Complete name: Pedro Augusto Marana Zogaib           Capoeira nick name: Pedrinho
Birth: 12/18/1976, Sao Paulo, S.P.
Citizenship: Brazilian
B.A.: Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas, Campinas, S.P., Brazil
M.A.: Physical Education, with emphasis on Psycho-Motor control, University of Northern Iowa, IA, U.S.A. (candidate)

Pedro has been playing Capoeira with the world renowned Cordão de Ouro Capoeira Group since May 1995, and started teaching in 2000 helping his Master, Mestre Cícero, take care of his academy in Campinas, Brazil. Mestre Suassuna, his Grand Master and Capoeira godfather, is the founder of the Grupo Cordao de Ouro, one of the most famous Capoeira organizations in the world.

 As Capoeira Instructor in the Cedar Valley area Instructor Pedrinho has conducted hundreds of Capoeira/Brazilian dance shows and presentations on campus, in the Cedar Valley, and across the country since he arrived in the United States in February 2001. Pedro Zogaib came from Brazil after receiving an invitation to teach as a Short-Term Scholar at the University of Northern Iowa for the second half of the spring semester of 2001. In August he was accepted as a graduate student after receiving a scholarship by Christopher Edgington, the director of the  School of Health, Physical Education and Leisure Sercices. While working on his M.A. in Physical Education with emphasis on psycho-motor behavior, Pedro Zogaib was hired as Adjunct Instructor for the Health, Physical Education and Leisure Services Department. Besides being the Capoeira and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at the HPELS, Mr. Zogaib has served as the accompanist for Modern Dance classes (beginner and intermediate levels) at UNI from the spring semester of 2002 until Fall 2004, and has also worked as accompanist for the UNI Orchesis Dance Company. At the University of Northern Iowa Capoeira is offered as a Life Skills Laboratory for the Personal Wellness class and as an elective class for the Physical Education department. He also teaches at the UNI Capoeira Sport Club,  a student based non-profit organization. Mr. Zogaib has taught Capoeira classes for the community at YWCA Black Hawk County and ECHOES after school program.

Instructor Pedro is a skilled musician. Mr. Zogaib plays Brazilian percussion instruments, with emphasis on Berimbau, Pandeiro and Atabaque, as well as electric and acoustic guitar.For the two consecutive years Pedro was honored with the invitation to play his music and teach Capoeira for the American College Dance Festival Association. In 2004 Pedro first appeared in a 1 hour TV show for the Cedar Falls Channel 15, Here & There, where together with his wife Francesca he presented their art and explained to the community the intricacies of the Brazilian game. In 2005 he appeared again on TV to present Capoeira and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to the TV show called Get Fit Cedar Falls. On that same year he was featured on the Get Fit Cedar Falls TV show. In 2006 he was featured on the TV Show Jorney with Jeanine.

As an Instructor, his philosophy is based on the premise that physical activities, sports, dance, and music can affect one’s mind and body in a positive manner. IBeing well established that through participating in physical activity people are able to lower their anxiety levels, change mood states, improve self-esteem, self-concept, as well as prevent obesity, heart problems, and many other health related problems, through teaching Capoeira Pedro wants to mark people’s life positively.  Mr. Zogaib believes that as students learn how to use their body in a wide variety of ways and improve their awareness of themselves they become mentally and physically stronger and much more self-confident. The game of Capoeira is well known in Brazil for its power to develop, maintain and strengthen social skills. One will learn how to be in front of other players without having negative feelings. There is understanding and respect for your uniqueness in the world of Capoeira. Pedro’s classes are taught for individuals with different abilities. Capoeira, as taught by his Master, Mestre Cicero, should stress freedom, creativity, education, and inclusion. In Capoeira there’s the belief is that the musical instruments, singing, and clapping contribute to create a friendly and energized environment where the attention is concentrated on challenging the Capoeira players through body language. Seeing music as a builder of energy, he strongly encourages students to sing and play instruments. Capoeira is deeply attached to the history of Brazil, and today is officially considered a Brazilian sport and an important folklore manifestation.  Pedro’s ultimate goal is to expose Capoeira, Brazilian dance, and music as a way to promote cultural exchange to those who are open to new experiences. The class taught at the University of Northern Iowa attracts American and international students as well. In fact, Pedro has taught Capoeira to more than 400 students since 2001, including students from Chile, Russia, Ukraine, France, China, Japan, Cameroon, Oman, Hungary, Mexico, Canada, Argentina, Mozambique, New Zealand, Peru, Venezuela, Slovenia, Vietnam, Austria, and Greece. As a Sport Psychology researcher and student consultant Pedro has developed projects on team cohesion, aggression, mental toughness, and psychological skills training. Pedro has served as a Sport Psychology student consultant for the UNI women’s soccer team and UNI women's tennis team implementing psychological skills training and coaching empowerment programs.