Our Vision

Axé de Ouro, which translates to “Golden Energy,” is all about sharing the magic of Capoeira and Afro-Brazilian arts with the world in 2025! This project is a fusion of Capoeira’s powerful, expressive movements with the deep, soulful sounds of Afro-Brazilian music, creating immersive, transformative experiences that bring Brazilian culture to audiences everywhere.

Who we are
Arturo Urena Hamelitz, or Mestre Sucuri, started his Capoeira journey at 17 and has since dedicated himself to promoting this Afro-Brazilian art. In 1999, he moved to Tokyo, becoming a prominent Capoeira teacher and artist, captivating audiences across Asia. Known for his role as an ambassador of Capoeira around the world, he shares his expertise across Europe, the U.S., and Asia each year. Mestre Sucuri has an M.A. in International Relations from Waseda University, where he specialized in “Globalization of Afro-Brazilian Popular Culture in Japan.” He also pursued Latin American Studies at San Diego State University, focusing on Afro-Brazilian Cultural Arts.
A published author, his books, The Path of Capoeira (2014) and Capoeira Fire (2022), explore the philosophy and journey of a Capoeira master. Among the first non-Brazilians to produce original Capoeira music, he has released seven album projects like the Capoeira Zoador series and Mestre Vibes V.1 & V.2, Latin Jazz albums created with Tokyo-based musicians. His music can be found on major streaming platforms, celebrating his artistic vision.
 https://open.spotify.com/artist/0YFErYMJeqGAhC1e3vrnDB?si=z15-J04KQIysUt5lJWDkxQ. In 2003, he founded Capoeira Zoador Academy, Tokyo’s top international Capoeira school. His dedication is seen through each student, and the academy now has instructors in the U.S., South Korea, Japan, and Thailand, ever-expanding Capoeira Zoador’s reach across the globe.

Marcus Dilopes, A Life in Rhythm and Brazilian Soul!
 Marcus Dilopes is a seasoned musician, composer, and singer who has centered his career on Brazilian Popular Music (MPB). A skilled guitarist, bassist, and percussionist, he’s celebrated for his batucada rhythms and his role as a cultural ambassador in Japan. Since his debut in 1992 with the Brasil Samba Show, Marcus has shared Brazilian music with Japanese audiences, performing alongside artists like Sadao Watanabe and Paula Lima. His signature events, including Bossa Nova Aoyama, Yoyogi Brazilian Day Festival, and Asakusa Carnival, have become staples in Japan’s cultural landscape.
 Marcus also founded and organized Pagode do Ramos for over 25 years. In 2018, his self-titled EP was released by Universal Music Japan, solidifying his legacy in Japan’s music scene. https://open.spotify.com/artist/0S3WLgzlIKUtKADVQDmwKf?si=K00lO48yS0GazrSgH3KV-A. With more than three decades of dedication, Marcus bridges cultures, mesmerizing audiences with his commitment to Brazilian music and arts.

Our Plan
Together, we aim to create dynamic workshops, live performances, and cultural experiences that celebrate Afro-Brazilian traditions. Capoeira, music, and Afro-Brazilian culture will be accessible to all, inviting people of every age and background to explore and appreciate these incredible cultural arts.

Our Goals
Inspiration & Connection
To bring Capoeira and Brazilian traditions to diverse audiences, building cultural understanding and shared humanity.
To inspire participants to embrace movement, rhythm, and cultural appreciation through Capoeira and Afro-Brazilian arts.

Artistic Growth & Global Engagement
To push our artistic boundaries by combining Capoeira with Brazilian music in new, exciting ways.
To engage communities across Asia, the U.S., and Europe through workshops and performances, immersing them in the beauty of Afro-Brazilian culture.
 

Sustainability & Reach
To create a lasting impact by building meaningful connections worldwide and encouraging an exchange of Afro-Brazilian cultural knowledge that will continue to grow.
Project Scope
Axé de Ouro will unfold in multiple phases across Asia, the U.S., and Europe, featuring:

Workshops and Performances

We’re planning workshops and performances in major cities, where we’ll showcase the traditions of Capoeira and Brazilian music. Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store:
Sample Program: A 90-minute workshop exploring the physical connection between Capoeira and Samba de Roda and how they express cultural movement.
A 90-minute workshop on the spiritual and aesthetic aspects of Afro-Brazilian dance and how it relates to the concept of Axé (spiritual energy).
A live nighttime music event featuring performances by workshop participants and led by Marcus Dilopes. The music will encourage participants to reflect, connect, and gain a deeper appreciation for Afro-Brazilian arts and culture.
Collaborative Artistic Development

Marcus Dilopes and I will co-create new music and Capoeira compositions that reflect Afro-Brazilian culture’s resilience, joy, and unity, core themes that we hope to share with all participants.
Post Project Goals
 

Cultural Impact
Building Cultural Awareness: Participants will gain a deeper appreciation for Afro-Brazilian culture, fostering inclusivity and breaking down stereotypes.
Strengthening Community Bonds: Capoeira’s social element encourages unity and creates a welcoming, inclusive space.
 

Promoting Personal Growth: Through Capoeira, participants will find new means of self-expression, boosting confidence and well-being.
Supporting Health: The physicality of Capoeira combines exercise and mindfulness, benefiting overall wellness.
 

Inspiring Lasting Interest: Our immersive approach is designed to spark a lifelong engagement with Brazilian arts and encourage local advocacy.
 

Artistic Innovation: 
Our goal is to highlight Afro-Brazilian traditions by merging music and movement in new ways. By fusing Capoeira with live Brazilian music, we aim to create a unique experience that resonates with audiences and invites them to feel the vibrant energy of Afro-Brazilian culture.
 

Community Engagement
: We’ll continue connecting with communities we visit through online resources and cultural exchange, allowing participants to keep exploring Afro-Brazilian traditions beyond the events.

2025 Timeline
Early 2025: Workshops at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance School in Denver, CO, with confirmed promotional support. Mestre Sucuri at Cleo Parker Robinson https://youtu.be/cYkiVZ_5NPg.
Mid-2025: Collaborations with Brooklyn Music Conservatory in Brooklyn, NY (https://bkcm.org/) and performances across Europe, including Munich.
Late 2025: Workshops and performances in Asia, including Tokyo, Bangkok, and Seoul.

Conclusion
: Axé de Ouro is a call to all who feel the energy of Afro-Brazilian arts. Whether you’ve experienced the rhythms of Capoeira or are simply curious, your support will help make this project a reality. Together, let’s bring the golden energy of Brazil to the world, bridging cultures and inspiring connection through the universal languages of art and movement.
Measures of Success
: We aim to welcome as many participants to each event and to expand the international network of artists between Tokyo and communities worldwide, focusing on cultural education, particularly for young people in Japan.