N'Gola Preto Velho SoCal Annual Workshop & Open Roda
About this Event
A full day with a Mestre, close to home.
On Sunday, December 13, 2026, N'gola Preto Velho SoCal welcomes Mestre Themba Mashama, first African-American Capoeira Mestre & founder of the first Capoeira Angola school in the United States, to the Inland Empire for a day of workshops, followed by an open roda for the whole community.
AGENDA
- 10:00 AM: Workshops begin.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch break
- 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM: Open Roda, open to the public
Sessions and times are being finalized. Follow @ngolapretovelho for updates.
MEET MESTRE THEMBA MASHAMA
Mestre Themba Mashama founded N'gola Preto Velho, the first Capoeira Angola school in the United States, and remains its senior teaching authority. A San Francisco native based in the Bay Area, he trained under Mestre Acordeon and Mestre Moraes, in the Pastinha Angola lineage, and is the first American publicly recognized as a master in both Capoeira Regional and Capoeira Angola.
His work reaches well beyond the roda:
- Child and youth mental health therapist, including work with Healthy Black Families in Berkeley
- Commissioner, City of Berkeley Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Product Panel of Experts Commission
- Director and Recreation-Art Therapist, Velho Institute
- Co-founder, Kongo Angola Institute
WHY THIS MATTERS, AND WHY NOW
Mestre Themba Mashama is coming to the Inland Empire for one day, and your support is what makes it possible.
Mestre Themba founded the first Capoeira Angola school in the United States and is the first American publicly recognized as a master in both Capoeira Regional and Capoeira Angola. Learning from a teacher of his standing normally means traveling to the Bay Area or beyond. On December 13, that opportunity is here in San Bernardino, open to beginners and experienced practitioners alike.
This day matters because:
- It brings a living African diasporic tradition, carried by a master of its lineage, directly to Southern California families and neighbors.
- It is open to the whole community. The roda from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM is open to the public.
- Mestre Themba's work extends to youth and family wellbeing as a child and youth mental health therapist, and this gathering reflects that same care for community.
- It supports a local, community-rooted effort, and every ticket and contribution goes toward making the day happen.
How to help:
- Register for the full day ($50).
- Contribute $5, $10, or $25, or any amount you choose.
- Share this page with someone who would want to be there.
BUSINESSES - SPONSOR THE DAY!
Local businesses and organizations are invited to sponsor. Sponsors are promoted, including logos and shoutouts in all media channels. To discuss sponsorship, message us @NgolaPretoVelho.
QUESTIONS
- Message @ngolapretovelho on Instagram.
Please note that by attending, you explicitly acknowledge that participation involves physical activity and that you are responsible for your own physical health and safety. You agree to waive any liability against the organizers (individually or collectively/corporately), and the event venue for injury or loss arising from your participation.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 1068.91
