8 weeks of Capoeira movement class ($145 for the series)
March 19- May 17, 2019
Tuesdays 4:00-4:30 pm — grades 1 - 5
Fridays 4:00-4:30 pm — grades PK3 - K
Your child is invited to embark on a cultural journey to the heart of Brazil with Capoeira Barro Vermelho USA. Starting on March 19, Mestre Bomba will conduct an eight week series of classes at Sela Public Charter School.
After registering, please log into your account and complete the required waiver. For sibling discount for second and subsequent siblings, please enter discount code 10OFF.
Capoeira at Sela PCS
What is capoeira? Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art disguised as a dance and is performed to musical instruments and traditional Brazilian songs. It is comprised of specific offensive and defensive movements and, unlike in other martial arts, the participant is constantly in motion because of the basic movement, the ginga. The movements also consist of positions on the ground, kicks, sweeps and acrobatics. Some believe that capoeira originated in Africa, others say that it was formed in Brazil. What all agree on is that it was perfected and practiced by enslaved Africans in Brazil who used the dance-like movements of capoeira to disguise their efforts to practice fighting, which was forbidden. Today capoeira is practiced worldwide, from the United States, to Croatia to Indonesia and every place in between. People of all genders, ages and nationalities practice this unique martial art.
Who is the instructor? Mestre Bomba (“Bomb” in English, so named because of his explosive movements in the roda – the circle where capoeira is “played”) is the region’s only capoeira master, which is the highest level in capoeira. He was born in Bahia, Brazil, and has practiced capoeira since 1980. Since 2008, he has been teaching capoeira classes and workshops throughout the Washington, D.C. area, New York City, and other cities in the Northeast for both adults and children. He currently teaches regularly at summer camps and schools in the D.C. area and also teaches weekly adult and children classes at the Dance Loft on 14, All Souls Unitarian gymnasium and the First Baptist Church of DC’s gymnasium.
Capoeira is a truly multi-sensory martial art unlike no other. Some notes about capoeira:
· All of the names of the movements in capoeira are in Portuguese
· Capoeira is practiced to songs sung in Portuguese along with instruments
· Capoeira focuses on strength, flexibility and agility
· Capoeira is intended to be a no- to low-contact martial art that helps children with gross motor planning and gross motor skills
What happens in a typical class: Students learn capoeira movements—both kicks, sweeps and “gymnastics” type movements, how to play instruments and learn songs in Portuguese. More experienced students will play against each other in a roda using the movements they have learned in class. Capoeira is truly a community event; when others play against each other students are invited to clap and sing songs to encourage the capoeira “play”.
How should my child dress for class?
· Students who wear dresses or skirts are encouraged to wear shorts underneath their clothing
· Students train barefoot indoors (no socks or tights) or light footwear outside
Health concerns:
Capoeira is a stimulating physical activity, please consult your physician before your child engages in this activity to determine that it is suitable for your child