Capoeira India

Kids & Capoeira

2011-06-10T11:45:00.007+05:30

From the Favelas of Brazil to the rest of the world, Capoeira offers an outlet for children. Parents all across the globe realize the positive impact it has had on their kids, increasing their self-confidence, mental sharpness and physical fitness levels.
In India, Baba is teaching the kids the lessons of life, through Capoeira. Kids love him and he loves them.

Here are links to two newspaper articles on Instrutor Baba and his influence on the young Capoeiristas of Mumbai -

http://lite.epaper.timesofindia.com/mobile.aspx?article=yes&pageid=5&edlabel=TOIM&mydateHid=25-04-2010&pubname=&edname=&articleid=Ar00501&format=&publabel=TOI

http://raiseindia.wordpress.com/2010/09/09/masterji-must-be-a-storyteller-or-fail-by-amole-gupta/

The Importance of Conditioning

2011-05-31T11:08:00.015+05:30

As a martial art, Capoeira requires a strong yet flexible body. It takes a lot of patience and correct practice to become a respectable Capoeirista. This is why its absolutely imperative that any Capoeirista, especially newcomers to the art, condition themselves regularly to improve and to "open up" the body for the journey ahead.

Capoeira is equal to Total Fitness. When we speak of "total" fitness, it encompasses a range of skills and functions, broken down into these categories - Strength, Balance, Flexibility, Agility, Stamina and Coordination. Yes, attending classes regularly and doing the basic movements diligently will improve your fitness. But it will be a frustratingly slow process for you to really achieve higher performance levels on all of the categories mentioned above. So, if you're serious about Capoeira, then you must put in a little effort outside of class.

There are many videos and books on Capoeira Conditioning. Here is a link to a YouTube video on conditioning, which has helped me and many other Capoeiristas -

Mastering Capoeira 1: Conditioning http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxtlQLIVO48

This video is broken into 4 parts (part 1 being the link above). Its an old video, but really helps condition the body. All it takes is a little over half an hour a day.

There is a popular and excellent book called Capoeira Conditioning by Gerard Taylor, available on all online bookstores. Here's a link to one of these sites -
http://www.flipkart.com/b/books/capoeira-conditioning-gerard-taylor-anders-book-158394141x?_l=CJHVEqJO3veuHytbACc9dw--&_r=hwig%20RJ_lcosmrwpFIShzg--&ref=353305f1-7cb3-4788-b7a0-b79d8bf8872d

A comment on weights and Capoeira. By all means it is advantageous to lift weights and practice Capoeira at the same time. However, it isn't necessary because Capoeira as a whole is a complete workout. If you make use of the resources mentioned above, you won't have to lift a single weight in your life. Besides, if you're just starting out as a Capoeirista, pumping iron and attending class may put too much stress on your body and produce negative results.

It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to be careful when performing Capoeira movements. Focus on technique and make sure that you don't force your body into doing anything. Injuries will only prevent you from truly experiencing Capoeira. It is a unique, brilliant martial art and a helluva lot of fun. It will ignite a passion in you that may never burn out. So enjoy the journey. Believe me, you'll be smiling throughout the day, everyday.

Viva Capoeira!

Batizado 2010

2011-01-14T12:36:00.003+05:30

11th December 2010 will be a date that will be etched in our memory forever! Centre For Capoeira India witnessed it's grandest batizado to date! Mestre Esquilo (Brasil) , Mestre Chicote (France), Contra Mestre Cueca (Israel) and Instrutor Pinoquio(Israel), our international guests, gave Capoeira in India more than we could have asked for.

With workshops by Mestre Esquilo, Contra Mestre Cueca & Instrutor Pinoquio before the batizado and the workshops by Mestre Chicote post Batizado, Centre for Capoeira India got the boost it needed going into 2011.

These are just a few snapshots of the event. Muito saudades!

2010 Batizado and troca de cordao workshop schedule

2010-12-01T20:52:00.002+05:30

Day	Time	What's happening!	Place
3^rd Friday	10:00am 4:30pm 7:00pm After hrs	Pinoquio arrives Acrobatics Music Dinner	Airport Juhu beach Juhu beach Arafa (near Juhu?)
4^th Saturday	11:00am Lunch 5:30pm 7:30pm After hrs	Capoeira Movies Chole Batura Combo Kids class Combo Adult class Dinner/ drinks	Baba's house T.B.A S.S.Sahaney S.S.Sahaney Yacht
5^th Sunday	5:00pm	Street Roda	Carter Road, Bandra
6^th Monday	6:00am 5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 8:00pm After hrs	Cueca arrives Kids beginner class (Makako) Combo kids class Beginner Adults Instructor training (G-Y & Y cord levels) Dinner	Airport Juhu Gymkhana “ “ “ “
7^th Tuesday	5:30pm 7:30pm After hrs	Combo Kids class Combo Adult class Dinner/ drinks Esquilo arrives ?	S.S.Sahaney “ Yacht Airport
8^th Wednesday	5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 8:00pm After hrs	Kids beginner class (Makako) Combo kids class (E, C, P) Beginner Angola (E) Advanced Angola (cord levels) Dinner	Juhu Gymkhana “ “ “ Arafa
9^th Thursday	5:30pm 7:30pm After hrs	Combo Kids class/ Adult music class Combo Adult class Dinner/ drinks	S.S.Sahaney “ Yacht
10^th Friday	6:00pm-8:00pm	Batizado rehearsal (Kids and adults)	TBA
11^th Saturday	5:00pm After hrs	BATIZADO Dinner	National College, Bandra TBA
12^th Sunday	5:00pm After hrs	Thali Lunch Street Roda Party!	Matunga Carter Road, Bandra TBA
13^th Monday	Morning 5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 8:30pm	Mestres sightseeing & shopping Kids beginner class (Makako) Regular kids class Beginner Adults (Esquilos sequences) G-Y & Y cord levels class	TBD Juhu Gymkhana “ “ “
14^th Tuesday	1:20am 6:00pm 7:30pm	Pinoquio & Cueca leave Regular kids class Combo class	Airport S.S.Sahaney “
15^th Wednesday	5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 8:30pm	Kids beginner class (Makako) Regular kids class Beginner Adults (Esquilos sequences) G-Y & Y cord levels class	Juhu Gymkhana “ “ “
16^th Thursday	6:00pm 7:30pm	Regular kids class Combo class	S.S.Sahaney “
17^th Friday		Esquilo leaves	Airport

Day

Time

What's happening!

Place

3^rd Friday

10:00am

4:30pm

7:00pm

After hrs

Pinoquio arrives

Acrobatics

Music

Dinner

Airport

Juhu beach

Arafa (near Juhu?)

4^th Saturday

11:00am

Lunch

5:30pm

7:30pm

After hrs

Capoeira Movies

Chole Batura

Combo Kids class

Combo Adult class

Dinner/ drinks

Baba's house

T.B.A

S.S.Sahaney

Yacht

5^th Sunday

5:00pm

Street Roda

Carter Road, Bandra

6^th Monday

6:00am

5:00pm

6:00pm

7:00pm

8:00pm

After hrs

Cueca arrives

Kids beginner class (Makako)

Combo kids class

Beginner Adults

Instructor training (G-Y & Y cord levels)

Dinner

Airport

Juhu Gymkhana

“

7^th Tuesday

5:30pm

7:30pm

After hrs

Combo Kids class

Combo Adult class

Dinner/ drinks

Esquilo arrives ?

S.S.Sahaney

“

Yacht

Airport

8^th Wednesday

5:00pm

6:00pm

7:00pm

8:00pm

After hrs

Kids beginner class (Makako)

Combo kids class (E, C, P)

Beginner Angola (E)

Advanced Angola (cord levels)

Dinner

Juhu Gymkhana

“

Arafa

9^th Thursday

5:30pm

7:30pm

After hrs

Combo Kids class/ Adult music class

Combo Adult class

Dinner/ drinks

S.S.Sahaney

“

Yacht

10^th Friday

6:00pm-8:00pm

Batizado rehearsal (Kids and adults)

TBA

11^th Saturday

5:00pm

After hrs

BATIZADO

Dinner

National College, Bandra

TBA

12^th Sunday

5:00pm

After hrs

Thali Lunch

Street Roda

Party!

Matunga

Carter Road, Bandra

TBA

13^th Monday

Morning

5:00pm

6:00pm

7:00pm

8:30pm

Mestres sightseeing & shopping

Kids beginner class (Makako)

Regular kids class

Beginner Adults (Esquilos sequences)

G-Y & Y cord levels class

TBD

Juhu Gymkhana

“

14^th Tuesday

1:20am

6:00pm

7:30pm

Pinoquio & Cueca leave

Regular kids class

Combo class

Airport

S.S.Sahaney

“

15^th Wednesday

5:00pm

6:00pm

7:00pm

8:30pm

Kids beginner class (Makako)

Regular kids class

Beginner Adults (Esquilos sequences)

G-Y & Y cord levels class

Juhu Gymkhana

“

16^th Thursday

6:00pm

7:30pm

Regular kids class

Combo class

S.S.Sahaney

“

17^th Friday

Esquilo leaves

Airport

Note:

The schedule is subject to change (based on the Mestres' whims and fancies! ;-) . Please check with Baba (98690 55371) for more details.

Students, we know you're eager, but please, respect the schedule and fellow capoeiristas. Please note who the class is for. The classes open to everyone (beginners and advanced, from Khar and Juhu venues) are the combo classes and the events and classes where a target group is not specified. The other classes are closed events! Once again, please check with Baba if you are not sure what class to go to, or if you want to go to one you're not supposed to ;-). Also if you reach early for a class please wait outside, downstairs or in a room where the class is not taking place.

Capoeira rocks Umang festival in NM College !

2010-08-28T15:36:00.001+05:30

We took the college festival by storm and transported them to Brazil in just an hours time ! That's Capoeira India kicking ass Umang Festival in NM College, Mumbai.

Baba gave us a yellow dress code - check out the variety :) And the winner is the final one... none other than Piolho with his jazzy t shirt.

Capoeira rocks Puma event - Pimp your sole!

2010-08-22T12:05:00.000+05:30

Puma hosted a really cool event 'Pimp your sole', which encouraged artists from all over to express themselves. A whole bunch of graffiti artists sprayed away as Capoeiristas showed the kind of energy the store had never seen before. CDO India made the Linking Road Pimp your Sole more colourful... Here are some memories from the event.

Angola, Regional, Miudinho, Samba, Afro Dance.... we had an awesome time.

And to top it all... our dear Malandro participated in the Puma Pimp your Sole contest and got shortlisted as one of the finalists from India. Hope we get our own CDO India Puma slippers :)

First Brazilian Mestre to visit India - Mestre Chicote !

2010-07-26T15:35:00.000+05:30

Na India tem capoeira? Tem tem tem tem

Na India tem muito axe ? Axe Axe

Na India tem brincadeira .... De capoeira

Na India tem samba no pe... Samba no pe...

Yes.. we have our own song now !!!!! Capoeira Song for India which was a precious gift from none other than our dear Mestre Chicote, who visited us from Paris.

Anything I write here will be inadequate to explain the unbelievable week we spent with Mestre Chicote.

To us, he is not just a great capoeirista... he is a beautiful human being who touches people and changes their lives. From Capoeira to Afro Dance, Samba to Maculele, Instrument Class to Forro... we had an overdose of everything. We saw, we learnt and we got high on the Axe ! The spirit of 'Sharing' that Mestre left with us will always stay in our hearts.

Obrigada Mestre ...... Quero que voce volta rapido !

Mestre chicote tem uma familia na India ? Tem Tem Tem Tem : )

Festa festa

2010-04-04T20:04:00.003+05:30

Yes! Finally, the housewarming is done. Capoeira India gave Khar Friends Society a little taste of Brazil all night at Ninja's housewarming party.

Do we need a reason to party :)

Cerveza, Baba's nipples, Mohitos, Cherry Sherry, Mango Cake, Kheer, Beetroot Salad, Dhokla.... that was the menu !

All with a fantastic topping of Capoeira Music and Samba.
(And the boys taking their shirts off)

WOW - Capoeira

2010-04-04T19:57:00.004+05:30

Capoeira India performed at the WOW awards for all event management companies in Mumbai in March 2010. Giving the event crowd only a small taste of Brazilian madness, CDO India is all set for bigger "WOWs" in the near future. (all photos on Facebook)

Eventfaqs magazine gave CDO India an advertisement in their print journal published for all event management organisations.

Capoeira and Million dollar smiles

2010-03-15T19:14:00.003+05:30

Little kids.. Million dollar Smiles.... Amazing Axe...

Capoeira for a cause! That was Capoeira India at Dharavi Shelter for Kids.

DHARAVI SHELTER is a new project that the URBZ team have recently embarked on in Dharavi’s New Transit Camp. Having emerged as a community inititiave, URBZ has been working to enable this user-generated space to inspire expression, art, participation, development, sharing and learning.

They hosted an event - DHARAVI 48, in order to raise awareness and funds, as well as invite people to visit the shelter, learn about our work, and get involved. They invited local artists to exhibit their work as well as different neighbourhoods in Dharavi to share their rich culture and art. With workshops and activities, Capoeira was a super hit among the kids.

For more information visit the website www.urbz.net/shelter
Or call at 09920377806 /// 9773361243 // 9833398760 / 9823209788

Capoeira - Martial Art with a Heartbeat

2010-03-13T23:13:00.004+05:30

They don't call her Chapada for nothing. In true spirit, she is lost wandering soul..... lost in her thoughts.. lost in her world (which includes Capoeira India, the group, the family).

When I visited Brazil, I went to this lovely National part called Chapada Diamantina and I got lost there. In my thoughts too. And I remembered this girl. What a coincidence! This lost little girl, who I thought about is none other than Diamante (Diamond) of our Capoeira group aka Tulsi.

Currently braving a broken leg and heading to work everyday, she may have taken a break from Capoeira class but Capoeira is in her mind and heart all day.

So, here is what she wrote about Capoeira and Capoeira India :)

Capoeira - Martial art with a heartbeat

Virtual Combat called Capoeira

2010-03-13T23:02:00.004+05:30

DNA, one of the leading publications in the country covered Capoeira India in an interesting article "Virtual Combat Called Capoeira".

Click here to read the article.

Viva Capoeira India!

Fighting Fit - Capoeira in Hindustan Times 'Rush'

2010-03-06T23:09:00.005+05:30

Capoeira India was features in Hindustan Times - Rush as a part of the article 'Fighting Fit'. The photograph of Baba and Macaco shows the amazing energy and action of Capoeira.

Viva Capoeira !

Kick Fat Kick Pollution

2010-02-20T09:49:00.001+05:30

Events around the corner for Capoeira India

2010-02-19T12:39:00.008+05:30

Capoeira India to perform at Car Free Day!

This upcoming Sunday, February 21, for the first time ever, Mumbai is holding a Car Free Day, similar to Ciclovia in Bogotá and Summer Streets in New York City. The all-day event is organized by the Khar-Bandra-Santacruz (KBS) Foundation, a community-based non-governmental organization that promotes cycling and walking as a way to improve the environment and quality of life for local residents. Seema Tiwari, advisor to the KBS Foundation and a former staff member of the Centre for Sustainable Transport in India (part of the EMBARQ Network, which produces this blog), shares her insights about why Car Free Day matters for her city and what it means for the global sustainable transport community.

Capoeira India at Red Bull Street Style !

Post Car Free Day, Capoeira India will make a cool Guest appearance at Red Bull Street Style National Finals - an event to hunt for India's best freestyle footballer. Winner gets to represent India at the World Finals in South Africa. Come and join the fun on 27th February at Carter Road, Bandra from 4 pm onwards. Facebook Event Page

See you'll there!

Recent Media Coverage

2010-02-15T13:25:00.004+05:30

Story about Masumeh - one of the Capoeira students - Times of India

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Its-dangerous-sensual-sexy-Masumeh/articleshow/4648626.cms

Land of the New Warriors - Times of India

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life/health-fitness/health/Land-of-the-new-warriors/articleshow/4881181.cms

Easy Way to lose the inches - Times of India

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life/health-fitness/fitness/Easy-ways-to-lose-those-inches/articleshow/4971702.cms

Amit Varma - Student of Capoeira - Times of India

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tv-/Amit-Varma-learns-martial-art-/articleshow/5479904.cms

Khala Ghoda Coverage - Times of India

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/They-stepped-out-to-lend-a-helping-hand/articleshow/5546717.cms

Prateik Babbar and Capoeira - Times of India

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/No-gyming-for-Prateik-Babbar/articleshow/5477118.cms

Rosa and Capoeira - Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Rosa-gets-fighting-fit/articleshow/4762943.cms

Yoga gets a Steroid Shot at Carter Road - Mid Day
http://www.mid-day.com/whatson/2009/apr/110409-Reza-Massah-Monitor-Baba-Yoga-Capoeira-performers-kick-cartwheel-Amphitheatre-Carter-Road.htm

Alive and Leapfrogging - Indian Express
http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/alive-and-leapfrogging/375403/

.... and lots more ....

.. Capoeira India goes to Brazil...

2010-01-13T12:02:00.008+05:30

And after months of excitement, Baba and Capoeira India have reached Brazil safe and sound.

Partying hard and living and breating Capoeira every moment, we (the ones in India) are living vicariously through their pictures.

The group on the way to Brazil.. pit stop at Jo'berg... Look out for more updates here...

Group at classes with Jogo De Dentro.... Mestre Cabello and Tisza..

With the Sete Lagoas group (Contra Mestre Esquilo's group)

So.. the lucky ones were Cabeca, Mel, Macaco, Zorro, Beleza, Colgate, Boca Rica, Richie, Kamal, Popeye, Llemanja and how can we forget BABA :)

Sete Lagoas to visit Contra Mestre Esquilo's place

Then to Salvador

Then to Mestre Cabellos farm

and the much awaited Capoeirando 2010 in Ilheus, Bahia...

Some people managed Rio, Paraty, Iguassu and what not in the given time...

The group had a blast and brought back a bit of Brazil for the rest of us who could not go.

The Axe is incredible.

Their tan even better :)

Here are the various photo links -

Cabeca's Album

Zorro's Album

Julia's album

Flavio's album - (CDO Sete Lagoas)

Andre's Album - (CDO Sao Paulo)

Lemanja's album - Check her Facebook Profile - She has toooo many albums :)

If you guys have any more links, please put it up....

Capoeira India is now waiting for 2012 !!!!!!

Update on preparations for Brazil

2009-06-17T15:26:00.003+05:30

1. Fundraising

We made the cut for the final of entertainment ke liye kuch bhi karega. Rs 10,000/- Yaaaay. Watch us here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2Wmwbkzv-U
Unfortunately we didn't win. But then again that would mean we wouldnt have all this fun coming up with other ways of raising the money to go to Brazil. Oh yes, and congratulations to the group who did win.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3LbCcm9CPk

We've raised almost another Rs 10,000/- through the blog http://dreamsofbrazil.blogspot.com/
Thank you Thank you Thank you to all those who contributed. Now lets crank up the heat (actually lets just summon the rain gods instead) and put some more of those good ideas and energies to use.

2. Portuguese class

We're starting an in house Portuguese class this Saturday (19th June) at my house 5:30. Will post more info and resources on facebook. Ta bom?

Dreams of Brazil

2009-05-28T13:49:00.005+05:30

Dreams of Brazil has been created by the students of Capoeira India Group to fund two extremely talented Capoeiristas to visit Brazil, the country Capoeira originates from. Their trip is set to coincide with 'Capoeirando - 2010', one of the largest Capoeira events that takes place in Ilheus - Bahia, Brazil every year. Participation in this event and training with other renowned masters will take them to the next level in this martial art, moulding them as future instructors of Capoeira in India.

The 2 talented Capoeiristas

Macaco (Gaurav) is one of Baba's first students and has been training for more than 3 years. Macaco's journey in Capoeira is a great example of a student whose life Capoeira has changed. Growing up in Mira Road and following the predictable education path till high school, Capoeira has given him skill, confidence and experiences that he may not have had access to. 22 years old and supporting his family, Macaco dreams of being a Capoeira Instructor one day. Currently assisting Baba in classes, Macaco is an extremely dedicated Capoerista. Working on his game constantly to improve himself, attention to detail in terms of music and language, his humility, good nature and patience makes him a wonderful instructor today.

Sucuri (Sunil) started training under Baba at St. Catherines Home, a welfare society for destitute children in Bandra, Mumbai. Taking a liking to Capoeira right from day one, Sucuri has chosen to pursue this martial art in addition to his college education. Apart from being a committed student of Baba's, Sucuri already spends some time teaching Capoeira to the smaller children at St. Catherines. Age to his advantage, flexbility and agility has made Sucuri a really talented Capoeirista in just 2 years. Extremely positive in his approach and a fast learner, not to miss the mischief and showmanship that Capoeira requires, Sucuri has the potential to go the distance and also set an example to his friends at St. Catherines.

How will the money be used?

The money collected through this fund will cover the following expenses -
- Airfare
- Visa charges
- Local travel, boarding and lodging
- Expenses towards Capoeira event and Capoeira classes

How to contribute?

Send an email to dreamsofbrazil@gmail.com with these details -

Name:
Contact Number:
Amount you wish to contribute:
Email:
How did you hear about Dreams of Brazil?

Our representative will get in touch with you and arrange to collect the money. Little drops make an ocean..... Your contribution can help these boys go the distance!

Batizado time!

2009-04-20T22:40:00.003+05:30

It's that time of the year again! The familiar feverish air, the flips, the kicks, the sequences, the swish of grass skirts and clickety clack of Maculele sticks. The axe. Everything is on the rise as CDO India gears up for its annual Batizado. Beginners excitedly await their very first (green) cordaos, as they are initiated or baptized into the Capoeira fold. Higher belts are preparing for Troca de Cordao (change of belts from green to yellow-green, and yellow-green to yellow). And the two cherries on the cake include Contra Mestre Cueca and Instrutor Revivo, who have come from Israel to help us with our event! The past couple of weeks with Instrutor Revivo have been absolutely amazing and with CM Cueca's arrival last night, we can only imagine the axe that is going to be created!

Capoeira Workshop at Zodiac 2008

2009-04-20T22:16:00.010+05:30

23rd March, 2008 saw an electrifying demo and workshop by CDO India, at the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology's annual festival Zodiac. Participants filled the front lawn and learned the basics of this intriguing martial art, cheered on by their excited friends. Some memorable moments are captured below.

Demo with Shiamak Davar's students

2009-02-09T23:52:00.007+05:30

January saw a brilliant start-- with students from the Shiamak Davar Institute of Performing Arts no less!

Here are a few pictures of the demo class we conducted at one their centres!

Cueca's Winter Meet 2008, Israel

2009-01-12T00:45:00.011+05:30

2008 saw one of the best capoeira events ever, hosted by Contra Mestre Cueca, in Israel.

Capoeiristas from all over the world (including Russia, France, Brazil and India) congregated at the Cordao de Ouro centre in Israel for an extensive workshop in Capoeira and all the trimmings that come with it (music, dance, food, parties and other fun activities).

The CDO delegates from India included Baba, Gecko, Preta, Diamante, Langera and Zorro. A happy bunch, we were warmly welcomed by our hosts, who took turns in housing us and driving us around.

Below is a peek into one of the most memorable trips of the year.

Monsoon's up.. Sunday Roda is back!

2008-11-11T14:41:00.016+05:30

The Sunday roda is back with a vengeance! Every Sunday at 5:30 pm, our group assembles at the Carter Road amphitheatre. We start an energetic game, which goes on till sundown (and sometimes past). So far, we've collected quite the crowd (we even drowned out street play performers a couple of weeks back, who were trying to promote their own festival with loud drums). Last Sunday, one of the students from the Children's batch joined us too! The roda ends with Baba briefing the keen and curious crowd about Capoeira ("An art developed 500 years ago by African slaves...") and where one can learn it in India. We unwind with some samba and then settle down near the amphitheatre singing songs till the stars come up.

A lovely way to open a window into the world of Capoeira for Mumbaikars. Cheers to Sunday rodas and to the capoeiristas who come and contribute their axe!

Capoeira India in Indian Express

2008-11-01T20:28:00.003+05:30

Alive and Leapfrogging

Sukanya Shetty
Posted: Oct 20, 2008 at 0029 hrs IST

A Capoeira master is teaching his art to underprivileged kids at an orphanage.

Introduced three years ago in the city and with hundreds of students already enrolled, Brazilian dance and self-defence art form Capoeira is quite the rage in Mumbai. And now, Reza Messah, who mastered the art while running a restaurant in Israel, is set to teach the city’s underprivileged children how to leap and somersault to the Capoeira beats.

“We have recently started our workshops for the deprived section. Though not on a regular basis we have tried to reach out to street kids and slum dwellers. And the response, though, slow has been satisfying,” says Reza.

His group has also had some sessions with the orphans at St Catherine’s Home, Snatacruz. “Although not on a regular basis, we see students slowly developing an interest in Capoeira, it’s a voluntary interest that we want to be developed within the kids. More that promoting the art, we want the kids to come out and express themselves in whatever form.”

At St Catherine’s, eleven-year-old Asha says she has been practising Capoeira for several months now. “When we don’t have place, we make do with whatever space is available. My friends and I practice every week.” Asked what she likes best about Capoeira, the 11- year old promptly says: “It is the only form of self-defence that does not propagate violence.”

A lesser known martial art in India, Capoeira is often confused with dance but is actually the national sport of Brazil. “After learning it for over ten years, I decided to bring Capoeira to India. But even after three years here, Capoeira is still in its nascent stages here,” adds Reza.

Still, Reza already has a successor who aspires to be a Capoeira master. Sunil Singh (16) who doesn’t remember actively playing any game, now wants to master the art of Capoeira. “I have been learning Capoeira for seven months now. I am the oldest one from St Catherines who is leaning the art. I want to make Capoeira my source of income, by teaching it to others.”

“Some 500 years ago, Capoeira was primarily performed by the then slaves in Brazil to unwind after backbreaking work. It can still work as a great tension-releasing therapy for people in the 21st Century. And this is where the magic lies,” Sunil says.

Learning Capoeira means taking in a whole new culture, learning Portuguese songs and playing at least three musical instruments. Reza’s students play everyday, though it is just the preliminary move.

Capoeira has no age barrier. “My youngest student is a four-year-old, while the oldest is 47 years old. One has to just be young at heart,” quips Reza.

With every one nicknamed in the Capoeira community, Reza is Mechanic Baba, students too have affectionate nicknames. So, there Macao (monkey) to Bombom (candy) and Mel (honey) to Cereja (cherry) and Ninja and even Einstein, everybody leaps into the air for a bit of stress-relief.

Link to the article : http://www.indianexpress.com/news/alive-and-leapfrogging/375403/1