Our Founders
Mestra Pavão and Mestre Chegado
Mestra Pavão and Mestre Chegado are master Capoeira teachers and co-founders of CounterBalance, a community-based initiative dedicated to movement, wellness, and cultural empowerment. Students of Mestre Boneco, founder of Capoeira Brasil, they bring over 30 years of experience blending Afro-Brazilian tradition with innovative approaches to fitness, performance, and education. Through teaching, mentorship, and artistic expression, they use Capoeira as a creative force for building confidence, resilience, and cultural connection—continuing to inspire new generations with accessible and inclusive movement.
Staff & Instructors
Coach Taylor/Graduada Sem Parar
A lifelong athlete, Coach Taylor (Sem Parar) holds a Master's in Nutrition Education from American University and is a 7x-certified NASM Personal Trainer. She's passionate about helping people feel capable and confident in their own skin. Taylor co-leads the TACFIT program, teaches the All-Ages Fundamentals Capoeira class, and provides personalized training. She combines science-backed strength training and nutrition coaching to simplify health goals and create lasting habits so you can look, perform, and feel your best.
Professor Quebrado/Coach Q
Professor Quebrado (Coach Q) got his start as a movement practitioner on the streets of Lebanon as a hip-hop artist and break-dancer. He started practicing Capoeira almost 20 years ago and began taking on personal training clients in 2018. He is a TACFIT Field Instructor, and is certified in Flowfit, Clubbells, VKNJA Steel Mace, and SafeSport. Quebrado is also trained in Fascia Stretch techniques to help his clients get even more from their training.
Instrutor Massaranduba
Batu (Instrutor Massaranduba) is a medical doctor, capoeira athlete, and movement coach. With over 12 years of experience in both medicine and capoeira—and a lifetime of acrobatics and strength practice—he brings a unique approach to training. His teaching blends injury prevention with performance, helping people build bodies that are strong, mobile, and resilient. Whether it’s handstands, flow, or functional strength, Batu’s passion is guiding students to move better and feel more confident in their own skin.
Coach Liz
Elizabeth Switzer is a fitness coach and former NCAA Division 1 gymnast from Long Island University. With her background as a Level 10 gymnast and six years of coaching experience, she specializes in helping clients of all levels build strength, develop proper form, and achieve their fitness goals. Drawing on her unique expertise in a sport that demands discipline and precision, Coach Liz is passionate about helping others unlock their full potential and find joy in movement.