After a while, Julio returned to Brazil and it was up to the guys to maintain their Capoeira level and train hard to further improve themselves. They were quite lucky as they have experience in other martial arts, which was an advantage. Between them, they have had training in arts including Aikido, BUDO, Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Karate, Kick Boxing, Kuk Sool Won, Tae Kwon Do and Thai Boxing. Capoeira, however, has proven to them to be completely different and a lot more fun as well as challenging as most of the rest, and for this reason they have been captured by Capoeira forever!

But they were even luckier that there was a Capoeira association in the UK, founded by Group Senzala Anglia, who were kind enough to invite them to join the group as students. Their main teacher at the time was Professor Carousel, who is one of the highest graded British Capoeiristas around and very well respected in the Capoeira community.

They were then introduced to Mestre Gato, one of the founders of Group Senzala in 1963, who admired their dedication and passion for Capoeira, as well as their teaching approach. After extensive training with Mestre Gato directly, Tim and Christos were approved by Mestre Gato to become few of the LEAD students who would spread the word of Capoeira and Group Senzala and introduce people to this rich Martial Art form. With the help of professor Carousel, Tim and Christos formed a club in the Leicestershire area aiming to teach beginners, as well as train with more experienced Capoeiristas that would join the club, so that they would all learn from each other.

Now, Group Senzala Leicester is an established Capoeira group with a strong presence in the Midlands. Tim and Christos have  become well known instructors within the Capoeira community, performing in various high-profile events, providing workshops in local schools and community centres and participating in various seminars and Batizados (grading events) with other groups throughout the UK and Europe. Furthermore, Contra Mestre Pedro Gatuno, the most senior Senzala Capoeira Instructor in the UK, has become part of Group Senzala Leicester teaching and visiting the group every week.

Mestre Gato visits the group on the regular basis to give students of all levels and teachers great sessions where they are taught loads more of Capoeira!