Marico Pizanelli, Capoeira instructor.
Marcio Pizanelli was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil and came to Miami when he was 18 years old. He’s been doing Capoeira since he was 13 and now he is an instructor at his own gym. Before opening his own gym, he taught in Kendall, Doral and Florida International University, where he taught for 3 years.
So tell us…
How and why did you start doing Capoeira?
I started Capoeira because of a friend of mine, I had no idea what it was but his mom had a gym that had Capoeira and they needed people to fill the class; they asked me to go so I did. I did kung fu at the time, and after I went to that first Capoeira class 14 years ago, I never stopped doing it.
For those who don’t know what it is, how would you describe it?
Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian dance mixed with martial arts.
What made you want to start your own gym an teach?
Well I used to teach at FIU, I had a lot of students, close to 170 and I saw the opportunity to have my own business and have as many classes as i wanted during the day.
Can anybody come to the class?
Absolutely, everybody is welcome to come try the class even if you have no experience. We have students here that have been with me for five years and we also have students that just started two weeks ago. The first class could be a little hard but it’s about practice.
How many days a week is the class? How much does it cost?
Classes are Monday through Friday at 8:00 pm, and it costs $80 per month.
What’s the first thing you should know before coming into a class?
The first thing you should know when you come to the class is that everything is going to hurt the next day. Capoeira builds a lot of strength.
What would you say to people to encourage them to come?
Capoeira is different, a lot of fun, and if you like to dance it’s even more fun because you have to dance and fight at the same time.
And finally, what’s your IN place in Miami?
My favorite place in Miami is definitely South Beach. Specifically 3rd Street because that’s where all the brazilians hang out.
Ripped Fitness Center
5955 NW 102nd Avenue
Doral, Florida 33178
305-418-8855
www.rippedfitnesscenter.com
They also offer Jiu Jitsu and Crossfit. To contact Marcio, send an e-mail to: marciopizanelli@rippedfitnesscenter.com.
Watch the video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeAutuiGGVg
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