Capoeira Brasil Townsville

What started as a hobby for Matthew over time became his full-time occupation. When he found out there were no Capoeira schools in Townsville, he knew it was meant to be. Starting from humble beginnings on the basketball courts at JCU in 2000, Matthew introduced it to his group of friends, where he found his passion for teaching and performing Capoeira with others. This led him to further build his business by putting classes together with others.

Like most family-run small businesses, they have to wear all the hats. Matthew, his amazing wife Heidi and his children cover everything from cleaning, planning, marketing and all your typical behind the scenes of a business. While it is still a business, they don't see it as one as this is their passion. While Matthew is a business owner, he is also a teacher and a group leader to ensure everyone feels welcomed, safe and supported to make the group stronger as a whole.

Heidi is also a teacher who helps with the toddler and kid Capoeira Brasil classes while also helping out with the behind the scenes administrative and offices duties.

Capoeira Brasil Townsville's biggest challenge was getting what Capoeira was all about. It still isn't today a household name that everyone knows yet. Since no one knew what Capoeira was, there was no market for it. When karate, boxing or self-defence classes open, there is a demand for it. Still, no one knew what Capoeira Brasil was all about.

They overcame this problem by performing hundreds of performances to the public across Townsville to spread awareness about what Capoeira is and the different aspects it brings. This led to others joining the school and becoming students who now perform Capoeira as a group.

What was the toughest problem you had when starting?

While there are no other Capoeira schools in Townsville, you can still relate them to other martial arts. They still have so many different aspects than your typical martial arts academy, from acrobatics, music, dance and the ability for anyone at any fitness level or age to participate.

Capoeira Townsville includes no lock-in contracts where you pay for the term, which allows you to leave if it isn't what you are after. However, that is highly unlikely as once you've begun, you're hooked. The terms are lined up with the school terms, making it easy for children of all ages and adults to participate, have fun, and build a strong connection.