E.S.CULHAM CAPOEIRA CLUB
About Capoeira…..
The course will run throughout the academic year. During this time I will attempt to help the students explore the world of Capoeira.
There are many different facets that make up Capoeira. As a result it is not easy define. There are aspects of Brazilian folklore, philosophy, Portuguese language, street smarts. But most people that play capoeira narrow-it-down to 3 different activities at once. Capoeira is simultaneously fight, a dance and a game.
Capoeira is a fight, as the moves you use are kicks and defences. With additional moves that are exclusive to capoeira. i.e. the Ginga – translated as swing/sway.
It is also a dance, as the two people “playing” capoeira are doing so to a rhythm.
Each player will ask a question physically, the other responds and it continues in this loose format. The music keeps the timing so that it stays a game and not just people trading moves.
It’s a game, as there are rules and customs. However there is not always a winner and a loser. And there is no clear aim to the game. It is often said that Capoeira is played just for the fun of it…
However those that practice it, feel many other benefits. Such as:
Increased balance and flexibility.
Greater spatial awareness.
Increased self-confidence
Social skills.
Learn new and often unseen instruments.
For instance the Berimbau – an African instrument brought over by the slaves.
Finally, Capoeira brings a sense of being in a group and working together with people. Accepting that we are all different and working with everyone in harmony, as best we can.
Ultimately, Capoeira is a door into another culture, which is a mixture of Latin and African influences. There is also a rich history that has helped to bring Capoeira into the 21stcentury.
Some of this history exists in folklore which is transmitted through the songs. Some of the more recent history has been documented and can be read.
Hope this has given you some idea of Capoeira. Anyone wishing to learn more is welcome to watch a class or contact me via e.mail or phone.
Many Thanks.
Axe Capoeira.
Salve Mestre Bimba e Mestre Pastinha
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When? Every Friday
Where? Old Gym
Time: 4-5.30pm
Group: Open to all S1 -S7 boys and girls -mixed
Cost: £4 per session
If you would like to join the ESC Capoeira group, just come to the sessions and Ross will give you all the information needed.
Alternatively speak to Mr Carlos if you have any question about this club.
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Brief course outline….
Each lesson will start with a warm-up. This will involve getting the joints moving, raising the heart-rate and eventually stretching.
After that, a period of focusing on the basic moves in Capoeira. This includes the “ginga”, which is the foundation of learning to move in Capoeira. And then some of the basic attacks and defences.
There are also a wide range of acrobatic moves involved. These start slow and easy then work up to more challenging moves. Ideally we will have the use of mats. If not, we will stick to the basic moves such as hand-stands or a cartwheel, which is called an “Au” in capoeira language.
There will also be a focus on the musical side of Capoeira. With the students encouraged to learn the two main instruments – the Berimbau and the Pandeiro.
Songs will also be practised so that we can perform a Roda toward the end of the course.
A Roda is the area that Capoeira is played in. It’s a circle of people. Two people inside play Capoeira whilst other sing and play the instruments to create a positive atmosphere for the people in the middle. The people forming the circle clap out a rhythm. We will also aim to have a Roda once the students are more competent.
Finally we will warm down and stretch down. Closing with a couple of minutes for questions if necessary.
I like to run my class without unnecessary talking. It’s important that there is a certain level of discipline. But I’m not so strict that it takes the fun out of it.
About the instructor.
I have been studying Capoeira for 7 years now. Throughout this time I have travelled to Brazil and South Africa to work in Capoeira projects. These are aimed at helping disadvantaged children. The work was rewarding and inspiring.
I have also worked in Oxford. For the past two years I have run a workshop at D’Overbroeks school. Running a workshop for 20-25 teenagers from all around Europe.
Finally I worked at Meadowbrook college. Which is a pupil referral unit, focusing on young people that have been expelled from other schools. I worked as a mentor for the students and also taught Capoeira to a class of KS3 students. I have a full CRB check, which I will show to Jose when we commence the course. However, if you have any questions. Please contact me.
For more contact : Ross.dye@hotmail.co.uk 07960 201828.
If you are interested speak with Mr Carlos as soon as possible, the lesson first session would be starting on Friday 26th November 2010.
José Carlos
PE Co-ordinator
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