Tania Ripa de Jesus, known as Casca Dura (tough shell) in Capoeira, started Capoeira in January of 2001 with Mestre Paulo Batuta, from Capoeira Mandinga. From the first day of class she knew that she would never stop, and that she had finally found her San Diego family. Capoeiristas, (people who train capoeira) become very close friends who assist each other in achieving not only fitness goals but life goals.

In December of 2007, Casca Dura moved to Brazil, where she began training at Mestre Suassuna's academy. She trained with CM Kibe, CM Saroba and with Mestre Suassuna himself. Casca Dura also taught Capoeira at two different schools while living in Sao Paulo. The opportuniy arrose through her position at the schools as an English teacher. She taught basic English skills to her students during their Capoeira classes.It was at this time that she knew her life would be in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Mestre Suassuna, after observing her training and work with Capoeira, also aware that she planned on living in Brazil, certified her as an Instructor with Cordao De Ouro. Shortly after, she received her blue cord or instructors cord at his 2008 Batizado.

She returned to New york, her birth place, in April of 2009 with her husband in order to celebrate their Wedding with her family. Not able to leave Capoeira behind she began a Capoeira program in New York. In April of 2010, Instrutora Casca Dura, after talking to Mestre Suassuan, invited Instrutor Zumbi, to join her teaching efforts during her pregnancy and eventually take over the group when she returns to Brazil.

To read more about Zumbi:http://www.capoeiracdozumbi.com/