OAKLAND, Calif. (KRON) – An East Bay martial arts studio has vowed to stay open after dealing with repeated vandalism, and the owner says he's just trying to share his passion while running a positive business for the kids and families of West Oakland.
The studio owner said it's been a frustrating experience cleaning up and repairing the damage he has been forced to do, and that his studio is meant to be a safe and inclusive space, but he said it has become a target for people trying to evict him.
Damage suffered at Afro-Brazilian martial arts studio Axe Oakland included smashed windows and graffiti on the walls.
“I feel sad and disappointed as I try to understand what I'm doing wrong in this community,” owner Lucibaldo de Oliveira said.
De Oliveira opened the studio four years ago with the goal of teaching the Brazilian art of capoeira, but over time, he said the space has also grown into a community center for children and families.
“I created something that would allow the community to enjoy the space and feel connected to Brazilian culture,” he said.
He said the vandalism has included foul-mouthed noise complaints — most of the classes at the studio are music-related — and parents have also raised concerns with de Oliveira about the damage.
“It's frustrating for me because I always want to make parents feel safe. I'm doing everything I can to make sure parents trust me and I hope this situation changes soon,” de Oliveira said.
He said he has an idea who is behind the vandalism but can't prove it. He's grateful for the support of the Axe Oakland community, who he believes will help him overcome this adversity.
“When the kids come there, they don't want to go home because they feel so comfortable. It makes me stronger because they are with me and never give up,” he said.
The Axe Oakland community has since painted a mural to beautify the outside of the studio, and de Oliveira says he hopes this will show the vandals that they haven't given up.
