Paula Verdino, aka Instrutora Pimentinha was born in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. She began training as a capoeirista under professor Sabia, the world-renowned capoeira teacher and practitioner of the GINGA MUNDO capoeira group.

Paula Verdino fell in love with the martial art and dedicated herself to capoeira, full time. She achieved the rank of "Graduada," allowing her to teach, and participated in many projects in Brazil working with underprivileged children and adults while teaching capoeira in public and private schools.

Paula Verdino won "Best Female Overall" at the World Capoeira Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and competing again one year later won "Best In Rank" among all male and female competitors.

After being brought to a capoeira event in New York as a special guest, Paula was quickly offered the opportunity to open her own classes in the city. Today Paula teaches regularly in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Long Island, and also travels widely, leading workshops and capoeira events across the US, as well as in France, Sweden, Portugal, and elsewhere

Download Pimentinha's resume in PDF here