willing to help beginners. When the extensions of our group get together, it's like family. OCG also stresses the importance of knowing capoeira's history and music, on Wednesdays there is a music class. OCG just had their annual Batizado (initiation) and in preparation of it, there were special events and classes, a couple were led by Mestre (Master) Preguiça. This time of year is very exciting for capoeiristas. This summer I've noticed that my occasional hobby has become a new passion and what Mestre Preguiça told us is true, " You don't choose capoeira, capoeira chooses you." read more

I had been wanting to get back into martial arts after a long hiatus. Capoeira is something I wanted to try years ago. I chose Omulu mainly because of its location close to where I live (I haven't had a vehicle since moving to the bay area). When I finally got the motivation to start up classes, I was very happy with the environment. This studio is very community focused and the class times are fairly convenient for working adults. The space is very large and well suited for the practice. Coming from a Taekwondo and Kung Fu practice years ago, Capoeira is very different in a good way. The classes accept every level and the more advanced students are very welcoming and willing to help those who are new. I was on a pretty rigorous workout routine last summer but didn't work out for three months prior to joining. The work is pretty intense so it's important to just pace yourself and do what you can. The classes will definitely challenge both cardio and muscle building. A 90 minute class will push the limits. I definitely feel the workout days after. You'll be thrown into movement right away which makes it fun and challenging. It takes time to get it down, so be patient. The instructors are very disciplined and strict, but patient with newcomers. At the end of class everyone gathers in a circle where music is played, everyone participates by clapping and chanting, and practitioners take turns "sparring". It's non contact and a place to practice and demonstrate. I've thoroughly enjoyed the experience so far and am looking forward to continuing in the practice and the community. It's one of the safest and most welcoming martial arts communities I've seen. read more

This is a great place to bring your kids to learn capoeira. My two daughters are going to since 2 years ago and they are really good in Capoeria now. I highly recommend omulu!! read more

We started our 7yo daughter here recently in September 2014 as my daughter wanted to get back into capoeira (having done it as a preschooler once upon a time). First I was amazed at the deal, $30 for 3x a week. Clearly this class is run as a labor of love and not for profit. This is the way it should be. My daughter has been learning immensely in the last two months and really is gaining in confidence in the Roda, where the kids spar with each other and display a joining of the skills they know. She was just teaching some friends of hers this past Friday night her capoeira moves! Handstands and kicks. Anthony is a tough disciplined teacher, but that's what works best for our kiddo. I think for this reason kids younger than 6 should not attend and that's what he states as well. We've had plenty of subs, but they are advanced teachers and the proof is in the pudding of our budding capoeirista. Sometimes teachers run a little late, but my kid doesn't mind, plenty big space at the Malonga Center studio to practice handstands and have fun! read more

This is a great place to practice capoeira. The class is intense and the instructor (Anthony) pushes you to get the most out of the physical training. As a new student, I learn partly by watching and copying the advanced students and partly with direct help from Anthony, who takes the time to correct my mistakes. The more advanced students are always willing to help teach the newbies, too. All of the students I've met so far have been friendly and fun to train with. Class begins with a jogging warmup and then we practice various combinations of exercises as a group and in pairs. Anthony emphasizes the music which sets the rhythm for capoeira, and we sometimes get to learn a few songs at the end of class. The training space is a big beautiful hardwood floor room in the Malonga Casquelourd Center. I recently got to participate in OCG's annual Batizado, where new students get initiated and others promoted. It was an opportunity for the OCG community to come together and celebrate each other's commitment to capoeira, and I felt lucky to attend. I recommend giving the class a try - you might be inspired to stick with it! read more

I used to be an avid gym-goer spending 2-3 hours there every weekday. I did all the classes they had to offer and had so much fun with it. After awhile though, it became too easy. I found myself going less and less, to the point of not going at all. So I decided to take up martial arts to challenge myself. I asked a friend what martial arts is the most bad-ass and also awesome for getting tone and fit. He answered Capoeira. I researched online and on Yelp for two whole weeks and visited four different studios. I finally found Omulu and called Anthony (the mastre) and he called me right back. He was so kind and took time to explain things to me on the phone. I attended that night's class and was hooked. The studio where Omulu Capoeira Guanabara is super spacious and it doesn't smell like gym socks like most other places. I couldn't even stay in the other studios for more than 10 minutes because I would get nauseated by the smell. All I got to say is Omulu Capoeira is apparently not your regular Joe's Capoeira. It's supposedly more diverse in terms training so that you learn many techniques. I learn something new every time I come (even though I'm still a beginner so of course everything is new). It is the most physically challenging thing I've ever done in my entire life. No bootcamp course or 1.5 hour of hatha yoga can compare. Honestly, I would've already quit if it wasn't for Anthony and the other students' patience and encouragement. You can tell right away that Anthony is one of those men that is kind-hearted, compassionate, and full of integrity. But that doesn't mean he is soft on his students! He is hardcore, puts pride in the sarcredness of Capoeira, and seeks perfection. He wants to mentor hardworkers! The challenge is very, very fun. My body is definitely not used to this type of intensity. You're supposed to get use to it, was what I was told. Oh, and we also get to play and sing Capoeira music every Wednesday! read more

I've been training with this group for a few years now. I have been blessed to meet many good people through the group and have the honor to be Anthony's student. Through the art of Capoeira and its philosophies I have become a healthier individual not just physically, but mentally as well. After a long day of stress, coming to Capoeira makes life a lot more manageable. I get to relieve some stress and kick butt at the same time! It's a great group for beginners or people who want to get in shape outside of the gym. Compared to other Capoeira groups the rates are extremely affordable and well worth it. People receive a lot of individual attention and encouragement from an instructor with a lot of experience. No matter what your size, age, shape or gender this class will challenge you in many different ways and it will leave you wanting to learn more and more. On top of that, Capoeira is the only martial art that incorporates music so you get to learn how to play the different instrument and songs. I never played an instrument in my life prior to training with this group, but the instructor makes it easy learn how to play the traditional Capoeira instruments and sing the songs as well. I'm extremely happy that Omulu Capoeira Guanabara is part of my life. I wouldn't trade my experience with OCG for anything in the world! read more

I signed up my son last September for the class. Initially I was a little apprehensive because Anthony (Head Instructor) was unable to be there much do to his work schedule. I have since rid myself of all apprehension. I am grateful for his advanced students that are quite capable of instructing. Anthony has became much more involved after some time and although he has a tough love approach (which is par for the course in martial arts) truly cares about his students. My son has grown immensely under Anthony's guidance, not only in his capoeira skills but his listening skills and in his ability to take direction and constructive criticism. My son loves capoeira and when I suggested finding a class closer to home he wanted to stay with this class and Anthony. I have found Anthony to be open to feedback, questions and concerns that I have had regarding my son in his class. Anthony keeps his prices low which is great and why we come from Alameda. He cares about the kids and wants to make capoeira available to those in the community. I have found other capoeira classes that claim to be for the community that are more then double the price, less classes in a week and the times not conducive a family schedule. I highly recommend Anthony's class and encourage those interested in checking it out. He also has an adult class that immediately follows the children. read more

Excellent amazing experience! I The instructor really takes his time and is committed in seeing his students advance and excel in this beautiful martial art. My shoulder acted up in class and the instructor noticed right away and assisted me in changing my posture for some of the moves and I felt a lot better. The other students were very welcoming and focused. This class is not for the drop in and out students, it is an environment tailored for individuals that are willing to commit. Highly professional and a great sense of community. In addition we also practiced the music and even the language! You def. get the most out of this class. Trust me, if you are a person looking to find some structure, balance, disciple in your life and be a part of a cohesive community, Omulu Capoeira Guanabara is the place. read more

I have been training with this Capoeira group for about 2 1/2 years now, and I have had a really great experience. Everyone is always friendly and willing to lend a helping hand to beginners ( I remember from when I was brand new). The instructor Busca He is also really good. He encourages you to do your best and you'll be amazed at what you end up being able to do through his instruction (like walk on your hands among other things :p). Overall this group has had a really positive impact on my life because I've gotten into much better shape, gained tons of flexibility, learned about a cool Afro-Brazilian art form, and made a lot of new friends in the process! Definitely give it a go! read more

I am a beginner to capoeira, but after a month training at this school I plan to stick with it. The instructors have been really helpful and do a great job of balancing the higher level students with the needs of a beginner such as myself. The community within the school is really special and it makes you want to come back and share the experience. The studio is AMAZING with great big open windows and wood floors. I've experienced a lot of one-on-one instruction--learning songs in Portuguese, playing various Brazilian instruments, or specific moves and movements in capoeira--so I feel like I've really gotten my money's worth. The instruction in sometimes strict, but still always friendly, and in this way you can see they really just want you to improve and succeed and be challenged by the class. read more