Capoeira is an art that was created by Africans and people of African descent who were enslaved in Brazil as a way to defend themselves and to preserve their culture.  People who were taken from various parts of Africa, not allowed to bring with them any material possessions, carried with them their traditions and memories of their lives back in Africa.  They brought knowledge of music, dance, and ritualized combat games, as well as many other important skills.  Capoeira developed over hundreds of years, with roots in these diverse traditions, as a fight for freedom, and resistance against oppression. 

In a roda (circle) of Capoeira, participants stand or sit in a circle clapping hands and singing the chorus of a call-and-response style song.  At one end of the circle, one person leads the song while playing with a band of musicians, known as the bateria, consisting of rhythm instruments: a drum called the atabaque, the pandeiro which is similar to a tambourine, and a single-stringed gourd instrument known as the berimbau.  Inside the circle, two people play the game of Capoeira, which is a kind of conversion in movement.  Similar to a sparring match, the players challenge each other using attack and defense movements.  Kicks are the main attacks, which are often spinning or even done upside down in a handstand, dodges are preferred over blocks and everything is interlaced with dance-like movements and sometimes even acrobatics.  Players skillfully control their kicks, showing where they could make contact, but respectfully holding back.  Although it is not the case everywhere, we practice without contact in our rodas.

A class with Nyack Capoeira includes a warmup, stretching, practicing martial arts techniques along with other Capoeira movements, age appropriate games that teach skills and concepts, learning traditional songs and instruments, and learning to play the Capoeira game.  Kindness and respect are emphasized along with focus and self-discipline, as well as forming and maintaining personal connections and positive group dynamics.

All ages and abilities are welcome.  We strive to make Capoeira accessible to everyone, so come and try it out no matter what your starting point, and watch yourself grow stronger through the effort you put in.