Capoeira is for everyone – for all ages and levels of fitness. Everyone can receive enjoyment from this unique art form, whether as a spectator or a participant.

This Q & A section addresses many of the concerns that new students may have.

What should I wear to my first class?

New students and beginners should wear clean, loose, comfortable clothing suitable for exercise (no jeans or skirts). We also encourage you to bring a spare shirt to class.

Can I join at any time?

Our classes are run during the school terms (10-week blocks).  As our term classes are progressive, we encourage you to join at the start of the term for maximum benefits.  Please call us to book.  We do accept late entry into our classes for some kids/teens/adults.  We do not accept late entry into the term for toddler classes.

Classes will be delivered by Matthew Eales (Formando Uakari) and Heidi Eales (Prof. Jambo) who are both qualified Capoeira Instructors teaching Capoeira for more than 18 years in Townsville. Both Matthew and Heidi regularly attend workshops and seminars to ensure their Capoeira training and teaching methods are current.

Matthew is also a qualified personal trainer and aqua instructor.

As a beginner, you will learn the basic moves, kicks, escapes and basic acrobatics to enable you to play a simple game of Capoeira. You will learn the etiquette of the jogo (game of Capoeira), learn how to play basic rhythms on some instruments and sing simple Capoeira songs (in Portuguese).  You will also improve your fitness, strength, flexibility, confidence, balance, coordination, perception, rhythm and timing all of which you will be able to apply in your day to day life and prepare you to advance to our regular classes should you wish to continue learning Capoeira.

Please contact us prior to the start of the course with your name, age, phone and email contact to enrol.

What should I bring to my first class?

Bring a towel, spare shirt(s) and your own water bottle. Bring your own strapping or sports tape if needed. At your first class bring your student ID/Concession card or other form of identification. If you are under 18 years a parent or guardian is required to be present to sign your consent form.

Am I too old to train?

Capoeira is for all ages and levels of fitness. Come along and have some fun. If you are concerned about participating in any exercises please do not hesitate to discuss your concerns with us before you commence training. We also recommend that you see your doctor for advice before commencing any exercise curriculum.

I am not very fit or flexible…

As with learning and training any sport your fitness will increase, as will your strength, coordination and flexibility. Remember that starting something new is always difficult, but with regular training and persistence, you can achieve your goals!

What if I have an old/current injury?

Please see your doctor or physiotherapist for advice before commencing or continuing any physical activity. You need to know and understand your limitations before you can commence any form of exercise. You are required to fill out a personal and medical history form before commencing any activities with us and you must discuss any concerns (including previous illnesses, injuries and current medications) you may have before you start Capoeira classes.

Should I wear shoes or train bare feet?

This is a personal preference. Many students prefer to train barefoot for the ease of movement. For your first class, bring your trainers along and see which is more comfortable for you. You can also use sports tape (available from your local chemist) on the balls of your feet and toes to prevent blisters. Special Capoeira shoes are also available for training– check with your instructor to order.

Can I train together with my child?

We have a number of parents and children who train at our academy. Participating in the same activity can often bring you ‘closer’ together. We have both adult’s classes and children’s classes – however, they are not combined. Children need to develop their co-ordination, balance, strength and flexibility at a different pace and in a different learning environment to adults, therefore it is necessary to have separate classes. However, the moves that you will learn will be the same as your child and you can have fun practicing them together in your own time, or at the monthly rodas that we organize when the whole school comes together in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere (usually outside of the academy).

Our toddler classes for children 2 to 5 years is the only class where parents are able to accompany their children on the floor. The class is specifically structured for young children to assist them in developing their motor skills, rhythm and balance using some Capoeira movements as a base and encouraging them to have fun in a friendly and fun environment complete with various apparatus to stimulate their development. If you are interested in starting these classes with your child please contact us. – Contact us for more information or visit our classes page for Term dates.

Please note that this class has a limit of numbers.

What if I only like Acrobatics

Capoeira is a martial art with elements of music, dance and acrobatics. It is normal to like one aspect over another and you may find that you may excel one area and may have some difficulties in others. However, students will learn all aspects of Capoeira and are encouraged to keep training all elements. Remember – the most important thing is that you have fun!

But I can’t do a backflip!

One of the most beautiful things about Capoeira is the acrobatics. However, it is not necessary to do backflips in order to play a good or effective game of Capoeira. Capoeira allows one to express him or herself physically and to explore one’s limitations and potential. While we teach acrobatic moves in a controlled environment with trained instructors, we never impose moves upon a student who is not yet ready to practice or execute them.

Why is Capoeira played to music?

Capoeira is an art form that is more than 500 years old, rich in history, philosophy and ritual. From since its early stages in history Capoeira was practiced to music to disguise the fact that practitioners (slaves) were practicing a martial art so that they could eventually break free from their captors. Thus, the music plays an important role in deceiving onlookers, making them believe that Capoeira is a dance. While Capoeira has elements of dance, it is indeed a martial art with defences, attacks and take downs – and, each game is un-rehearsed. All of the songs are sung in Portuguese and tell stories of Capoeira’s history and of the game within. Students will learn the various rhythms played on the instruments and what the songs mean during the course of their learning.

How often should I train?

This is a personal decision based on your commitment level and your available time. Students are encouraged to train regularly.

When can I purchase my uniform?

Usually, after the beginner course has been completed (or if you have done around 8 to 10 classes) we encourage you to purchase the uniform. The uniform includes 1 shirt, 1 training pants (abada). You will also receive your first belt (white belt). You can purchase your uniform at our academy.

What if I am unable to make it to my regular classes?

We appreciate it if you contact us to let us know if you will be unable to make it to classes. While Capoeira can be learned as an individual, it is also a team sport. Your regular contact with us helps us to plan classes structured around YOU.  If you will be away for a long period we request that you let your instructor know.  Make up sessions are not guaranteed or available for all classes.  Make up sessions will not be available for students who do not contact us to let us know that they will be missing their regular class.

Do I have to attend gradings or workshops?

Capoeira, like any other martial art has a belt system that indicates the level of a hierarchy within the group, distinguishing the student from the instructor or mestre (master). Your ‘belt’ is earned by you from your hard work and dedication in your training. Attendance to our annual grading or workshops is not compulsory, however students must train in their level in class, therefore if you choose not to attend the workshops to improve your skills, or attend the grading you may not be able to reach your full potential in Capoeira.  We strongly encourage all students to attend the annual student workshop and grading held each year in October.

To train Capoeira is more than going once in a while for the aerobic workout, or to enjoy the energy of the roda. Of course, we welcome anyone for whom this appropriate, but for most participants, that is not enough. It is traditional for Capoeiristas to immerse themselves in the art, training, researching and socializing outside of class.

Our group is dedicated to maintaining the traditions of Capoeira while continuing to evolve the art.

To progress in Capoeira you must try to continually develop your movements, connecting them like words in a sentence; and you must play in the roda, applying what you have learned in your training. Learning the music and instruments is also fundamental.

Arrive on time to class and be prepared to work hard knowing that a new or difficult movement will come with time. Do not be afraid of not being able to do it right, repetition and consistency will improve your skills and game. Try to make it to extra curricular activities as your support and participation is one of the most important things to being a part of the diverse and positive environment and community.

Capoeira is for everyone – for all ages and levels of fitness. Everyone can receive enjoyment from this unique art form, whether as a spectator or a participant. The practice of Capoeira has many benefits and Capoeira aims to improve the following:

• Balance
• Co-ordination
• Strength
• Flexibility
• Perception
• Agility
• Concentration
• Rhythm and timing
• Cultural awareness
• Respect and consideration of others
• Self confidence
• Self awareness
• Self motivation
• Team work
• Discipline

All of these attributes can be incorporated into everyday life skills for the development and improvement of oneself.

There are two ways a player can enter the roda to play a game. If you are not sure which way is most appropriate, watch what other people are doing or ask a higher cord.

The first way is when two players come to kneel at the foot of the LEAD berimbau, shake hands and enter the roda with an “au” (cartwheel). When their game is over, they shake hands and quickly back out of the roda, making way for the next two players.

It is important to note that you should never turn your back to the roda, whether you are standing on the perimeter or especially when you are leaving the roda after a game. This is for your safety, since other players may not notice that you have not completely left the roda before they start to play (throwing kicks or flips).

The second way to enter the roda is to “buy the game”. At this point, you must pay attention to the hierarchy of the cords. Always take the person out has been in the roda the longest EXCEPT if that person is a master, in which case he always has priority, or in a special occasion roda (like a birthday roda, entrega de roda) where a person is being celebrated. You must be sensitive to the energy of the roda and the game before “buying” a game. Often it is considered ‘bad manners’ if an inexperienced capoeirista buys a game between two experienced players. Try to buy the game within your colour cord level.

There is an etiquette to buying a game in the roda that is difficult to explain, however observe the higher cords and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Note: A lower cord may not buy out a higher cord unless the Instructor or Mestre in charge gives permission to do so. When you you buy the game, make sure both players can see you and you should still start at the foot of the berimbau – go in from the side and don’t hesitate.

Capoeira is played in a roda (pronounced ho-dah). It is the climax of the art of capoeira. At the head of the roda is the orchestra, consisting of usually three berimbaus, one atabaque, two pandeiros and one agogo. The berimbau leads the roda, its rhythm and speed dictating the type of game that is to be played.

The most highly ranked capoeirista usually plays the berimbau. The mestre (master) or the highest ranked capoeirista present at the group retains the responsibility for maintaining the integrity of the roda.

The rest of the roda is formed by the capoeiristas (students) who contribute their energy by clapping and singing. Even if you don’t know the words to the songs (sung in portuguese), try to imitate the sounds you hear and learn them later. As a Capoeirista part of the training is to learn how to play the instruments and to sing and lead songs.

The roda can be best described as a living entity where everyone’s energy is focused on the game being played in the centre, where the two capoeiristas are engaged in a physical dialogue. What makes the roda exciting is the energy that the players, musicians and singers put into it.

 

Music

The music of Capoeira is integral to the art and lends historical insight to the origins, mestres, traditions of the art as well as Brazilian folklore and legends. The music acknowledges the slavery, oppression and eventual freedom that resulted from the practice of the art.

All of the songs are sung in Portuguese and the songs can comment on the game metaphorically or directly. They can acknowledge roots through places and symbolic aspects of Capoeira. There are also greeting songs and farewell songs.

Types of Songs include: Ladainha, Louvacao, Corridos and Quadras

Instruments

The Berimbau is the predominant instrument of Capoeira and dictates the rhythm and type of game to be played in the roda.

The berimbau is made up of a wooden stick called the “beriba“, whcih is strung with a steel string, the “arame” to form a bow shape. The gourd, “cabaca” acts as a resonator and to make the sounds a stone or coin “dobrao” is pressed against the steel string and hit with a thin bamboo stick “paqueta“. There is also a small basket shaker called a “caxixi” which is used as part of the percussion.

Although this instrument seems simplistic, it creates complex sounds in both tonality and rhythm.

There are three types of Berimbaus: Gunga, Medio and Viola. The gunga is the largest of the three and has the deepest sound. Like the bass guitar, it sets the rhythm and plays the basic theme. The Medio compliments the Gunga by maintaining the rhythm. The viola, the smallest of the three, has the sharpest sound and is responsible for syncopation or improvisation. The rhythms of the berimbaus are known as toques and the toques control the type of game played in the roda.

Some of the more commonly played toques in our group include:

• Regional de Bimba
• Angola
• Iuna
• Sao Bento Grande de Angola
• Sao Bento Pequeno de Angola
• Samba de Roda

The other instruments in the roda are:

• Atabaque
• Pandeiro
• Agogo

Songs

There are thousands of capoeira songs and new songs are being written and sung all the time. The songs are the heart and soul of the capoeira, relaying personal stories, legend and often times expressing the game at present. All capoeira songs are sung in Brazilian Portuguese. Many popular songs are sung by groups all over the world. We are always learning new songs and we will continue to add links and lyrics to our site. We are fortunate that today we have the technology to share songs rapidly and more accurately.

Below are some you tube links to some of the songs frequently sung in our school. We’d like to thank the capoeira community, students, teachers and mestres for sharing their music and lyrics on you tube for us all to enjoy, learn and sing in our rodas. Happy learning!

To help us keep our page up to date, please let us know if there are any links that do not work, or if you would like to see a song added.

1. Um Pe Passou
2. E da Nossa Cor
3. Me Leva Pra Bahia
4. Boa Viagem
5. Sim Sim, Nao Nao & Vou Dizer a Meu Senor
6. Roda Ja Commecou
7. Rainha do Mar (Mora Iemanja)
8. Zum zum zum
9. Onde vai Caima
10. Bem ti vi vuou (la la laue)
11. Um dois tres quatro cinco seis
12. AEIOU
13. A hora e essa
14. Jogo Praticado Na Terra de Sao Salvador
15. Marinheiro So
16. Palma de Bimba
17. Eu Pisei na Folha Seca
18. Meu Orgulho
19. Capoeira e Ligeiro
20. Sinha
21. Tem que ter axe
22. Paranaue Parana
23. A capoeira meu amor
24. Tava na beira do mar
25. E me Leva na Bahia
26. Bamba na Capoeira
27. Quero Ver Cair
28. E legal
29. Vai colorindo
30. Gostoso de jogar
31. Tim tim tim la vai viola
32. Boa Noite (Maculele)
33. Senor Dono da Casa (Maculele)
34. Sou Eu Maculele (Maculele)
35. Puxada De Rede (song for folkloric fisherman’s dance)

 

All students will eventually receive an appelido (nickname) in Capoeira.

In order to explain the tradition of the nicknames, we must first recall the history of Capoeira. Capoeira is a martial art that grew out of a necessity for survival and freedom for the African slaves who were forcibly brought to Brazil to work on the plantations.

After slavery, the oppression continued. There were not many employment opportunities for uneducated, ex-slaves. For many, their only skill was Capoeira and many turned to petty thievery, gangs or were hired by corrupt politicians and high society members as personal body guards and thugs as a way to survive.

Capoeira in Brasil around the late 1800’s was negatively associated and the practice of Capoeira was a punishable offence. Hence, capoeiristas of that period gave themselves nicknames in order to hide their real identities from the police and often they had more than one. Capoeira today is recognised as Brazil’s national sport and is practised around the world.

Getting a nickname in Capoeira has become a tradition and one usually receives a nickname at his or her first Batizado.

 

• Raw     (Beginner/Iniciante): Students begin their Capoeira training at this level. The Corda Crua, translated as Raw Cord, signifies that rather than being seen as inexperienced, students are seen as being full of potential for growth.
• Yellow/Raw (Aluno Batizado): Typically, this is a cord given to students to welcome them to the world of Capoeira. Here the students begin to learn the names of techniques and start learning the chorus of basic corridos.
• Yellow (Aluno): At this level, students have a basic knowledge of the fundamentals, such as esquivas, kicks and ground movements. They begin to demonstrate a novice understanding of the Capoeira game and application of movements. Students know the choruses to some songs and are starting to practice instruments.
• Orange/Raw (Aluno): Students begin to understand the importance of developing their game, as well, as the importance of music and organization in the roda. A comprehension of fundamental techniques, its appropriate name and application begins to develop.
• Orange (Aluno): At this level students have a much deeper understanding of the Capoeira game. They now begin utilizing many different kicks and acrobatic movements. Students are also capable of singing solos during a roda and playing many different instruments. Knowledge concerning the group origins and history of capoeira is important in the student’s development. At this level, students begin to learn and develop techniques of Angola.
• Blue/Red (Estagiário a Graduado/Monitor): Students earn the title of Estagiário a Graduado/Monitor at this level. Estagiário a Graduado study class from an outside perspective as they themselves begin learning how to teach, and may even be able to teach under the supervision of their instructor. They also aid any lower-ranked students in need of assistance. They have a large repertoire of songs, and can play any instrument. As Capoeiristas, students at this level have a knowledge of the fundamentals and are able to fully incorporate it, movimentação and acrobatic movements in the roda. Estágiarios begin to learn variations of kicks, cadência do jogo and tempo de entrada. Their Angola games also begin to develop. At this level, they are introduced to Mestre Bimba’s Jogo de Balões – Cintura Desprezada.
• Blue (Graduado/Instrutor): At this level, students earn the title of Graduado, which means “Graduated”.  Students have a proficiency in the fundamentals of their Capoeira Brasil lineage, Mestre Bimba’s Eight Sequences, Cintura Desprezada, history of the group and capoeira, and a developed game dependent of the toque. In a sense, this is also a new beginning for students, a new “Corda Crua”, because, as mentioned before, assessments are based on teaching ability, loyalty and Group expansion. They must learn to share their own knowledge with other students. It is for this reason that students at this level are encouraged to begin teaching a class of their own. Students that teach a class of their own may be given the title “Instrutor.”
• Green (Instrutor Avançado): At this level, Capoeiristas continue to improve on their overall skills, which now includes the ability to teach. They are very strong in the roda, and are equally as strong when teaching a class. Their strength comes from their ability to incorporate Malicia, or deviousness, into their game. It’s malicia that gives Capoeiristas their ability to surprise and confuse their opponents.
• Purple (Professor): To reach this level, Capoeiristas must have proven themselves to be skilled martial artists in the roda and outside their Group. They are proficient teachers and trusted to be a representative of the Group. Professors are regarded very highly, as they have come very far and have devoted their lives to being part of Capoeira. Their malicia skills continue to increase, since they now have the ability to apply the knowledge they’ve gained within the roda to their dealings in the outside world, and vice-versa.
• Brown (Formando): In Grupo Capoeira Brasil, brown cords are not referred to as Contra-Mestre (literal translation meaning Against [the] Master), as in other groups, rather they are correctly addressed as “Formando“. Formando means graduating in Portuguese, as the student is reaching the culmination of Grupo Capoeira Brasil’s cord levels. They are not only some of the most important figures of their group, but in the world of Capoeira itself. They are the right hand of the Mestres within their lineage, and are so esteemed and honored that, even at this level, they are respected as Mestres. Formidable players in the roda, Formandos can seamlessly combine all of their skills into a fierce and relentless game.
• Black: (Formado): The black cord was created as an homage to Zumbi dos Palmares, a legendary figure in the story of the abolition of slavery. This is the apex for students of Grupo Capoeira Brasil; the highest and hardest level to achieve. Once graduated to the black cord, the capoeirista is then titled “Formado”, or Graduate. A black cord is known as “Formado” or “Corda Preta” within Grupo Capoeira Brasil.   The black cord does not immediately indicate that one is a “Mestre.”  A Mestre is not formed nor graduated. Instead, this is something he becomes and is recognized within the capoeira community with time, dedication, loyalty, humility, knowledge of fundamentals and acquisition of political and social conscience. This is the ideology of Grupo Capoeira Brasil.  A black cord or “Formado” only becomes a Mestre after being officially awarded the title.

  Mestres are legendary for their skill, wisdom, and tact both inside and out of the roda. They have solidified their Capoeira games by consolidating all of the physical skills they’ve learned through their years of training with the cunning and trickery they’ve learned through their life experience. Mestres work to preserve the teaching of the founders, legacy of the grand fathers and “Velha Guarda” of Capoeira’s past and the heritage of Capoeira’s Afro-Brazilian roots. They impart their wisdom and experience in creating students and professors of quality and character. Mestres comprise the top echelon of all Capoeira groups, and it is therefore their right to oversee and supervise the on-goings of the group they lead.

Children’s Belts

Children up to 10yrs receive tip cords (1 tip and 2 tips)

Children 11yrs to 17yrs receive half colour cords