Contramestre Galo Preto began training capoeira in 2003 with Contramestre Pererê, who helped to popularize Capoeira Angola in the Pacific Northwest through his classes and sharing his connection with Grande Mestre Nô and his world renowned academy, Capoeira Angola Palmares. During his visits to the Pacific Northwest, Grande Mestre Nô had a profound influence on Galo’s style and philosophy of Capoeira Angola. Since this time, Galo has continued to train and teach the sequences, music and strategies that evoke the beauty and danger characteristic of Capoeira Angola Palmares. 

Over the years, Galo continued to train hard with his friend and teacher Mestre Mangangá and their peers Mugunje and Urubu. As he grew in knowledge, experience and love in capoeira, Galo began teaching children and adults in Seattle and Tacoma, taking brief pauses to support his growing family. In 2018, Galo quit his social work job of 10 years to dedicate to capoeira full-time, leading the Tacoma Capoeira Center. In 2021, Galo and Mestre Mangangá left Capoeira Angola Palmares to create the group Capoeira Angola Mugunje, in honor of their friend who passed away in 2015.

Throughout Galo’s progression through the levels of Monitor (2012), Instructor (2016), Professor (2018) and Contramestre (2023), he has expressed consistent dedication to his family, his teachers, his students and his art. 2024 marks the inauguration of his very own group, Capoeira Angola Filhos de Palmares. We are so excited to welcome you and support you in your personal journey with capoeira and beyond!

Testimonials:
“Galo’s love for capoeira and our community shines through everything he does. His classes are challenging and joyful, and exemplify a soulful integration of Capoeira na roda, Capoeira na vida (Capoeira in the circle, Capoeira in life).”  –Instrutora Felicidade

Galo has a playful and welcoming energy that he brings to every class. His passion for the art is underscored by the enthusiasm with which he teaches his students. I love training under him and really enjoy the community I’ve developed in this group!

-Camisa Vermelha