MICHAEL "Aluno Ananha" SMITH, Capoeiro

Michael "Aluno Aranha" Smith, has been involved as a student of various martial arts since early childhood, studying karate, tae kwon do and wrestling. He began learning Capoeira in the summer of 2004 with Serpente Negra Capoeira under Formando Esperto. Having known of the beauty of the art for some time, Aranha jumped right into classes immediately as a dedicated student of the art and of Serpente Negra Capoeira Academy.

After his first year as a dedicated student, Aranha received his yellow cordao in summer of 2005, and his blue in the summer of 2006. In 2007, Aranha entered the Second Annual U.S. Open National Capoeira Tournament and placed third in his division for national champion. In March 2009, he took the gold medal at the Arnold Classic in Columbus, Ohio. His technique is smooth, intelligent, intense, connecting and flowing. It reflects his levels of knowledge and dedication.

Recently, as a lead student of SNC Academy in Cleveland, Ohio, he has been teaching children and adult classes under Contra Mestre Serpente Negra. As for himself, believing in hard work and training, not losing flow and beauty in your game, he does and will continue to spread Capoeira around his community. Aranha has Coquiero (Leslie) assisting him in his Saturday afternoon adult and youth Capoeira classes.