CapoeiraDC was started in early 2002 by eight students, including Contra Mestre Morcego, Professora Borboleta, Professor Sorriso, and Instrutor Gavião. The eight decided they wanted to train capoeira although they no longer had an instructor.                      

The first training site for the group was in Morcego’s restaurant on 9th & U St. The students knew they needed higher level instruction. After serious consideration, they approached Mestre Curisco and asked him to lead them in their development. From that moment, they became members of the Capoeira Malês family.

Mestre Curisco, Mestre Lua Branca, and Capoeira Malês schools train the form of capoeira often called capoeira contemporânea.