Sunday 3:30-5:30 pm Ashkenaz (Back studio)

Tuesday 6:30-8:30pm Finnish Hall (Ski club room)

What is Capoeira?
Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art and dance that is played as a game in a circle (roda) to live music. Although shaped in the cauldron of Brazil, its roots extend into Africa. Africans from different ethnic groups were brought to Brazil under the bonds of chattel slavery. Capoeira is a byproduct of the conditions of slavery and oppression exhibited throughout the history of Brazilian colonial society. The juxtaposition of fight and dance in Capoeira represents a means by which subjugated Africans sought liberation from their suffering.

As in any art form or tradition, Capoeira’s many expressions continue to evolve throughout Brazil and abroad. Accordingly, there are many interpretations of its objectives and intentions. One such perspective on the aim of the game is for players to creatively employ powerful movements along with elegant gestures to develop their physical, mental, and spiritual capacities to play the game of life beautifully. A student of Capoeira strives to exhibit skill, intelligence, gracefulness, playfulness, elegance, and self-control in the game as in life. Capoeira requires a community of practitioners to support one another in this endeavor. In a Capoeira school students are taught the physical movements, music, ritual, history, and philosophy of the game.

Capoeira Class
A typical Capoeira class involves the training of fundamental movements as well as music. Interspersed within a class, students also learn about the etiquette, language, and philosophy of the game. Capoeira is a great way to foster the development of self-discipline, self-awareness, self-control, diligence, courage, and community in a fun and playful way. It is therefore an excellent art form and vehicle for developing human potential. If you are interested in being playful, challenging yourself physically and mentally, playing music, and being a part of a burgeoning Capoeira community, come check us out on Sundays 3:30-5:30pm at Ashkenaz,Tuesdays 6-8pm at Finnish Hall and Thursdays 6:45-8:45pm at Berkeley Ballet Theater. It is a lot of fun! All are welcomed.