Cordão de Ouro (CDO) Atlanta is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide lifelong learning and empowerment for the development of a more equal, just and healthy community. Under the leadership of Contra Mestre Muriel Souza Ribeiro, CDO Atlanta advances this mission through quality instruction in the art of capoeira. Capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art/dance, was originated by African slaves brought to Brazil during the Colonial period. These Africans created capoeira which served as a form of cultural expression in opposition to the institution of slavery. Capoeira consists of an improvised dialogue of the body, which is underpinned by philosophical, physical, musical and cultural elements. 

The practice of capoeira as it is taught by CDO Atlanta enables physical, mental, and social empowerment by providing a unique learning environment where people from all ages and places come together to be creative and challenge themselves. Capoeira teaches the principles of respect, responsibility, security, cleverness and liberty. These principles are embodied in the practices of movement, balance, rhythm, and dance as well as lessons on culture, history, language and music. 

More than producing great capoeiristas, CDO Atlanta believes that capoeira is about making friends and stimulating personal development. Our philosophy is to care about the well-being of others resulting in close friendships and a strong and healthy community.

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Contra Mestre Muriel leads CDO Atlanta by providing his unique experience in capoeira. There is no other capoeira master in the state of Georgia with his 16 years of experience. Contra Mestre Muriel, a native of São Paulo, Brazil, has been teaching children and adults locally since starting CDO Atlanta in 2006. He travels the United States to participate in various workshops and international encounters, continuously learning and teaching about this diverse art.

Born in Minais Gerais, Brazil in 1974, Contra Mastre Muriel Souza Ribeiro began his study of capoeira at the age of 18. As with many capoeira beginners Contra Mestre Muriel felt that he was not sufficiently coordinated or flexible in his first class. However, in his second class he noticed some small progress as his body began to understand the ways in which it was meant to move. In addition to these gradual increases in physical strength, little by little, Mestre Muriel gained the knowledge and experiences necessary to play capoeira.

After training in capoeira for one year, Contra Mestre Muriel joined the academy at Cordão de Ouro in São Paulo where Professor Tourinho and the founder of Cordão de Ouro Mestre Suassuna were important guides for his development. In addition to learning the game of capoeira, Contra Mestre Muriel is also proficient in the berimbau, the fundamental instrument of capoeira and a skillful practitioner of the miudinho game developed by Mestre Suassuna. In 2004 Contra Mestre Muriel graduated and received his cord and formal title as a Contra Mestre of Cordão de Ouro.

After teaching and travelling extensively across the United States, Mestre Muriel decided to open his own academy settling in Atlanta in 2006. Under the leadership of Contra Mestre Muriel, Cordão de Ouro Atlanta serves as a fertile training ground for the many lessons taught by capoeira. These lessons include physical training as well as mental and spiritual preparation to confront the challenges faced by each of us in day to day life. American students receive a cross-cultural experience as they learn the Portuguese language, the physical movements, musical instruments and philosophy of capoeira. Contra Mestre Muriel’s philosophy is that capoeira is ultimately an instrument to make friends and to have a happy life.

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Name or apelido (nickname): Sule also known as Pernelogo

Cordão: Azule/Amarelo (blue/yellow) 

Began capoeira in: 2004

In 1995 in Charlotte, NC I was unofficially introduced to Capoeira Angola by taking a class in what I now know was Capoeira Angola at my neighborhood racquet ball court with some guys from NYC.  Since there wasn't a lot of information on-line about Capoeira I kept doing the exercises I learned that day that made it hard for me to walk! (which was cool!) and continued training and teaching other martial art forms.   Then in January 2004 I was officially introduced to Capoeira again (as well as a guy named 'Muriel') after accepting an invite from my cousin Malandro to attend a Capoeirando 2004 event in São Paulo, Brasil.  After the event I joined my cousin's group, Capoeira Mandinga and earned my green cordão in August 2004 from Mestre Marcelo ‘Caveirinha’ at my first Batizado in California where now Contra Mestre Muriel was a guest.  After the batizado I stayed in contact with Contra Mestre Muriel and we organized 3 workshops in Atlanta for him between September 2004 and August 2005. After that Contra Mestre Muriel accepted me as his student and I became a member of Cordão de Ouro.  After my second trip to Brasil for Grand Mestre Suassuna's GTI event in January 2006 with Contra-Mestre Muriel and many other talented Mestres and students of Cordão de Ouro, Contra Mestre Muriel relocated to Atlanta in April 2006 and officially started Cordão de Ouro Atlanta....the rest is history and I’m hooked for life!!!

Name or apelido (nickname): Duda 
Cordão: Amarelo (Yellow)
Began capoeira in: 1999

Capoeira is my people's history, roots and culture. It is a place where we should respect the differences of others. For me capoeira is more than a hobby, it is where my soul feels free.

Name or apelido (nickname): Empadinha 
Cordão: Amarelo  (Yellow)
Began capoeira in: 2006

In capoeira you learn to be humble and confident at the same time. We were doing a Maculele performance once and I had a "waldrobe malfunction." My skirt came off so I had to finish the performance with a torn grass skirt partially tucked in my underarmour shorts (Itchy!!) After the performance I was kinda down but a capoeira mestre came and told me I did a great job. It really helps to know that you can mess up sometimes and there will be someone there to encourage you.

Name or apelido (nickname): Clayton 
Cordão: None yet

Began capoeira in: 2008

I trained in Wing chun, Muai Thai, FMA (Kali, Arnis, Eskrima), and Jun Fan Gung Fu / Jeet Kune Do for a year and a half before being introduced to capoeira. I was always impressed by the way my friend who played capoeira moved and when he told me it was thanks to capoeira I had to try it. I've been hooked ever since. Capoeira means breaking free, letting go of both the structure of traditional martial arts and traditional movement. Not only has capoeira put me in the best shape of my life but its helped expand the way I look at every kind of movement.

Name or apelido (nickname): Jennifer "Maçaranduba" 

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