Mariano is an excellent teacher and great human being.

Very welcoming and good people. Hidden gem of Goleta.

I had a FANTASTIC time taking the capoeira class here. Ive visited a few capoeira schools while on my bike tour up the Pacific Coast, Mestre Mariano Silvas academy is by far the most welcoming one. Everyone welcomed me with open arms, and everyone seems really joyful! Mestre Mariano came from Bahia, the birthplace of Capoeira. He has a deep sense of mission and responsibility to enliven people with capoeira and its cultural heritage rather than just scratching the surface of its physical aspect. I am impressed and would return to his academy when Im back to Santa Barbara again. Oh and let me not forget to say that they also offer a variety of dance classes. I arrived before the Samba class ended and got the opportunity to watch the last 10 minutes of the class. Many students in the dance class are also capoeiristas. What a great way to bring to life a persons sense of swing and rhythm in their body and heart!