Teachers

Contra Mestre Pato

Mason Rapacz (Contra Mestre Pato) started capoeira in Flagstaff, AZ in 2003. He was hooked after his first class and started what would become a lifelong adventure. In 2007 he went to Brazil and trained for two months, traveling all over the country and learning portuguese in the process. When he returned to the U.S. he moved to Pullman, WA where there was no capoeira, so with the permission of Mestre Doutor, he started teaching classes. This culminated with a Batizado (graduation ceremony) for the students of the group in 2011. In 2012 he moved to California where he once again began teaching classes. Contra Mestre Pato currently resides in Chico, CA, and he obtained the rank of Contra Mestre, the second highest rank in capoeira in 2022.

Estagiario Equilibrio

Andre Valentino Williams (Estagiario Equilibrio) started capoeira with Contra Mestre Pato in 2016. A movement arts specialist, Andre practiced circus arts, aerial yoga, and different iterations of dance, until finally choosing capoeira as his art of choice. He earned the name Equilibrio due to his incredible body control and balance and beautiful movements. He has been helping Pato lead the group for the past few years and has been instrumental in the growth of the group. In his off time he is working to become an acupuncturist.