FREE for youth under 18 years of age for more info on classes 512-294-7872
Mestre Grande Sankofa workshop with Free Angola
Free Angola Capoeira Society Belize
“It is the practice of this science, my comrades,
you yourselves don’t know what you have in it. If it is yours, try to perfect the nature it gave you; trust in yourself,
love your sport, don’t trust in the egoist, and verify the truth. In summary, it is an infinite fight, the general and
abstract definition that characterizes every existence, and every being.” Mestre Patinha
Free Angola & Sankofa Resource Center
MUITO AXE!
Youth Capoeira Program
Capoeira Angola is a multiform phenomenon. It draws elements from dance, fight, ritual, and musical performance.
It is a person's way of defense, and it is also a form of entertainment. This is shown by some of the words used in referring
to it, such as "brincadeira", "vadiação", meaning merriment, entertainment; and by the fact
that it was frequently played when individuals were resting from their work, particularly sailors and laborers on the docks.
An ancient martial art of African origin, it is one of the many cultural weapons used to break the chains of enslavement in
Brazil. Played close to the ground, Capoeira Angola combines fluid, dance-like movements with kicks, head butts, tripping
sweeps and the appearance of playfulness or vulnerability. Music is played on traditional instruments to accompany the players,
to teach the rhythmic heart of the art, and also to mask its power. In the eyes of the enslavers it appeared to be a joking
and playful acrobatic dance, but eventually its power was realized and Capoeira was outlawed. Death was the penalty paid by
those caught playing Capoeira during the slavery era. For almost 400 years Capoeira Angola was taught and practiced in secret,
and only in the 1930's did this African martial art become legal to teach and practice. .
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Capoeira Angola youth class
Muito bom
The hand of a child cannot reach the high shelf. And the hand of the elder is too large to enter the mouth of the gourd. The work the child humbly ask an
elder to do, The elder should not refuse to do. All of us have work to do for each other's good.
Odu
Ifa
Free Angola Capoeira youth group
Why Capoeira Angola
Young men and women in the program discover a discipline that allows them to express
themselves artistically in a way that also allows them to channel pent-up emotions in a positive direction. They discover
an art form that combines dance, non-contact fighting movements, music, song, rhythm, theatrical improvisation and more. To
perform Capoeira proficiently, students must learn both the ways in which the human body can move and express itself, and
the discipline needed to control those movements. As classes proceed, the students open up and express their inner-most emotions,
while at the same time creating movement that is beautiful and artistic. Gradually, students learn the much-needed skills
of self-discipline, respect for others, tolerance and the joys of cooperation, all which transfer into their daily lives.
“The good capoeirista never praises himself, but aims always to be calm,
to reflect with precision what is true. Do not argue with your comrades or students, do not buy the game without it being
your turn, in order not to annoy your companions and thus cause a dispute. Teach your students without aiming to show off
in an aggressive way or presenting yourself in an impolite way…”
Mestre Pastinha
ON THE QUILOMBO
Project abundant Life is a 501(c) Organization all donations are tax deductible
