John Peña began practicing the art of Capoeira at the age of 16 while attending Martin Luther King Jr., High School, as a participant in an after-school class taught by Instrutor Furacão, and since his beginnings, has been an outstanding Capoeirista. 

Milho practiced and enthusiastically followed his teacher to as many classes as he could. When possible Milho would participate in as many as three classes a day, each class lasting over an hour! Milho’s dedication to Capoeira paid off; his skills as a student and leader flourished rapidly and on January 29th 2000, Milho officially became part of the ABADA-Capoeira chapter of New York City.

In November 2000, The Children’s Aid Society sponsored Milho and other students to travel and take part at the 1st U.S. Capoeira Games in San Francisco, California.  The invitation to this event inspired Milho to train harder for future competitions. In June of 2001 Milho competed in the 1st Goodwill Capoeira Games in New York City where he won Best in Rank (Yellow Cord) and 2nd Place in the amateur category.

In November 2002, Milho was a contender in the 1st International Capoeira Games in San Francisco, California. This event earned him several titles; best in his rank (Orange/Blue) and 1st place in the Amateur competition. Mestranda Marcia “Cigarra” impressed with the superb performance of the amateur competitors decided to put the best four amateurs in the advanced Graduate category. Milho placed 4th and won Best Benguela game with Instrutor Diguinho from Rio de Janeiro Brazil. Milho immediately qualified as an official competitor for the IV World Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 2003.

In June 2003, Milho received the rank of Graduado.  The new rank entitled him to take on more responsibilities within the ABADA Capoeira organization.  During the same year, Milho traveled to Brazil as part of the U.S. Team to compete in the IV World Games of Capoeira. Although this was his second time traveling to Brazil with his classmates, this trip was special; not only was he competing for the fist time in the much-awaited World Games, but he was competing alongside his teacher.

In this competition, where more than 150 capoeiristas from all over the world are selected to represent their national teams, Milho returned victorious; he won Best in his Rank (Blue cord) and 2nd Place Best Foreigner (a title his teacher had previously won in two consecutive competitions). In November of 2004 Milho once again went to San Francisco along with ten of his classmates to represent New York for the 2nd U.S. Capoeira Games where Milho had an outstanding performance, winning in multiple categories: 1st Place Champion, Best Angola Game (with Graduado Fogo, ABADA SF), Best São Bento (with Graduado Fogo, ABADA SF), Best Iuna (with Instrutora Sereia, ABADA SF) and Best of his Rank (Blue/Green).

In February 2003 Milho began teaching after school Capoeira classes to the youth at Martin Luther King H.S, the same high school where he was introduced to the art. He also started to work with different non-profit organizations such as the Children’s Aid Society, The After School Corporation (TASC), Wingspan Arts, and Caribbean Cultural Center.

Milho currently teaches at a number of locations in New York City including Washington Heights and the Bronx. Although he was born in the Dominican Republic he has been living Washington Heights since age three. It has been very exciting for him to work his own neighborhood, which at times lacks resources to expose people (especially youth) within the community to the arts. Milho has participated at various youth oriented events and has made several TV appearances such as NY1, Univisión Network (local and national broadcast), WNJU Telemundo, Oxygen Network, among others. Milho also performs with different Afro-Brazilian dance companies. In addition, Milho is pursuing his Bachelor of Technology in Computer Systems Technology at the New York City College of Technology.