Contra Mestre Avi

Avi Henn has been devoted to the practice and study of Capoeira Angola for over 20 years, embracing its full expression as a cultural art form—movement, music, history, philosophy, and ritual. He began teaching Capoeira a decade ago when he founded Capoeira Amizade in Flagstaff, Arizona, and in 2024, he was honored with the title of Contra Mestre under the mentorship of Mestre Cabello of Serra Grande, Bahia, Brazil. His teaching is shaped not only by deep roots in Capoeira Angola but also by a diverse background that includes being a certified personal trainer, coaching athletics, martial arts, and teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels at Northern Arizona University. In his classes, Contra Mestre Avi emphasizes healthy body mechanics, movement intelligence, and a deep engagement with the musical and ritual elements of Capoeira Angola. He sees the art as a powerful path to self-awareness, empowerment, and connection, believing it offers modern people a meaningful way to reconnect with essential human needs: movement, rhythm, ritual, and community.

Professor Maome

Professor Maome is a passionate practitioner and teacher of Capoeira Angola. With over a decade of experience in Capoeira training around the world, P. Maome brings a deep respect for tradition and a dynamic teaching style to every roda and class. Maome’s capoeira journey reflects his broader path in movement and self-transformation. He began martial arts as a child in pursuit of better health and self-confidence. That personal journey grew into a lifelong passion for coaching and teaching others. Today, Maome shares the wisdom of Capoeira Angola alongside a strong foundation in modern strength and conditioning. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Northern Arizona University, is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and is Precision Nutrition Level 1 (Pn1) certified. He is an accomplished musician and a passionate Viola Machete player. His coaching experience includes working with clients aged 15 to 80, supporting diverse goals—from building strength and lean muscle, to mastering advanced acrobatics, to staying fit during pregnancy.

Whether inside the roda or the gym, Professor Maome is committed to helping others build strength, confidence, and community through movement.