Classes

Venue	Day	Class Time	Level
Naas Sports Centre	Mon	5 – 6 pm	Kids
Naas Sports Centre	Mon	6 – 7 pm	Adults
Herberton Leisure Centre	Mon	8 – 9:30 pm	Beginners
Carmelite Community Centre	Wed	8 – 9pm	All Levels & Roda
Arena Lesure Centre, Tallaght	Thurs	8:30 – 9:30pm	Beginners

First class is free!

What is Expected of students?

Discipline: Be disciplined in your attitude to training and to learning all aspects of capoeira.

Attitude: One aim of this group is to make all new comers welcome and to treat all students and instructors with respect. It is important that the group provides support for each other both socially and within the game of capoeira.

Consistency: To attend classes on a regular base, please tell your instructor if you are unable to make classes . Also once you have decided to commence your training with the group it is preferred if you don’t train on a regular basis with other groups, this will prevent the styles becoming confused and confusion within class.

Hygiene: you are in close contact with other people and it is a hot and sweaty game. Try where possible to keep your clothes washed and clean.

Unity: A group is only as strong as its individuals, make new friends and enjoy the group spirit!

Uniform: All ongoing students must wear the groups uniform, this is to be worn during all classes and any performances that you may participate in.

Class: Class begins with warm up with all levels training together. After about 10 or 15 minutes warm up , we split according to level. To train capoeira is to try as hard as you can each time you train, knowing that an unfamiliar or difficult movement will come with time, patience and attention to technique. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t catch on right away , feel free to ask questions we are here to help. In order to become an instructor teacher or mestre, you must dedicate many years of hard work, it will not happen over a night but if it is what you want, you can achieve it. Often you meet your challenges when you follow your dream or passion. Capoeira must never become only hard work, it is the joy of playing that keeps the game alive.

What is Roda? For those who have never seen or heard of capoeira, the roda is where everything happens, capoeira is played (not danced, not fought) in a roda; it is the climax of capoeira. The word roda means circle in Portuguese . At the head of the roda is the orchestra (played by three berimbaus, two pandeiros, and one atabaque). Of the three, the berimbau is what leads the roda, the type of game that is played varies depending on the rhythm and speed of the berimbau. The rest of the roda is formed by other capoeristas(students) who contribute their energy to the game by clapping and singing. Even if you don’t know the words, try to imitate the sounds you hear, the roda needs your voice! As a capoeirista, part of your training will be to learn to play the instruments as well as to sing and lead songs. How and When to Buy the Game? There are two ways a player can enter the roda to play a game, if you are not sure which way is most appropriate, watch what other people are doing, or ask a higher cord (belt). The first way is when two players come to the foot of the lead berimbau, shade hands and au(cartwheel) into the roda. When their game is over, they shake hands again and back quickly out of the roda. It is important to note here that you should never turn your back to the roda, whether you are standing on the perimeter or especially when you are leaving the roda after a game. This is a safety issue- other players may not notice that you have not completely left the roda. The other way to enter the roda is to ‘buy’ the game. At this point, you must pay attention to the hierarchy of the cord ( belts ). During a roda a lower cord ( belt ) may not buy out a higher cord ( belt ) unless the instructor in charge of the roda gives permission. When you enter the game in this way the most important thing is to make sure both players can see you. Go in from the side, and be assertive .

Training: To train capoeira is more than to just go once in while for the aerobic workout or to enjoy the energy of hthe roda. Of course we welcome anyone for whom this is appropriate, but for most this is not enough , there exists a rich culture and tradition in which capoeiristas immerse themselves, training, researching and socializing outside of class. Grupo Candeias is very dedicated to perpetuating and maintaining the tradition while involving as is necessary for the survival of this art form. To earn the next level cord ( belt ) you must try to learn your game, the movements to play in the roda, learn the instruments , learn the chorus to the songs first and sing as loud as you can, clapping your hands.

Playing: When you play in the roda try to develop you game, try new things, don’t be afraid of not being able to do it right , just don’t forget your basic movements, repetition and consistency will improve your game. Play with as many different people as possible and don’t be afraid of playing with a higher cord ( belt ) , they will challenge you and help you grow. Be careful above all things, not to hurt the person you are playing with.

What is Batizado? A Baptize is simply a grading which enables a capoeirista to be assessed on their skills and awarded a grade denoted by a coloured cord (belt) these baptize are an important part of playing capoeira as they assure that each player is attentive to learning all elements of capoeira, they are also a recognition of the hard work that needs t be invested in order to improve. At each baptize there are special guests who are prominent members of grupo candeias and guests from other capoeira groups, it is their job to play some of the lower students before they are tested, which means a great deal of stamina is required. When a teacher or master feels the time is right they will initiate the student into the higher level by putting them off balance. Remember these teachers and masters are highly skilled and capable of assessing when the student is able to take the fall. The alternative initiation is that the teacher or master simply shake the students hand.