Musicians played berimbaus, Brazilian single-string percussion instruments, during a candle-light session at Jogo Novo Studio in Hayward. (Courtesy Chris Montiel) 
Before the Sept. 1 fire, students at Jogo Novo Studio in Hayward practiced a capoeira move called “martelo” or “hammer.” (Courtesy Chris Montiel) 
Capoeira students sparred at a workshop held at Jogo Novo Studio in Hayward. (Courtesy Chris Montiel) 
The community has come together to support Jogo Novo, the Hayward branch of the United Capoeira Association, after its studio burned down on Sept. 1. (Courtesy Chris Montiel) 
This is what the Jogo Novo Studio, which held capoeira, drumming, samba, zumba and Filipino martial arts classes, looked like before the Sept. 1 fire in downtown Hayward. (Courtesy Chris Montiel)
It was the ’90s, and breakdancing reigned supreme. Bay Area native Chris Montiel was 15 and loving it. The new decade was bringing fresh elements to the dance community, incorporating more gymnastic and aerial elements, not all of which Montiel liked. Without knowing it, he was developing a personal dance style not unlike the Brazilian martial art of capoeira.
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