Question 1

What do I need to bring to class?

Accepted Answer

Very good question!!
 * Shoes: As an urban art form, Capoeira Angola is played  while wearing shoes. In our space we ask that students bring shoes that  are not used outside. Outside shoes bring dirt and negative energy to  our training space. Be sure your shoes are comfortable, clean indoor  sneakers. Obviously our "Sunday in the Park" outdoor class provides some leeway on shoes and we actually advise maybe don't bring your very best shoes as training on the asphalt can really wear on shoes. 
* Pants: Wear comfortable pants that will not restrict  your movement. Pants should be full length and tie tight to the waist with a belt or draw string.
* Shirt: Bring a short sleeve shirt that can be tucked into your pants.  Please be sure the shirt has sleeves (no tank tops).

-Bring water to drink. We highly recommend hydrating well during the day prior to class and stopping at least 30 minutes before and avoiding drinking much if any during movement as the strenuous movements with inversion can be a bad combo with a belly full of water.

Question 2

When are classes??

Accepted Answer

* We are currently holding classes every Wednesday from 6-8pm at  Montford Community Center near downtown Asheville, NC.  
* If you have not been to one of our classes we ask that you plan on joining us first for an introductory class held on the first Wednesday of each month. This allows our continuing students to progress on other Wednesdays without starting at the beginning at each class. Once you have attended an intro class you are welcome to participate in any of our classes.

Question 3

What is the class fee?

Accepted Answer

* Drop in rate per class is $12.
* Monthly rate for Burton Street classes only is $40. (usually 4 classes)
 -Monthly registration fee is due by the first of the month.  
 -Please bring cash, correct change is very helpful.

Burton Street Residents (within a reasonable walking distance from the center), Receive up to 50% discount on Burton Street classes if you are in need of financial assistance to participate.

Family rate is available and evaluated per situation (number and age of participants).
Family participation is valued and encouraged. Children under the age of 11 must be accompanied by an adult.

Question 4

I've never been to a Capoeira class. What should I expect?

Accepted Answer

* Movement: In capoeira class you will learn to move your  body in new ways. Some of the positions are upside down, some are  sideways, and many are low to the ground. Capoeira teaches you body  control, balance and agility. It teaches you body awareness and how to  be aware of others. The movements require patience and focus. Every  gender, body type and age of person can learn the movements!
* Music: Music is an integral part of Capoeira Angola.  You will be provided with a musical instrument in classes and taught to  play it, you may even get to learn a song and sing in Portuguese! Most  people who come to take classes are NOT musicians, but with time  everyone can learn to play music and sing a few songs.
* Lectures: History, Culture and Philosophy of capoeira are  taught during our classes. Students learn Portuguese words, important  figures in Capoeira Angola, and popular stories that accompany Capoeira  Angola. We have a small library and encourage all of our students to  supplement our class with their own research.

Question 5

What are the benefits of practicing Capoeira Angola?

Accepted Answer

Capoeira classes offer students a fun, hands-on way to:
stay in good physical shape - Capoeira Classes offer students challenging  movements that increase the body’s strength, flexibility and agility.  Capoeira students experience muscle growth, better body awareness, and  balance. As students are encouraged to work at their own pace, all  body-types and ages are able to perform the movements in capoeira class.
learn self defense - Capoeira was developed by slaved and used to  enable their escape from slave masters, evade police and even in the  Brazilian War of Paraguay. The kicks, head butts, and strikes learned in  capoeira class can similarly be used as a means of self defense. More  importantly, the confidence and playfulness learned through the art of  capoeira Angola gives students the ability to avoid any physical contact  with an opponent.
play music and sing - Students learn traditional songs that accompany  the art of Capoeira Angola. They learn to play all instruments of the  bateria (Berimbau, pondeiro, agogo, reco-reco and atabaque) and the  traditional lyrics of these songs.
experience another culture - in addition to the physical movements and music,  students learn aspects of Brazilian/capoeira culture. The unique  environment of our studio allows students to be fully immersed in  capoeira culture, from the photographs and documents that decorate the  walls to our cultural library. Many of our students have researched and  studied in Brazil and offer valuable insight to this setting as well.

What do I need to bring to class?

When are classes??

What is the class fee?

I've never been to a Capoeira class. What should I expect?

What are the benefits of practicing Capoeira Angola?

FAQs About Classes