Terry Baruti

In 1976 I began studying Kung Fu at the Casacos Martial Arts Academy in Oakland.  Later in 1978 my Kung Fu instructor introduced me to a Brazilian instructor who taught organized Capoeria.  For the next six years I studied Capoeira.  By 1984 I began teaching Capoeira at the SF Western Addition Cultural Center.  I taught groups of children from ages 6 - 12 years.  Eventually by 1988 I formed my own group Adigun Sipho (Righteous Gift)

In 1989 I met Sandor Diabieawzi who was the artistic director for the Congolese National Dance Troop and I began learning Congolese drumming from Grand Master Sandor.  In that same year I met Mestre Morries, the President of GCAP (Federation of Capoeira/Angola).  By 1992 I became a front line drummer in the US group “Les Bantus Sissa Kongo” (Ancestral Heritage). We performed at the Ethnic Dance Festival and won best African group of the year in 1995.

I have an honorary professor title as a teacher of Kongolese drumming at Mills College.  I am also a Mestre in Capoeira/Angola.  I have continued my Kung Fu training and have earned a 2nd degree Black Belt or Si-hang title in Wun hop Kewn do Kung Fu.

Master Sandor’s teachings have greatly influenced my teachings.  Since 1992 I have been teaching at WYCDC.  In my  teachings I integrate Congolese dance, drumming, Brazilian rhythms and African/American street dancing.