Below you'll find answers to frequently asked questions
ARE THERE BELTS?
Like other martial arts, Capoeira has gradings called Batizados. Any student taking part in a Batizado will receive a new corda (coloured belt), corresponding to the level of skill they have achieved. There are no forms or “katas” (structured sequences) in Capoeira. A mestre will decide when a student is ready to progress to the next level. Usually, beginners can achieve their first cord (yellow/white) within 3-6 months of training.
CAN ANYONE DO CAPOEIRA?
Capoeira is a unique Afro-Brazilian art form, which incorporates acrobatics, rhythm, music, fun, fitness and martial arts. There are no specific requirements for starting Capoeira. Come along to any of our Beginner classes which are designed for people with no or limited previous experience. People of all ages & fitness levels are encouraged to join in our classes.
WHAT HAPPENS IN A CAPOEIRA ARUANDA CLASS?
A Capoeira Aruanda class, no matter where you train,
will consist of the following components:
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Warm up: Gentle, full body warm-up to prepare for the movements of the class.
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Technique practice: In lines and with partners, learning the kicks, transitions, and evasions that are the main vocabulary of a Capoeirista.
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Acrobatics practice: beginning with "simple" movements like bananeira (handstands) and au (cartwheels), and progressing into more complex movements over time.
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Jogo, the actual game of Capoeira itself. In pairs in the centre of the roda (circle of people) students will practice playing capoeira freely.
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Cool down, and stretching.
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Music practice: learning to play capoeira instruments and traditional Capoeira songs.
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End of class: Pack-up and questions.
HOW DO I START?
You can start training Capoeira at any time. Feel free to come and watch a class or join in on your first day. All students begin class together (warm-up and basics) and afterwards are separated into beginner or intermediate level for training Capoeira movements. Request your FREE CLASS PASS below, to grab a complimentary lesson on us.
(ONE TIME OFFER ONLY).
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To redeem your FREE CLASS PASS, please fill out this form, and we will send you your pass within 48 hours.
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Just show your FREE CLASS PASS when you show up for training, and your first class will be free!
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The FREE CLASS PASS is only available to new students, and each new student is only entitled to one pass.
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NOTE: This deal is only available for CAPOEIRA ARUANDA classes at our Coogee, Darlinghurst, Lambton, Mayfield, and North Parramatta locations.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
Your Capoeira Aruanda uniform is available from your instructor. Until you get your uniform you should wear comfortable gym/exercise clothes that you can run, stretch and move freely in. Very baggy clothes are not recommended, as we do practice upside-down and spinning movements such as cartwheels and handstands, which can be tricky in loose clothing. Students train either barefoot or with sports shoes on, so bring a pair on the day, and decide which works best for you. We ask that you come to class around 15 minutes before the official starting time to allow time for payments and registration.
DOES CAPOEIRA HAVE
SPECIAL TERMINOLOGY?
Like all martial arts, Capoeira has its own distinct terminology. Because of its history as a Brazilian martial art, Capoeira terminology is in Portuguese. There is no necessity to understand Portuguese in order to study Capoeira. However, the longer you study, the more Portuguese language you will pick up, through the songs, the name of Capoeira techniques, and some basic instructions. You can learn more about the Portuguese terminology used in Capoeira training by following this link to our Language Resources.
DO I HAVE TO BE GOOD AT MUSIC?
While Capoeira is played to the pulsating rhythms of the berimbau, atabaque, and pandeiro, and accompanied by song, there is no requirement to have ever studied music before you commence your Capoeira journey. Capoeira classes will help you develop all the musical skill you will need to participate effectively in the game and the music that supports it. You can learn more about Capoeira music by following this link to our Capoeira Music Resources.
WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE?
The best way to find out about Capoeira is to come along to a class. We also know that many beginning Capoeristas have found the following books useful to understand the historical, cultural, and conceptual aspects of Capoeira. None of these are technique books. You need to come to classes to learn how to move as a Capoeirista!
