������̳

Each Wednesday and Sunday for two hours in Tunstall a group of dedicated capoeristas dressed in a white and blue uniform congregate to do various acrobatic movements including one handed-cartwheels and walking on hands, interspersed with the occasional kick … to the distinct rhythm of the berimbau. (String percussion instrument)

Lost in Translation…

Stoke-on-Trent lass Mika left her home in Tunstall for Japan five years ago to teach English as a Foreign Language.

It was there that she met her future husband, Leandro de Oliveira - a Brazilian living in Japan. “when we first met our common language was Japanese – Leandro didn’t speak English and I didn’t speak Portuguese,�� and it really surprised Japanese people to see foreigners conversing in the native language!”�� says Mika.

She then flew with him to Sao Paulo in Brazil and spent a year learning how to play the berimbau (Brazilian musical instrument), speaking fluent Portuguese and gaining proficiency in Capoeira.

Capoeira as seen on ������̳1

Capoeira is a dynamic martial art that originates in Brazil. It is approximately 500 years old and descends from the African Slaves of the colonies.

It focuses on the art of expression, play and principally non-contact interactions. In Portuguese Capoeira is referred to as a "jogo" meaning a game not a fight.

More about Capoeira...

Capoeira is characterized by its deceptive kicks, sweeps, trips, head butts, elbows and knee attacks. Two players enter a circle of the other participants, known as a "roda".

At the head of the roda are musicians, fellow Capoeira members, who play instruments specific to the art. There is the berimbau, a primitive bowed instrument, played by a Mestre, or master of the art. The berimbau is accompanied by the atabaque, a floor drum, and a pandeiro, a Brazilian tambourine.

The Mestre sets the tempo and leads the onlookers into Brazilian songs that reflect the game and attitude of the current players. Very importantly the claps, rhythm and energy of the circle fuels the players within.

The Capoeira instructors

Instructor Leandro says, “Its not a fighting form - when you get in the circle, you just express what you’re feeling as you listen to the berimbau.”

Fast loud tempos dictate games where the players throw fast, powerful kicks and blows accompanied by aerial gymnastics, spins and flips.

��Slower tempos dictate more dance like interaction and more deception between the two players. This interaction of music and moves helps the players achieve their balance.

In a controlled way players of any level can interact and enjoy being in the centre. It is in the circle that inexperienced players learn and when innovation, deception and confidence is rewarded.

Learn Capoeira Stoke-on-Trent Style...

The group in Tunstall place a great emphasis on learning about Brazilian culture and language – all students have learnt to count to ten in Portuguese which comes in handy whilst stretching – and they are all encouraged to sing the traditional ‘roda’ song lyrics and play the Brazilian musical instruments.

The Capoeristas stand in circle at the end of the class and salute each other using the expression ‘Axe!’ that comes from the Afro-Brazilian religion, Candomble. “It’s a way of passing positive energy to everyone in the group” says Leandro, trying to communicate the spirit of Capoeira.

Surely it’s only meant for the extremely athletic types?

Not according to Mika, a former student of Blurton High school, who now teaches the Brazilian martial art and claims to have been very unfit when she first started. And what’s so great about it? She says, "The best thing about Capoeira is that it encompasses so many things – music, exercise, dance, culture, originality, creativity, language, singing and tradition."

Instructor Leandro emphasises that people of all levels can attend and will be rewarded with participation in an energetic but graceful sport with the cultural mix of Brazilian music and rhythm.

Capoeira Classes take place at 21st Century Leisure, Davenport Street, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 4LJ on Tuesdays for children and on Wednesdays and Sundays for adults.

Contact Instructor Leandro de Oliveira on 07821 713 431 or by e-mail on Capoeira_art_brasil@yahoo.com for more information.