Qi Capoeira

Martial art, music, and movement for the body, mind, and spirit

Qi Capoeira teaches children, adolescents, and families of all abilities the unique Brazilian art form of Capoeira.  Capoeira is often described as a “martial art disguised as a dance.” Capoeira is not a fight, but is a “game” (jogo) played by two capoeiristas inside the “roda” (circle). Other capoeiristas form the circle and play music and sing songs to add energy to the roda and game. The two capoeiristas in the roda create a dialogue or conversation, exchanging attack and defense in a fluid, dynamic game of misdirection, cunning, trickery, and playfulness.

Participants will improve their strength, endurance, balance, and coordination through the dance like movements of Capoeira, using a variety of kicks, escapes, and ground movements. They will also practice playing the traditional musical instruments (drums and percussion instruments) and learn to sing traditional capoeira songs (in Portuguese). The many different aspects of Capoeira allow its practitioners to create their own individual Capoeira, where each person can develop based on their strengths and interests.

With the support of Coach Trent, Pediatric Physiotherapist, participants of all abilities will learn how to play the game of Capoeira. Trent believes that anyone can participate meaningfully in Capoeira regardless of diagnosis, and has adapted Capoeira for kids with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Developmental Coordination Disorder, and Sensory Processing Disorder.

Coach Trent is an experienced capoeirista with 15 years of experience training and teaching under the guidance of Contra-Mestre Reni of The Capoeira Academy and Mestre Bamba of Associação de Capoeira Mestre Bimba.

The key tenets of capoeira are:

• Community

• Acceptance

• Playfulness

• Opportunity

• Expression

• Individuality

• Respect

• Awesome

Summer/Fall

Please check back for dates and times. We look forward to learning Capoeira with you in the future!

Volunteering

If you are considering volunteering, please read the program requirements below to see if this program is the right fit for you:

• You must complete a Volunteer Application form (including up to date resume, two references, a Criminal Record Check for the Vulnerable Population and a signed Volunteer Code of Conduct)

• Your volunteer application with us is successful

• You are able to commit to the duration of the program

• You are able to commit up to 30 minutes additional time before and after the program to receive direction from the lead Coach, set up/take down equipment, and debrief

• You have read, and are aware, of additional guidelines expected of all volunteers among all our programs in the Volunteer Handbook