About us

Capoeira Maculele Decatur is the #1 place to learn capoeira and the only award-winning Capoeira academy. We are located at Core Studios in Downtown Decatur. We offer beginner friendly and advanced Capoeira classes for ages 3-5, 6-13 and 14 +. Our classes consist of Martial Arts, Acrobatics, Music, Dance, Fitness and more. We are also provide entertainment for Corporate Events, Weddings, Birthday parties, Television Shows and festivals. We offer unique and high energy lifting performances that are sure to leave audiences on the edge of their seats. As Atlanta’s first and largest Capoeira academy,  we are the forefront of Capoeira and the Brazilian Culture in the city for the past 18 years. Capoeira is martial arts, movement, fitness, acrobatics, dance, music and much more! Come see for yourself! 

Grupo Maculelê Atlanta was established in December 2002 with the arrival of Mestre Fran and Mestra Sara. With the help of Steven Alphabet , Mestre Fran introduced the unfamiliar martial art to the students of Georgia State University and in 2003, Mestre Fran was hired by Emory University. From there, Grupo Maculelê spread to other schools in the area, including Emory University and University of Georgia in Athens. We trained and worked with Mestre Fran to increase the exposure of Capoeira in Atlanta, encourage knowledge of the Afro-Brazilian culture, and develop physical and musical abilities. Over the past years, we have hosted numerous events with special guest Mestres, Professors, and Instructors from all over the world and performed in numerous festivals through out the city of Decatur, Atlanta including the Underground Atlanta, Piedmont Park, Atlanta Area Schools, Philips Arena, Emory University, Georgia Aquarium, Georgia State and many more.

Capoeira Decatur Awards:
2010: Mestre Fran received Honorary Citizenship from the Mayor of Londrina, Parana Brazil
2014: City of Decatur Mayor presented October 25th as Mestre Fran’s Day
2018: City of Decatur Mayor Presented September 18 as Mestra Sara Day
2018: City of Pembroke Park’s Mayor dedicated a community garden for Mestre Fran & Maculele Capoeira
2019: Best Martial Art School in Decatur, GA
2019: Welcoming Business Award in Decatur, GA
2020: Best Martial Art School in Georgia Award
2021: Top Martial Art School in Atlanta Expertise Award 
2021: Mestre Fran received Hometown Hero Award
2021: Best Martial Art School in Georgia Award