Manel Ariza Prieto (Professor Manel) started capoeira in Barcelona with Mestre Ediandro de Almeida, student of Mestre Sombra (Senzala de Santos, Brazil). In 2001, Mestre Ediandro Almeida and Monitor Manel opened the first capoeira school in Athens. Until 2010, and under the guidance of Mestre Ediandro, Monitor Manel was responsible for the capoeira Banzo de Senzala Academy in Athens.

Since 2012 Professor Manel and Mestre Ediandro have their own graduates (Formados) in Greece who are responsible for the Banzo de Senzala Atenas Capoeira academy.