Our Teachers

Professor Tazmania (Jimi McAvoy)

Jimi has been practising and teaching martial arts for over 30 years and has been playing Capoeira for over 15 years.

At the Batizado to celebrate the "20th Year of Taz", Jimi was awarded the Purple Cord (2nd Level Professor) as recognition of his hard work and dedication to Capoeira over the past 20 years. This was a great moment, not only for Jimi, but for all of his students present.

If you wish to contact Jimi regarding any aspect of the classes or capoeira in general please use the contact details below.

Telephone: 0191 586 0691

Email: jimi@groupsenzala.co.uk

Instructor Caranguejo (Peter Grufferty)

Playing Capoeira since 1994

Peter started training Muay Thai in 1991, and trained for 5 years under the instruction of Jimi McAvoy. In 1994 both Jimi and Peter attended a Capoeira workshop in Hexam, Northumberland, which was organised by Karate Sensai Harry Cook and taught by Mestre Gato from Grupo Senzala.

Since that initial class he has practised Capoeira and worked with (now) Professor Tasmania (Jimi) to learn and teach Capoeira.

Peter has helped support Jimi\'s teaching and to help the group grow, and plays a very important role in the organising and fundraising for the Batizado events.

In recognition of his hard work and dedication, Caranguejo was presented with the Blue Cord (Instructor) of the Senzala group at the 10th Anniversary Batizado in 2004.

Email: peter@groupsenzala.co.uk