Capoeira is a Brazilian art form that incorporates dance, music, martial art techniques and acrobatics.

The history of the art can be traced back to the early 1500’s in Brazil, during the time of slavery. Africans were brought to Brazil by the Portuguese to work on the plantations as slaves in harsh and unsuitable conditions. The slaves had no way to escape their hardship except for the practice of their singing and dancing. It was in this expression that Capoeira was born and later developed into the popular art form that it is today.

Capoeira is an expression of the body, mind and spirit. Capoeira looks like a dance and can be a fight – Its movements are mesmerizing and scintillating.

In a “game” of Capoeira, two players move around each other in what can be described as a ‘mock combat’ encircled by other capoeiristas with the orchestra of instruments at the head of the circle. The players weave in and out of each other in what appears to be a dance.

Among the players, the game can best be described as a conversation – ‘call and response’. It is graceful, yet combative. Like a human game of chess, one player will try to trick and tease the other to move into a position where she is able to put him off balance or to create the space for acrobatic moves. It is a game of the body and mind. It is a game of wills, strength, flexibility, endurance and perception. Each game is unrehearsed, the players using their skills to challenge and outsmart the other.

The traditional music of the Capoeira dictates the type of game to be played – slow, fast, acrobatic, playful or powerful. The songs are sung in Portuguese and capture the essence and history of the art form or simply describe the game within.

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.

If you look up the Portuguese dictionary or Google you might come across rather harsh definitions such as, thug, gangster or con-artist and other similar derivatives. However, when you dig deeper into the history of Capoeira and how the “malandros” came about and ‘malandragem’ you may change your opinion and understanding or perhaps just open your mind to another view.

A ‘carioca’ word (i.e. from Rio De Janiero), the Malandros originated from oppressed and socially disadvantaged backgrounds and they used their cunning and street smarts to find their way out of unjust situations, even if it meant resorting to less socially acceptable methods to achieve a better position in business or in social life.

After the abolishment of slavery in Rio, many ex-slaves remained uneducated and jobless and many ex-slaves became hired thugs appreciated only for their Capoeira skills. As bodyguards to the rich, they were provided with a slim opportunity to move up in the social and business ladders. The ‘malandros’ were known as the cool guys who could talk their way out of any situation. Many malandros adopted nick-names to avoid being identified by the authorities, some had several. Clever, smooth and dapper and usually all dressed in white. There is no evidence to suggest that women malandras did not exist, but if there were, they were few.

Malandragem is a word heard often in many Capoeira songs. Associated with idleness and a bohemian and lazy lifestyle, “malandragem” sometimes included petty thievery and tricks. Its close association with capoeiristas in the early 1900’s painted malandros as shady characters and coupled with the fact that Capoeira was also outlawed during this period only served to heighten the negative aspect, which remained for many years until the recognition of Capoeira as a national sport and artform.

Today Malandro rodas are organised by many groups across the globe which help to remember this serious and ruthless historical period of Capoeira in a fun and lighthearted way.

Written by H. Eales (aka Intr. Jambo)

Our Code of Conduct and Policies contains information about:

• General Safety at our Academy
• Uniforms and Training Equipment
• Health and Hygiene
• Training Ethics
• Fees
• Public Performances/Demonstrations/Rodas & Gradings