Capoeira Angola Palmares Meetup

The main goal of the class is to teach Capoeira in a fun and accessible manner, which permits interested individuals of all ages and levels of fitness or athletic ability to learn the basic fundamentals of this art. Capoeira is a very diversified martial art in that it incorporates self-defense applications, a form of dance, and musical instruments together to create the "roda," or circle in which people play the game. Students will learn basic skills and movements, which they will apply in the "roda: when they play capoeira. They will also achieve increased flexibility and balance due to the nature of the movements, learn self-defense skills, and gain rhythmic understanding and expression from the instrumental instruction and singing. In addition to learning basic drum rhythems and traditional songs, the students also have the opportunity to learn how to play th berimbau: a one-stringed guitar-like instrument played with a stick and a rock. While some people are drawn to Capoeira by it's dance-like movements, others find they are drawn by the music and wish to concentrate more on that aspect of the art. Some enjoy Capoeira simply for the exercise. Whatever the interest, people are encouraged to learn and enjoy an art, which allows them to attain their fitness, artistic, or self-defense goals. A typical class begins with stretches followed by a light cardiovascular warm-up with some jumping and the "jinga," the first basic movement of Capoeira. A tape or C.D. of Capoeira Music usually accompanies the warm-up and basic skills portion of the class. After a sufficient warm-up periodwe then go to one side of the room and movement is demonstrated crossing the class floor. A basic example of this would be a cartwheel. As the student gains experience with time, the more adept can cross first, allowing the newer students to watch before taking turns. Two-person movements are then practiced. This enables students to watch before taking their turns. Two-person movements are then practiced. This enables students to get a feel for how the "roda" or circle will be. Afterwards, the class will make a "roda" to play Capoeira. The instruments, particularly the Berimbau, signify the opening of the circle where one must enter to begin play. Two players squat before the berimbau, wait for the player with the berimbau to signal, then enter the "roda." In beginning classes, the c.d. player suffices as the "batteria" or instrument section of the "roda." For beginning students, portions of some classes will be set aside for learning the instruments.