Who we are
A Merseyside not-for-profit Community Interest Company, set up in 2015 to explore how the arts, and Capoeira in particular, can enrich people's lives.
Our mission
When I started Capoeira, I was so inspired by the energy, the community and what it brought to those who practiced it, I thought “I want to bring this to as many people as I can.” This is how Capoeira for All was started and I haven't looked back!
The art form
Capoeira is an exciting, dynamic Afro-Brazilian art form combining elements of martial arts, dance, music and culture. Its history reaches back to the 1500s and the enslavement of Africans in Brazil; the art survived centuries of adversity, and in 2014 UNESCO granted it Cultural Heritage Status.
Movement · Art · Culture
The people
The team share over 20 years of Capoeira practice, combining extensive expertise and academic learning in education, safeguarding & child-protection training, SEN, youth work, cross-cultural & anti-racist practice and physical education pedagogies.
CEO
Akil is one of the founding directors of Capoeira for All and began practising Capoeira in 2008 in his home town of Liverpool. Drawing on his background in community arts and professional education, he founded Capoeira for All in 2015 to share the transformative impact of the art form. Today, he combines his passion for creativity, education and community to empower and change lives across Merseyside.
Director of Business Development
Michael is a founding director of Capoeira for All. Born in Liverpool, he has been practising martial arts since the age of seven and began Capoeira in Liverpool in 2009. Within Capoeira for All, Michael's focus is on delivering and developing projects that support vulnerable groups, create powerful social impact and help individuals realise their potential. His work is driven by a belief in movement, culture and creativity as tools for empowerment, confidence-building and positive change.
Reaching Every Child Lead
Eleanor moved from Athens to the UK in 2011 to complete her Education degree at the University of Winchester, where she first discovered Capoeira. Having delivered educational workshops across Europe and trained with diverse Capoeira groups, she focuses on long-term physical health and wellbeing by integrating a variety of movement modalities into her teaching. She is a passionate advocate for play, creativity and elevating women's representation in Capoeira.
Director & Lead Practitioner
Sherrelle is a Liverpool-based director and lead practitioner at Capoeira for All. Joining the organisation in 2022 through the Empowered Community Artist programme, she brings a background in dance, visual arts and 10 years of youth work across Merseyside. Today, she delivers and supports classes and workshops, sharing her passion for creativity and movement with diverse communities.
Emerging Practitioner
First discovering Capoeira through video games at a young age, Chahine began training in 2018 after moving to the UK. Initially drawn to its athletic and movement-based elements, they joined Capoeira for All upon moving to Liverpool. Passionate about youth work, mental health and self-expression, Chahine uses Capoeira as a tool to help the next generation build confidence, creativity and community.
Emerging Practitioner
First experiencing Capoeira at ten years old in Liverpool, Tom carried his appreciation for its movement and music into adulthood. Professionally trained in acting for stage and screen, he uses his theatrical background to bring performance, character and storytelling into his teaching. Raised by a musician father, Tom also draws on his background in drums and percussion to bring musicality and creative appreciation to his Capoeira workshops.
Youth Ambassador & Project Support
Oumar joined Capoeira for All CIC in 2020 through our Resilient Youth programme. Demonstrating a natural passion for Capoeira and strong leadership skills, he continually supported his peers to build confidence. His dedication and maturity earned him a role as a Youth Ambassador through our BBC Children in Need funded programme, where he serves as a positive role model.
School programmes, community partnerships, wellbeing days: tell us who your people are and we'll tell you what Capoeira can do for them.
