Today we’d like to introduce you to Roberto Tapia.
Roberto, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started Capoeira in 1995 in Santiago de Chile after travel to Salvador Bahia, Brazil, I got so facinated with this Afro Brazilian Martial mixed with dance, acrobatics and music that I started practice at my own but then I meet Mestre Railson from Bahia Brazil in 1996 when he went to Chile. In 2005. I moved to USA following a love which is even today my wife, In April 2008 I opened my own Capoeira studio Roda Movements in Takoma Park, Maryland, dedicating myself full-time to nurturing the studio as a place in which the community can learn and enjoy different styles of martial arts, fitness, and dances.
Also I’ve been responsible for organize over 19 Capoeira events (Batizados) in the DC Area, bringing professors and mestres from another states and countries.
I become American citizen in 2016. I achieved the title of “Professor” in Arraial D’Ajuda in Bahia, Brazil in 2013. In 2017 Roberto was part of “Sminthsonian Folk Festival” teaching several workshops in commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Institution. In Nov of 2021 I got the cord of “Contramestre”
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
* Misunderstanding Capoeira, Many Americans still see Capoeira only as a dance or tricking style, not fully grasping its Afro-Brazilian roots, history of resistance, or its spiritual and communal aspects. Also the Language Barrier: Portuguese is integral to Capoeira. If you or your students don’t speak it, this can disconnect you from songs, history, and deeper understanding.\
* Lack of Awareness, Unlike MMA, BJJ, or even dance forms like hip-hop, Capoeira is niche. Building a student base takes time and heavy outreach.
* Inconsistent Attendance, Many try Capoeira out of curiosity, but few commit long-term due to its complexity or slow learning curve.
We’ve been impressed with Roda Movements , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Roda Movements is a martial arts, fitness and dance studio with a variety of programs and classes for kids and adults that embrace cultural movement and expression. The studio opened in 2008 with a focus on martial arts and dance from Brazil and Latin America but soon expanded to include all forms of movement from all over the world.
Roda’s goal is to create a community that promotes fitness, dance and health for all its members.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Expandig through the whole DMV with several locations
Pricing:
- Drop in $25
- 10 Classes $200
- Membership $100 per month
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rodamovements.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capoeirainmaryland/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rodamovements
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberto-andres-tapia-cerda/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapoeiraDMV
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/yHgDmptxpVDnOCEHPw
- Other: https://capoeiramaryland.com/
