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Rochester Capoeira Center
Afro-Diasporic Art of Self Defense, Dance and Resistance
What is Capoeira?
Capoeira was created by Africans and Indigenous peoples enslaved in Brazil as self-defense disguised in dance. Capoeira is played as a game between two capoeiristas (practitioners) inside of a roda (circle) of spectators, other capoeira players, and a bateria (band) of musicians.
This beautiful and strong martial art came to be in the mid 1500s, when people were torn from Africa and shipped to the newly discovered Americas and enslaved. Under the watchful eye of a slave owner, capoeira appeared as a harmless dance and music. After the abolition of slavery in 1888, capoeira survived in the poorer neighborhoods (despite persecution from police) until its legalization in the 1930s.
Today, capoeira is celebrated and practiced around the world.
Our group, Capoeira Angola Quintal, practices a style of capoeira called "Mindful Capoeira" - learned, practiced and developed by our group's Master, Mestre Ombrinho. The following points distinguish "Mindful Capoeira" from other capoeira practices:
- a way to learn and practice capoeira that promotes longevity and a lifelong practice
- use and mastery of capoeira's basic movements
- developing intelligence over speed and force
- emphasizing cooperation over competition
- proper technique and control over violence–uncontrolled technique, physical contact and especially violence are not permitted
- learning from the wisdom of the elder masters
- accessible to people of all ages and abilities
- building a supportive and inclusive community
- celebrating freedom and diversity
Classes
Movements, music, and Afro-Brazilian culture and history make capoeira classes unique and challenging. Capoeira can be played by everyone; strength and flexibility are not required - only a desire to learn! Learn the basics while developing strength, flexibility, coordination, balance, rhythm, agility, reflexes, endurance... and so much more. Capoeira is good for mind, body and spirit.
All Levels Summer Park Class: Mondays 6:30-7:45pm
Message us directly to sign up*
Humboldt Recreation Center (tennis court)
1045 Atlantic Avenue
Rochester, NY 14609
Intro to Capoeira: Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30pm
Pre-registration via Aerial Arts site required
Aerial Arts of Rochester
1046 University Avenue
Rochester, NY 14607
What to Wear:
Pants and a t-shirt you can move comfortably in. Be prepared to go barefoot indoors; shoes with smooth soles recommended for outdoors. Bring a water bottle.
More Info:
Intro to Capoeira is part of the Ground/Fitness class schedule at Aerial Arts of Rochester. To sign up for this class please select one of the following when registering:
Wellness Plan - Monthly membership to Aerial Arts which includes unlimited Ground/Fitness classes
Single Visit - Pay by the class
*All Levels Summer Park Class is not affiliated with Aerial Arts. Please message us via the Contact Form or WhatsApp links below to sign up for this class.
Our Teachers
MONITOR FÊNIX:
Monitor Fênix (Taryn Mullen) is the lead instructor at Rochester Mindful Capoeira Center. She has been studying capoeira since 2009, and became a student of Capoeira Angola Quintal in 2012. As a teacher she places emphasis on the importance of having a well-rounded practice based on the music, movement and history of the art form.
INSTRUTOR ESPIÃO:
Instrutor Espião (Greg Hollar) is a capoeira instructor at the Rochester Mindful Capoeira Center and has been training for over 20 years, with many teachers.
MESTRE OMBRINHO:
Mestre Ombrinho (Michael Goldstein) began studying Capoeira in 1981. In 1987, he became a disciple of Grand Master Norival Moreira de Oliveira, Mestre Nô, of Bahia and joined Capoeira Angola Palmares. Ombrinho became a master in 1996 under Mestre Nô. He has been teaching in New York since 1988, and is the founder and head instructor of the New York Mindful Capoeira Center and Capoeira Angola Quintal (CAQ). Mestre Ombrinho is the first non-Brazilian to become a capoeira master, and is widely respected for his capoeira skill and knowledge, and especially for his ability to develop excellent teachers and make the art accessible to people who are experiencing it for the first time. Today he has many amazing teachers and CAQ chapters across the country, including: New York City, Ithaca, Rochester (that's us!), Boston, San Francisco and Charlotte.