CDOB - Cordao de Ouro Capoeira Birmingham

WHAT IS IT?

Capoeira is a unique Afro-Brazilian cultural art incorporating movement, music and ritual elements. As well as being an amazingly interesting, challenging and fun activity, the practicing of Capoeira can also develop excellent fitness, increased flexibility, improved coordination and balance, knowledge of another culture and language. Through the training students also further their understanding of rhythm and musicality.

Capoeira attracts all kinds of people from many different backgrounds and age groups, some have never tried anything like it before whilst other students have backgrounds in dance, martial arts, acrobatics, yoga and many others. Though knowledge of movement and music can be an advantage, no previous experience in any of these is necessary to begin Capoeira classes., the best thing to do is just drop by one of the classes and check it out.

The famous master Mestre Pastinha, said that "capoeira is for men, women and children'. It is a holistic artform that can expand your physical and mental awareness and anyone and everyone can benefit through learning Capoeira.

“Capoeira” is an Afro-Brazilian martial art, involving elements of play, dance, music and fight. Essentially it is a game or “jogo” between two practitioners of the art or “Capoeiristas”; this “jogo” is played within a circle of other “Capoeiristas” and sometimes additional spectators. At the base of the circle is a percussion orchestra or “bateria” which contains a mixture of Afro-Brazilian instruments. Live music is played and the whole circle is engaged in song, accompanied by synchronised clapping. The songs are simple question and answer repetitions in Brazilian Portuguese, which are lead by one of the musicians who sings alternating verses whilst the rest of the group repeats the chorus.

The two “Capoeiristas” in the middle engage in play, they exchange circular spinning kicks, one ducking as the other kicks and visa versa. There is also use of varying cartwheels, handstands and dance steps as means of moving around the circle. There is very little contact in “Capoeira”; in fact when an attack meets its target then the reaction of the onlookers is either celebration or concern treating contact as something extraordinary. Quite often contact moments are simulated and both “Capoeiristas” acknowledge the interaction. Sometimes interactions create a “one-up” dynamic and competition between players, however there is no scoring system or official rules that govern this competition.

F.A.Q's

I have never done Capoeira before. Is that a problem?
No problem. Our beginners classes are designed for those with no or little experience of Capoeira. Most people in the class will be in the same boat as you.

I’m not particularly fit or sporty. Will I be able to enjoy Capoeira?
You don’t have to be extremely fit, strong or flexible to join our classes. We like to encourage all body types and abilities to our group, and you will always be supported in learning Capoeira on your own terms. Naturally through training you will get fitter and more confident; but the key is not to put too much pressure on yourself. Maybe start with the beginners class, and see how you get on.

Are all your classes suitable for beginners?
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays classes are for beginners only, so that might be the best day to start your Capoeira experience. But our Friday class is highly recommended to see Capoeira as a whole in the Roda, where you will sometimes be put to train with someone with more experience than you. But don’t worry, they are there to help you, and will give you tips. All other classes are for all levels, so you can choose which class best suits you.

Do I need to buy a uniform?
To begin with, no. Just come in clothes you can move around in easily, bare-footed or with flexible trainers or plimsoles. Bare-footed is always better, although you will find you get blisters until your feet become tougher. You will eventually however need to get a uniform when you decide to train Capoeira regularly.

Do I need to learn Portuguese, and do I have to sing or play music?
Playing the music is really important to developing your Capoeira skills, so we like to encourage everyone to give it a go. But don’t worry if you don’t think you have rhythm or a singing voice. We all started in the same position! All of Capoeira’s songs and movements are in Portuguese, and so you will learn basic language skills from just coming to class. If you really want to develop quickly musically, then we have a weekly music class for all levels of ability.

I’ve seen Capoeira videos with people doing lots of flips. Will I learn to do that?
Capoeira is much more than just a sport. You may come to Capoeira wanting to learn flips, and that is a side to it, but it has many other benefits and interesting elements too. If you want to learn acrobatic movements, then yes, we can help you with these: within the overall game of Capoeira. We encourage our students to develop all sides of their understanding of Capoeira, and learn to appreciate Brazilian culture as a whole. Although, we don’t pressure anyone to do something they are not ready to do, we always try to help our students develop and progress, but on their own terms. The key is to enjoy yourself, like all good Brazilians do!