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Viva Brazil foundation

Our Mission:

"At Viva Brazil a 501(c)(3), our mission is to empower youth from underserved communities through the dynamic and enriching art of Capoeira. We are dedicated to fostering resilience, confidence, and community connection in children by providing them with a transformative platform for physical, emotional, and cultural growth. Through the practice of Capoeira, we aim to instill discipline, self-esteem, and leadership skills that resonate beyond the classroom, contributing to their holistic well-being and equipping them with tools for lifelong success. Our commitment lies in creating a nurturing environment where young individuals can flourish, embracing their cultural heritage and building a foundation for a more positive and interconnected future."

Feature 1

A non-profit championing youth empowerment through Capoeira—a blend of dance, music, and martial arts. We have been working with youth since the year of 2000 and we are passionate about giving children the needed tools to succeed in life through Capoeira. Capoeira offers an incredible amount of tools for children to gain confidence, self steem, discipline while having fun.

Program Overview: Our capoeira program is designed to provide a unique platform for low-income children to cultivate confidence, build meaningful relationships, instill discipline, and foster self-love. By utilizing Capoeira as a cultural and physical outlet, we believe we can make a lasting and positive impact on the lives of the youth in our community.

Target Audience: We primarily target low-income children who face unique challenges in accessing quality extracurricular activities. Our program aims to provide them with a creative and empowering avenue for personal and cultural growth.

Program Objectives: Our program seeks to achieve the following objectives:

  • Cultivate confidence and self-esteem through Capoeira's expressive and dynamic movements.

  • Build meaningful relationships and a sense of community through collaborative and interactive sessions.

  • Instill discipline and focus through the practice of Capoeira's martial arts elements.

  • Foster self-love and cultural appreciation by immersing participants in the rich history and traditions of Capoeira.

  • Gain leadership skills through 


Testimonials

Having known Daniel Chin since 2008 and witnessing his mastery as a Capoeira teacher has been an incredible journey. Daniel's passion for Capoeira is palpable, and his dedication to his students is unwavering. I've had the privilege of observing him teach both young children and adults at his studios, Ginga Multicultural Arts Center and Brazil Arts Cafe, where his ability to motivate and challenge his students is truly inspiring.

During his time at Santa Barbara Dance Institute (SBDI), Daniel brought his expertise in Capoeira to the forefront, not only instructing students but also crafting beautiful performances for our annual events. His commitment to his craft shines through in every aspect of his work.

After years of observing his teaching, I became one of his students myself, and for over five years, I've had the honor of studying under his guidance. Daniel's teaching style fosters a sense of community, growth, and excellence, making every student strive to do their best. I wholeheartedly recommend Daniel Chin to anyone seeking to learn Capoeira.

Rosalina Macisco - SBDI

Community Impact: We anticipate a positive and transformative impact on the community, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment among the participating children. Our past experiences have shown that Capoeira not only improves physical fitness but also contributes to emotional well-being and social cohesion.

Sustainability: We are dedicated to the long-term sustainability of our program. Beyond the grant period, we have established partnerships with local organizations and community members to ensure ongoing support and engagement.

Budget Overview: A high-level overview of our budget includes expenses for certified Capoeira instructors, equipment, venue costs, and materials. This budget has been carefully crafted to align with the allowable expenses outlined in the grant guidelines.

Conclusion: Thank you for considering Viva Brazil for this grant. We are eager to discuss our proposal further and provide any additional information you may require. We believe that our capoeira program has the potential to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of the children we serve.


 

Our Founder

Mestrando Chin is a Brazilian native capoeirista and educator, who has dedicated his life to spreading the art and culture of capoeira throughout the world. Born and raised in Brazil, Mestrando Chin grew up surrounded by the rich rhythms and movements of capoeira. He began his training at the age of 18, learning from some of the most renowned mestres and teachers in the country.

He moved to US in the year of 2000 and became deeply involved in the capoeira US community, and eventually decided to make it his life's work.

Today, Mestrando Chin is a highly respected capoeirista and educator, known for his technical skill, his musicality, and his deep understanding of the history and culture of capoeira. He has taught workshops and classes all over the world, from Brazil to the United States to Canada and beyond, and has helped to train countless capoeiristas of all levels.

Chin's dedication to the community of Santa Barbara is outstanding for over 20 years he has created programs geared to support 'at risk' kids, low-income families, and has volunteered countless hours for local charities and various non-profit groups. Chin's love of Capoeira can be seen in all that he does. His classes are playful, physically challenging and dynamic, while maintaining the rich traditions of Capoeira.

 
 
 

Daniel was absolutely fantastic! The Capoeira class was incredibly enriching for our students, teaching them valuable skills like rhythm, balance, movement, self-control, and self-expression. The class was so enjoyable that we decided to include it in our Winter Sing Event.

Taundra Pitchford

Executive Director

Cathedral Oaks Children's Center

We were looking for a way to bring in more music, movement, and an interesting curriculum to our kids at Garden Preschool when Daniel reached out to us!  He offered a free trial class to see how the students responded and whether or not we'd like to have him come more often.  After that first class, the feedback from the kids, the teachers, and even second hand stories from the parents was enthusiastic and positive.  He was an immediate hit.  We knew this class was something we wanted to incorporate into our program, and we hired him to come every week starting the following week.  If you're looking for a fun, new way to engage your kids and learn about another culture, Daniel Yoshimi's Capoeira is for you!

-Devon, Director Garden Preschool

Devon Robles M. Ed.