Freddy Antonio Correa, known in the arts world as Furacão, is the Executive and Artistic Director of the ACNYC organization. The two-time “Best Foreign” competitor in the World Games of Capoeira (ABADA-Capoeira, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 1999 &2001) has become known for his incredible journey in Brazil as a nineteen-year-old in search of fulfilling his dream, a skilled artist and his enduring passion to work with the youth in underserved communities in New York City.
Born and raised in the Washington Heights section of New York City and descendent of a Dominican family, Furacão began practicing the art of Capoeira in 1995. He took his first steps into the world of Capoeira under the tutelage of Mestranda Edna Lima during his first semester at Hunter College. He then went to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1995 for the 1st International ABADÁ-Capoeira conference. It was then that his passion for the art and the country grew deeper. This trip, intended to last three weeks, lasted three years.

During this time, Furacão trained vigorously and learned the Portuguese language.  He became the first foreigner to receive a graduate (blue) cord from Mestre Camisa, President & Founder of ABADÁ-Capoeira, at the First World Games in August of 1997.

Furacão’s main objective upon returning from Brazil was to teach Capoeira in Washington Heights but commencing classes in a relatively unknown art form proved to be very difficult. After unsuccessfully attempting to teach at various locations throughout his community, Furacão then had to begin doing shows and performances. At the end of a performance at Martin Luther King Jr. H.S., Professor Bom Jesus, one of his teachers and mentors in Capoeira, helped Furacão get his first job as a Capoeira instructor at the school.  It was Furacão’s experience with his students at Martin Luther King Jr. H.S. that helped him to realize that capoeira was indeed what he wanted to do with his life.  The magic he found in helping students learn the art he loved, and seeing this piece of his life reflect in theirs was enough to convince Furacão that Capoeira was his calling.

Since that time Furacão has performed and/or taught for many schools, community organizations and the media, including Columbia, Yale, Baruch, the Bronx Museum of Arts, GQ Men of the Year Awards, among others. He was recognized as New Yorker of the Week by television station NY1, where he was praised for his outstanding work with the youth in his community, Washington Heights.


In August of 1999 Furacão went back to Rio de Janeiro to participate in the second ABADÁ-Capoeira World Games. One of four Americans competing, he won the title of Best Foreign Competitor, which helped the USA team win 2nd Place in the Best Team by Country category. In November 2000, Furacão participated in the First USA Games, held in San Francisco, California where he received the 2nd Place medal in the category of Best Competitor. Many of his students, sponsored by Children’s Aid Society, were able to travel to the event and see their teacher and classmates compete. In 2001 Furacão won 1st Place in the New York Goodwill Games. Once again, in the summer of 2001, He represented the USA team in the Third ABADÁ-Capoeira World Games and won the title of best foreign competitor for the 2nd time. Furacão’s most current accomplishment was receiving the rank of Instrutor from his master, Mestre Camisa at the 5th World Congress in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This is the highest rank to date given to a foreigner by Mestre Camisa.


In November 2003 at the USA Open Capoeira Games in San Francisco, Furacão’s most advanced student, Milho, won 1st Place in the amateur category. He then went on to place 4th out of 16 in the graduates (blue cord) category, while still being an orange/blue cord. One of Furacão’s first students at Martin Luther King jr. H. S., Graduado Milho now teaches Capoeira in New York City.


While reflecting on his own career and experiences with Capoeira Furacão had this to say “I feel very lucky to have been able to participate in various events around the world; more than a dozen countries, including Africa, which was a dream come true for me. My biggest competition is myself. I always strive to improve my qualities, not only as a Capoeira practitioner but also as a person in general. I am aware that I’m a role model for many people and only hope that I can successfully fulfill that position. To conclude I would like to leave all who have taken the time to read this material to believe in yourself and in your goals, whether it is Capoeira, school or your career. Be determined and focus on your objectives and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Aim high and follow your dreams.”