Z GRVTY Martial Arts and Fitness, the home of Bamba Mississauga, is truly incredible. My daughter began her Capoeira journey here shortly after her 4th birthday, and the transformation has been extraordinary. Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art blending acrobatics, dance, music, and culture, has brought so much growth and joy into her life.
Coming from a Portuguese background with family living in Brazil, I deeply value how authentically this academy represents the culture and traditions of Capoeira. It’s a beautiful connection to our heritage that my daughter can experience firsthand.
When my daughter first started, she was very shy and spent her first few classes simply observing. But thanks to the leadership and encouragement of Mike, Emily, and Andrés, she quickly felt welcomed and comfortable. Receiving her uniform—Abadás, which we now call her "superpower"—was a turning point. From that moment, she dove right in, picking up the ginga, a key Capoeira technique, almost instantly. She hasn’t looked back since and has flourished under their guidance.
The classes are a perfect blend of excitement, discipline, and learning. My daughter has developed strength, confidence, respect, and so much more. Beyond martial arts, she’s learning self-defense, acrobatics, music, and even the history and culture of Brazil. The traditional songs and instruments like the berimbau and atabaque bring an authentic cultural experience that is truly enriching.
The team at Z GRVTY is phenomenal—dedicated, hands-on, patient, and wholeheartedly invested in the kids’ growth. Mike, Emily, and Andrés are so passionate about what they do, and it shows in every class. Professor Mike is incredibly skilled, blending his expertise with patience and encouragement to ensure every child reaches their potential. My daughter has developed her own special relationship with each one of them, and their unique teaching styles and encouragement have had a lasting impact on her growth. They’ve created a family-like atmosphere, complete with community events like BBQs, competitions, belt ceremonies, and even opportunities to travel to other academies. Every Tuesday Roda is packed with energy, and the yearly events with guest instructors from around the world are always unforgettable. My daughter looks forward to the Tuesday Roda—this is where everyone comes together, across all age groups, taking turns to play a game in the center with each other. The energy is magical. Even for me, as I watch, I can’t help but be drawn in—clapping, singing, and sometimes even dancing. I love the joy it brings my daughter, as she now shares the same passion I have.
My daughter has grown immensely in the nearly two years she’s been part of this academy. Her friendships, strength, and confidence are a testament to the incredible work of the Z GRVTY team. I’ve recommended this program to many friends, and everyone shares the same glowing sentiment. It’s a place where kids learn not just martial arts but also discipline, social skills, and a deep appreciation for culture.
It’s also been so cute to hear my daughter’s Portuguese pronunciation evolve with a Brazilian accent, which makes it even more special as we connect with our Brazilian heritage.
We couldn’t be more proud to be part of the Z GRVTY family. If you’re looking for a place where your child can grow, thrive, and discover their "superpower," this is it. Thank you, Z GRVTY, for all that you do—you’ve made an incredible difference in my daughter’s life and mine, and we are forever grateful.