Adult Capoeira Classes in Walthamstow, East London & Essex

Q: How much do adult capoeira classes cost?

Two membership options plus pay as you go and private coaching. Medio is £45 per month (once a week). Gunga is £76 per month (twice a week). Pay as you go is £16 per session. Private coaching is £70 per 1:1 or £90 for a small group up to 4. New students on Medio or Gunga get Buy 1 month, get 1 month free.

The short version

Capoeira in East London
for every adult

Capoeira Club Essex is the Walthamstow home of adult Capoeira. Whether you have never trained before or you have been playing for years, there is a class here for you.

Capoeira is a Brazilian art form with deep roots in Afro-Brazilian culture, blending martial arts, acrobatics, dance and live music into a single practice. It carries centuries of history and tradition, passed down through generations of masters, students and musicians.

Every class combines movement with music. Students learn the songs, play the traditional instruments, and step into the roda (the circle) as both players and musicians. The physical, the musical and the cultural are inseparable.

Our adult classes are based at Walthamstow School for Girls, a short walk from Walthamstow Central and easy to reach from Chingford, Leyton, Leytonstone, Woodford, Loughton and Chigwell. If Walthamstow, Waltham Forest or East London is your patch, we are your local Capoeira school.

Adult classes are led by Professor Molinha (Rui De Sousa) with over two decades of Capoeira training and 15 years teaching, alongside Formada Maya (Maya Walters) with more than 20 years of her own.

Why train with us

Not just a class

The difference between a good Capoeira school and an ordinary one is the depth of culture, the quality of coaching, and the strength of the community around it.

Music at the centre

Every class includes live music. Berimbau, atabaque, pandeiro, and singing in Portuguese. Learn the instruments, learn the songs, learn what makes Capoeira feel like Capoeira.

Experienced coaches

Your instructors are Professor Molinha and Formada Maya. Between them, over 40 years of combined Capoeira training and teaching, both starting as children. Both are graded within the tradition and continue to train and teach actively today.

Rooted in tradition

Capoeira is a rich Afro-Brazilian tradition with centuries of history, created by enslaved Africans in Brazil. In every session, we bring the music, cultural context and lineage, not just the movement.

Easy to get to

Walthamstow School for Girls is minutes from Walthamstow Central. Easy access from Chingford, Leyton, Leytonstone, Woodford, Loughton and Chigwell. Free parking and bike locks on-site.

Structured progression

The traditional corda (belt) system gives every student a clear path from beginner through to instructor. Annual gradings recognise how far you have come.

Part of a wider network

Sister schools in North London, Croydon, Leeds and Italy. Students can drop in on any branch when travelling.

Meet your coaches

The people leading the class

Professor Molinha

Co-Founder and Lead Coach

Rui De Sousa (Professor Molinha) has over two decades of Capoeira training and 15 years teaching. He sets the curriculum across all classes and leads the adult programme in Walthamstow.

Read the full bio

Formada Maya

Co-Founder and Partnerships

Maya Walters (Formada Maya) has over 20 years of Capoeira training and teaching. She coordinates the schools programme and coaches adults and kids across our locations.

Read the full bio

What our students say

Real voices, real experiences

★★★★★

"Best capoeira club in London. Maya and Molinha are incredible teachers. They foster a great community, always have a plan for their class, and are always pushing us to develop our best selves."

RafaGoogle Review · Student

★★★★★

"Wow 🤩 what a brilliant intro class! So much fun, with creative 360-degree drills, juicy hip-openers, and pure joyful energy.

Our real hip-star Molinha led the session with such inspiration. I've never had this much joy falling, rolling, and play-tackling my friendos. Thanks a million guys 🤙"

PatrycjaGoogle Review · Student

★★★★★

"Love this club. Great, attentive and inclusive teaching. Fun and inspiring sessions. Fantastic energy. Everyone is super friendly and encouraging. I get a good workout too."

SophiaGoogle Review · Student

Where we train

Adult Capoeira in the heart of Walthamstow

Our adult classes run at Walthamstow School for Girls, a short walk from Walthamstow Central station on the Victoria line. Free on-site parking and bike locks are available behind the black gates on Church Hill.

We serve the wider Waltham Forest, East London and West Essex area. Students travel to us regularly from Chingford, Leyton, Leytonstone, Woodford, Loughton, Chigwell and Ilford.

Venue

Walthamstow School for Girls
Church Hill, Walthamstow, London E17 9RZ

Class times

Mondays & Wednesdays · 19:20 – 20:20
New Monday time from September 2026

Nearest station

Walthamstow Central (Victoria line, London Overground) · 8 min walk

Frequently asked

Common questions

Do I need any experience?

Not at all. Our beginners classes are designed for people with zero Capoeira background. If you can walk, you can start.

Am I too old to start?

Almost certainly not. We have adult students ranging from their early twenties to their sixties. Capoeira is scaled to the individual. What matters is that you show up.

What should I wear to my first class?

Loose, comfortable clothing you can move freely in. Bare feet or grippy socks. No shoes on the training area. Bring water.

Do I need a Capoeira uniform?

Not for your first few sessions. After a month or two of training, once you have decided to continue, we ask students to move to the traditional white Capoeira uniform (abadá trousers and a school t-shirt). Uniforms can be purchased through our shop.

How much does it cost?

Two membership options, plus pay as you go and private. Medio is £45 per month (once a week). Gunga is £76 per month (twice a week). Pay as you go is £16 per session. Private coaching is £70 per 1:1 or £90 for a small group up to 4. New students on Medio or Gunga get Buy 1 month, get 1 month free. Book on our shop.

Where are the classes held?

Walthamstow School for Girls, Church Hill, Walthamstow, London E17 9RZ. Free on-site parking and bike locks available. 8 minutes' walk from Walthamstow Central station.

What if I miss a session?

Once-a-week students can attend either Monday or Wednesday. If you miss a week entirely, we can occasionally offer a catch-up session on the alternative day. Missed sessions are not refundable.

Is there insurance? Is it safe?

Yes. Annual WAKO liability insurance is included with your monthly subscription. Our coaches are DBS checked and hold current safeguarding certification. Classes have first aid provision on site.

What is Capoeira, exactly?

Capoeira is a Brazilian art form with deep Afro-Brazilian roots and centuries of history. It combines martial arts, acrobatics, dance and live music. In practice, two players enter a circle (the roda) and improvise a physical conversation set to live percussion and song. It is playful, physical, cultural, and unlike anything else.

I have an old injury. Can I still train?

In most cases, yes. Capoeira is very adaptable and we regularly work with students who have knee, back or shoulder issues. Please let us know at registration so we can guide your training safely. If in doubt, check with your GP first.

How do I get started?

Head to our beginners page to see the Buy 1 month get 1 month free offer, or email info@capoeiraclubessex.co.uk with any questions. We will get back to you within 24 hours.

Capoeira for Adults
in Walthamstow

Capoeira in East London
for every adult

Find the option that fits your life

Medio

Gunga

Drop-in Sessions

Private Coaching

Buy 1 month of Capoeira,
get 1 month free