Capoeira e' meu vida!

Capoeira and Music

Capoeira is my Life!

CAPOEIRA  ANGOLA - an African martial art from Angola, Africa. During the Atlantic slave trade Capoeira traveled to Brazil as an already formed martial art.  Capoeira was used by Africans to fight slavery and oppression, in Braziian society. During this period  the practice of Capoeira was punishable by death. After the abolition of slavery in 1888 Capoeira continued as an outaw art form. Today, the practice of Capoeira Angola is globalwide.

The roots of Capoeira sprouted in New York City,  in 1977.  I have been a student of Capoeira since 1984.  I am the founder of Grupo De N'golo, which originated in Los Angeles, in the mid-eighties.  I am a historical part of the first generation of Capoeistas to help establish Capoeira in America. My Mestre was from Bahia, Brazil.  He was a great teacher and player of Capoeira Angola.  He instilled in me the principals' of Capoeira.  Mestre, would always tell me, "That when it comes to Martial Arts, Capoeira is the Mother of all movements.   O Capoeira e' Negocio serio!". ..[ Capoeira is serious business]!  

I have been teaching the movements, music and the philosophy of Capoeira Angola since 1996.   I enjoy watching students develop!  Especially children and young adults. They approach the most intricate and complex movements,  with such ease, fearlessly!  Adults, on the other hand,  are different. They are a little more guarded in their approach and development.  As a teacher watching this maturation process humbles me and teaches me patience. Capoeira is my life!  Like an old Mestre once said, Capoeira is for everybody but everybody is not for Capoeira.  See you in class!