Rochester Capoeira practices Mindful Capoeira Angola. Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art, created by enslaved Africans in Brazil and hidden through dance and music. Capoeira is played as a game between two practitioners inside of a circle of spectators, other capoeira players, and a band of musicians. This beautiful and strong martial art came to be in the mid 1500s, when people were torn f
rom their homes in Africa, enslaved and shipped to the newly discovered Americas. Under the watchful eye of slave owners, capoeira appeared as a harmless dance and music. After the abolition of slavery in 1888, capoeira survived in the poorer neighborhoods (despite persecution from police) until its legalization in the 1930s. Today, capoeira is celebrated and practiced around the world. We practice a style of capoeira called "Mindful Capoeira", distinguished from other capoeira practices by the following points:
- a way to learn and practice capoeira that promotes longevity and a lifelong practice
- use and mastery of capoeira's basic movements
- developing intelligence over speed and force
- emphasizing cooperation over competition
- proper technique and control over violence–uncontrolled technique, physical contact and especially violence are not permitted
- learning from the wisdom of the elder masters
- accessible to people of all ages and abilities
- building a supportive and inclusive community
- celebrating freedom and diversity
Classes:
To sign up, send us a message or fill out the contact form on our website and we'll get right back to you with more information on how to join our classes! All classes are open and accessible to everyone. Movements, music, and Afro-Brazilian culture make capoeira classes unique and challenging. There is grace, beauty, risk, reward, and danger. Capoeira can be played by everyone; strength and flexibility are not required - only a desire to learn!
