Your First Capoeira Class
Whatever your reason for choosing Capoeira, whether you’ve watched the film ‘Only the Strong’ or your favourite character in that computer game you keep playing is a Capoeirista, you’ve finally decided to take the plunge and book that all important first lesson. Your first Capoeira class will be daunting and thrilling and you really want to know what to expect from it.
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First of all, expect to do a cartwheel. Even if you haven’t done one in years, you are going to have to start doing them again. The cartwheel, called an aú is one of the basic movements of Capoeira as a means of escape and attack so it is essential to be able to do one. All the movements that you will learn in your Capoeira classes will be physically demanding, so it is best to go knowing that is what will be expected of you.
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Secondly, you will be expected to join in the roda. The roda is a circle of people that surround the playing area. The capoeiristas will form a circle and some of them will play instruments. Everyone in the roda will sing and clap as two of the capoeiristas play Capoeira. This may seem a little scary at first but you will learn a lot from watching more experienced players and it will help you start to feel a member of the group.
You will be expected to join in with the singing and clapping. Music is an integral part of Capoeira and in the roda all capoeiristas sing and clap. The singing and clapping, along with the instruments, keeps up the tempo of the game and bring energy. Of course, you won’t be expected to know the words to the songs, they are in Portuguese after all, but your efforts to join in will show your enthusiasm and respect for Capoeira.
Capoeira classes are usually mixed levels so beginners train with experienced students. It can be very intimidating and frustrating for the beginner. They see the more experienced students doing handstands and kicks and want to learn everything at once. However, it doesn’t take long to realise that even the most basic moves in Capoeira are challenging. All you can do is try your best and watch the other students and learn from them.
During the Class
Classes usually start with warm-up and stretching which will be followed by teaching and practice of movements and combination. This could be individually or with partners. The instructor may separate the beginners from the more experienced students or give you individual attention as it is your first class. The class will probably also include music practice and probably end with a roda.
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What to Do
First of all, do your best. Be enthusiastic and attentive. This will show have much you want to learn.
Have respect for what the mestre or instructor is teaching you and keep an open mind about learning new movements and techniques.
Try to be friendly and polite to everybody in the class. Remember, you are probably going to be seeing a lot of these people as you continue to play Capoeira and it is a good idea to start off on good terms with them. You will make lots of new friends this way and get loads of support and advice from them.
Try to make the most of your first game and realise that it takes time and practice to become good at Capoeira.
Watch the other students and try to learn from what they do well.
Participate in the roda, even if you can only clap, you will enjoy it and make you feel part of the group.
Ask questions when you have them, if it is appropriate to do so at the time, or wait till there is a better time. Thank the instructor after the class and find out when the next class is.
Enjoy yourself!
What Not to Do
Don’t be discouraged by how difficult the moves are. Remember it takes a lot of practice to become good at Capoeira. Don’t worry about looking stupid or making mistakes. Everybody there was a beginner once.
Don’t be rude to the instructor and other students. Don’t question the mestre or instructor about his techniques and go on about how much better karate or judo or whatever other martial art you do is. Don’t talk or mess about when the instructor is explaining something.
Don’t show off. Even if you can do some breakdancing moves or backflips, it won’t be appreciated. Don’t try anything that might get you hurt and don’t try to beat other people up. Don’t talk or mess about in the roda.
Don’t expect to learn any fancy skills in your first class.
Don’t stand around like a lost sheep in your first roda. You learnt something in that first lesson didn’t you, a kick or a dodge. At least you can ginga.
This is the first day of the rest of your life as a Capoeirista, make sure you make the most of it and be ready to put in all the hard work and practice needed to make you the great player you dream of being.
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