What is Capoeira?

Experience Capoeira, led by Aaron "Coach Cherokee" Ellison, founder of Chattanooga's first Capoeira school, Capoeira Chattanooga. This class will introduce you to the vibrant Afro-Brazilian art form, combining dance, acrobatics, music, and martial movements.

Introduction to Capoeira class includes:

• Warm-up exercises
• Capoeira moves
• Call and response songs
• Percussion playing
• Acrobatics
• Partner and group exchanges
• Discover the joy of Capoeira and become part of our inclusive community.

About the instructor:

Aaron "Coach Cherokee" Ellison was born and raised in Chattanooga, TN. Movement of all sorts has always been a part of his life. His older cousin, Anthony Byrd, taught him how to flip, and he studied breakdancing by watching VHS tapes, practicing moves while trying not to break his mother's furniture.

Coach Cherokee's performance credits include dancing with a Chattanooga hip hop dance group called The Hot Boys, which served as an opening act for Outkast and MJG 8 Ball. He modeled with Chattanooga's Ambiance Model and Talent Agency, where he also taught hip hop classes. During his time at the agency, he was cast in the movie "Remember the Titans" and won a speaking role.

Coach Cherokee eventually moved to New York, where he honed his breakdancing skills at the legendary 14th St Union Square. His capoeira journey began when he moved to Atlanta and trained with Comunidade De Capoeira Atlanta. He continued to travel across the U.S., eventually returning to Chattanooga while continuing his training in Atlanta and Nashville. In Nashville, he was introduced to Mestre Gulliver through fellow capoeirista Zulu. Under Mestre Gulliver's tutelage, Coach Cherokee began teaching capoeira classes in Chattanooga and Cleveland. He also visited Mestre Gulliver in New York to study at capoeira intensives and is currently a student of Mestre Lazaro.

Coach Cherokee and his wife, Monica, desired to make a larger impact in their community and founded Art To Empower, a nonprofit offering free or low-cost classes through Move N Groove Kidz in preschools and Capoeira Chattanooga for ages 6 and up.