Axe Capoeira

I have been training with Coquinho here for last 4 months, and it’s best thing I have taken up since moving to Seattle. Capoeira beautifully integrates martial arts, music and Portuguese culture into a unique art form. Coquinho is a great instructor and the group is very friendly and everyone helps each other to learn, grow and become better at capoeira. There are frequent group get togethers and parties. We also make occasional trips to other nearby Capoeira schools to get to learn from other instructors and play with new people. Capoeira is a tough sport and it takes several years of practice to become good at it, but you get a real sense of achievement as you make progress and learn more things.

I started as a brand new beginner with Axe Capoeira and so far it is absolutely wonderful! I was hesitant after reading Miriam G’s review (I am a female in my early 20’s), but not once have I felt uncomfortable in the class. The community is very tight knit and more experienced students are always willing to help out the newcomers. Coquinho is a tough instructor and demands a lot, so if you don’t do well with criticism, this may not be the class for you. If, however, you are looking for an entirely new physical challenge that blends athleticism and grace, definitely check out capoeira! No matter your skill level, Coquinho pushes each student according to his/​her ability so you always feel accomplished at the end of class. :)

Disclaimer: my original review was taken down as it flagged and considered hearsay. Allow me to properly conduct myself within the Unilocal Guidelines:
Axe Capoeira is a fun school with great students and the perfect location in Cap Hill. These are both reasons why I joined and stayed with the group for about a year. However, FEMALES BEWARE: I would like to reiterate that I was personally sexually harassed on multiple occasions during and after class by the instructor.
I contacted the UW experimental college and they conducted an anonymous investigation of the claims which resulted in nothing on the day that they visited. I would also like to say that I had first hand witness of the instructor sexually harassing other women in the class who expressed their discomfort with the situation.
Eventually I left the school, and I will not disclose the details. I was not physically hurt, but more than uncomfortable in all situations.
Regardless, Coquinho is good with kids (as mentioned in other reviews). The workout is great, the community is great, and capoeira is a fantastic sport to train for all ages and all body types.
Anyway, I hope this helps. I do not mean to give an «anonymous» opinion, and I will not give my phone number, but I wish that I could have received fair warning about this class prior to signing up.

I feel like Miriam G’s review merits a response. My son, now 10, has been studying with Coquinho for over 2 years. Coquinho has warm friendships with women and men, both. In my experience, boundaries are always, always mutually respected. If someone from Brazil is more likely than a Seattleite to offer a hug (and I’m not so sure that’s true), that is not going to be pressed on anyone who doesn’t want to reciprocate. What bothers me most is that Miriam’s «review» was essentially anonymous, but is the kind of poisonous rumor that can effortlessly torpedo a reputation. If you’re making an accusation, stand behind it and spell it out.
I’m speaking not as a personal friend of anyone at the school, only as a satisfied parent. So I’m willing to put my own phone number here: I’m Leslie and you can reach me at 206−725−5736.

Salve!
Axe is an amazing Capoeira school. In fact, it is so good after leaving it because of an interstate move I cannot find another school I am happy with. Coquino is the best capoeira teacher I have ever had. He is strict but really willing to help you improve your skill. Also, this is his life work – not just his side job so he has a great dedication to his studio and his students.
The group is also really tightknit with lots of events together.
Classes at Axe involve drills, roda, learning songs (both singing and playing instruments), and maculele. I have discovered a lot of other studios do not mix all of these into their classes and you have to go on different days for training and roda and they sometimes don’t offer maculele at all. The best part is that, unlike lots of other studios, the monthly all-​inclusive fee is totally affordable because Coquinho wants to be accessible to everyone. Also, they offer courses at UW for those of you who don’t live near Capitol Hill.
Seriously, if you are considering starting capoeira, check it out.
Axe!