BRIEF HISTORY OF CAPOEIRA

Capoeira is an artistic Brazilian martial art developed by the slaves in the colonization period in Brazil. It involves fighting, dancing, playing games, instruments, singing and much more!
Nowadays, Capoeira is practiced all around the world and has enchanted people from all cultures with its music, expressive form, energy and enthusiasm. Capoeira helps people develop balance, strength and self-confidence in a fun and enjoyable way.

Our teacher:

Marcus Magalhaes
Marcus spent twenty of his thirty-four years training the Brazilian martial art of "Capoeira." For over a decade, he has taught Capoeira in different institutions in the US, including schools, universities and fitness centers.

He started in Vitoria E. S BRAZIL in 1988 and he moved to Belo Horizonte M. G to be a member of the group Capoeira Gerais in 1993. His master is Mao Branca one of the most respected masters in Capoeira.
Marcus dedicated his life to Capoeira meaning he lived in his master's gym for 2 years doing Capoeira all day long to become a professional. He spent 10 years with him learning and teaching Capoeira.

In 2003 Marcus taught Capoeira in Madrid Spain for 2 years before moving to U.S. He graduated as Contra Mestre.

He has recorded 3 Capoeira CDs along with his Master Mao Branca and he is planning to record his own in September 2009.
In U.S. he has taught Capoeira in several different places - and now he says he is very happy to join Champions Dance Studio in Everett.

What will you learn in your class.

Practicing Capoeira will teach self-defensse, body control, balance, flexibility, and muscle strength. You will also learn how to sing and play some instruments. Capoeira is basically singing, dancing and fighting at the same time.
You will make a lot of friends, have a lot of fun and learn discipline!!!

Kids will also improve their balance and flexibility tremendously. They will play a lot of games learning how to compete, how to share, respect and how to be a good friend. We never play Capoeira alone we always need a friend, a partner to play with.

Kids will also learn how to play various instruments such as the Berimbau (Capoeira Instrument), the Pandeiro (Tambourine), the Atabaque (Drum) and the Agogo. Singing is an important part of Capoeira; all songs are in Portuguese therefore they will learn or improve their language skills.

Capoeira has a beautiful history; practicing it will teach you a lot about its origin and Afro Brazilian culture !! It is so exciting!
What to wear in class.
You can wear pants and t-shirt for your first month. Afterwards we have a CAPOEIRA UNIFORM which you can buy from your instructor in class.

What levels can you achieve over time:
After 3 to 6 months students will be able to get their first Cordel (Belt) in the Batizado (traditional event in Capoeira) and then graduation happens once a year or more depending on each student.