Capoeira is for everybody, and we have people of all ages and abilities in our group. We teach to the level of the people in the class, so there will be movements everyone will be able to do.
All our classes are mixed ability, and suitable for everyone, so just come along and try it out!
To your first lesson, just wear some loose-fitting/comfortable clothes, a water bottle, and a willingness to try new things.
No pre-training is needed as the classes are designed to get your fitness levels up. You will find that after a few weeks of training capoeira, you will start to notice new muscles, improved flexibility and improvement on general stamina. |
Beginner's Guide
Movements Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art so the movements are named in Portuguese. Here are some of the core movements you will be learning in your first few lessons: Ginga Ginga is the basis move in capoeira and means to swing. It is important for both attack and defense purpose as it keeps the player in constant motion, making them less of an easy target. Its also always for fakes movements which may leave the 'opponent' vulnerable to attack. Attacks Most attacks are made with the legs such as kicks, leg swipes or head butts. Defense Capoeira advocates non-resistance so mainly equivas (dodges)are used to avoid blocks from attacks. Acrobatics movements such as cartwheels and handstands also allow the player to rebalance after an attack or even dodge one. The Game The capoeira Jogo or Game is played in the Roda. This circle is made up of the Bateria (musical accompaniment) and the rest of the group who stand in a circle. Two players play the game in the middle of the circle. Music This is an integral part of capoeira. If you're not part of the bateria playing an instrument, then you'll be joining in with the singing. There's no need to be shy, with everyone singing in unison if you're tone deaf than you'll be drowned out by everyone else. Our music page has an extensive list of songs played by our group but here are a few of the most regular songs with translations underneath. Adeus povo bom adeus
Adeus povo bom adeus Adeus eu ja vou embora Pelas ondas do mar eu vim Pelas ondas do mar… eu vou embora Goodbye good people goodbye By the waves of the sea I came, Goodbye I’m leaving already, By the waves of the sea I am leaving. A hora é essa A hora é essa The time is now A hora é essa The time is now A hora é essa The time is now A hora é essa The time is now Berimbau tocou na capoeira Berimbau played in capoeira Berimbau tocou eu vou jogar Berimbau played, I will go play Berimbau tocou na capoeira Berimbau played in capoeira Berimbau tocou eu vou jogar Berimbau played I will go play |