Instrutor Girafa has been training with Gingarte Capoeira since 1998. Teaching since 2002, he is now instructing Gingarte classes primarily at the University of Chicago. He is also teaching capoeira through after-school programs at the University of Chicago Lab Schools and Ashburn Lutheran School. Girafa has implemented and led programs for Children’s Home + Aid and After School Matters, which are two organizations offering enrichment programs for inner-city youth. He has played pivotal roles as the group’s emcee, sound man, and stage manager as well. Girafa received his ‘instrutor’ cord in 2010.