Time Out New York Kids published a useful article for parents who might have a child interested in starting a martial, but have no clue about which class to join. This article is breaks down 9 different art forms into quick facts to wrap your head around what it is, how your kid can benefit and what the basic risks are.
ABADA CAPOEIRA
Where: Ginga Kids What it is: In colonial Brazil, African slaves hid powerful martial-arts moves in this graceful dancelike sport; today, modern Abada-style capoeira is still "played" in a circle, or roda, accompanied by Afro-Brazilian berimbau and drum music. Signature move: The ginga-a shifting from side to side while drawing one leg back Learning ops: The focus is on flexibility and core strength; the bonus is a lesson in Brazilian history and rhythm-pupils learn to play capoeira instruments and sing songs in Portuguese. Risk factor: Abada doesn't involve contact; it's about kid-friendly games. Cool factor: Capoeira is the root of breakdancing. Even cooler, every student gets a personal nickname-a practice that dates back to the days when capoeira was outlawed and its players kept their real names secret.
Kenric Lai of the Orlando Examiner wrote about Capoeira in Orlando and Mestre Lazaro of Capoeira Brazilian Pelourinho. Above is a great video of2009 Batizado highlights, a great way to hyped up their upcoming October 3rd batizado.
The similarities between dance and martial arts are numerous. Forms or katas are performed to certain rhythms. Each step of these pre-arranged forms are reminiscent of step-by-step dance moves. Few martial arts resemble dance as closely as the South American art of Capoeira. Characterized by high flying and acrobatic kicks, Capoeira truly demonstrates the "art" in martial arts.
A great article about the Capoeira experience was published in Balanced Living Magazine a while back featuring Formado Dentista of Grupo Unidade Capoeira in Columbus Ohio. It's a great read!
Crossing the parking lot to get to my Capoeira class, the strains of fine feminine vocals greet me as they intertwine with the rumbling thunder of masculine bellows. In the studio, the song intensifies, flanked by clapping and accompaniment - the boom of a tall atabaque drum beats like the heart of an Olympic athlete as the large ringing pandeiro tambourine clinks as if it were heavenly wine glasses bringing a toast to life. And hovering above it all is the sound of a long, single-stringed gourd instrument, the berimbau, acting as the musical master of ceremonies, resonating with the indescribable, magnificent sound of an ancient soul. This incredible music reverberates deep in my heart energizing my body and mind. I am ready to play Capoeira.
The Philippine Daily Inquirer did a lifestyle piece on Capoeira choosing to interview Professor Fantasma of Escola Brasileira de Capoeira Philippines in Manila, Philippines. The article talks to Fantasma and some of the students about some Capoeira basics and many of the benefits that come with Capoeira training.
Nicole Severino, nicknamed Macaca (monkey), says learning capoeira has surpassed her expectations. This singer from Gafieiera says, "It has transformed my life and the way I perceive the world. The physical benefits are the immediate results-a sense of well-being, of confidence from knowing how to use your body, and feeling good so you can enjoy your life more."
Capoeira's multidisciplinary approach has opened doors for Severino. She learned Portuguese and now earns from translation. After 10 years of training, she received her first teaching belt.
Severino adds that she is inspired by capoeira masters who, despite their greatness, lead a life of simplicity and humility. "It's a great example of divinity in human beings."
The Wall Street Journal published a cool article interviewing Mauro Refosco of Forro in the Dark with some great conversation about the band's latest albums, their take on the Forro genre and on exploring new avenues of Forro like working with interesting artists like Thom Yorke of Radiohead.
"You can't help but move your hips," Refosco said. "It's the kind of music anyone can dance to. A good samba dancer is almost intimidating, or with salsa or rumba you just want to watch. But with forró, anyone can do it."
A Forro in the Dark champion, Byrne compares how they've liberated forró to how Gram Parsons liberated country music -- by respecting the traditions but adding an updated edge. "Traditional forró always has an accordion," said Refosco, whose father plays the instrument. "We're breaking a tradition with the electric guitar. But we are keeping the roots of the rhythm."
The National, a new English newspaper launched by the Abu Dhabi Media Company, published a super informative editorial on Nação Capoeira's, Professor Nina "Espoleta" Stone, on getting started with training in the UAE with lots of background on Capoeira with the group.
As a complete novice, there are still several moves I am yet to master which, given my complete lack of coordination, is not surprising. Handstands, walking along the floor on my hands as my partner holds my legs and trying to do a cartwheel on one hand (one hand!) are just few of the moves that have so far evaded me. But one of the great things about the class is the positive energy and feeling of group togetherness that helps you keep pushing yourself.
Part of the sport is also learning how to become a more calm and focused individual. Vigilance is an integral component of the class, and having to focus on your opponent (even if your back is facing them) helps you to maintain your presence in battle.
At the end of every class, the group is instructed to form a circle, which is where the music side of the art form comes into play.
Axé Capoeira with Mestre Barrão and Professor Barrãozinho got some publicity in Vancouver, Canada on hip Vancouver themed news site, Beyond Robson.
On a sunny day in Vancouver, you may come across Axé Capoeira performing on the street. To the pounding beat of capoeira music, two muscled men or women -- scantily-clad bodies dripping with sweat -- are engaged in a exchange of kicks, escapes, and take-downs. Capoeristas call capoeira "the game," but for those of you who think it is just a game, a quick look at Professor Barrãozinho's 20-second MMA Knock Out will tell you different.
ABADA CAPOEIRA
The similarities between dance and martial arts are numerous. Forms or katas are performed to certain rhythms. Each step of these pre-arranged forms are reminiscent of step-by-step dance moves. Few martial arts resemble dance as closely as the South American art of Capoeira. Characterized by high flying and acrobatic kicks, Capoeira truly demonstrates the "art" in martial arts. 
Crossing the parking lot to get to my Capoeira class, the strains of fine feminine vocals greet me as they intertwine with the rumbling thunder of masculine bellows. In the studio, the song intensifies, flanked by clapping and accompaniment - the boom of a tall atabaque drum beats like the heart of an Olympic athlete as the large ringing pandeiro tambourine clinks as if it were heavenly wine glasses bringing a toast to life. And hovering above it all is the sound of a long, single-stringed gourd instrument, the berimbau, acting as the musical master of ceremonies, resonating with the indescribable, magnificent sound of an ancient soul. This incredible music reverberates deep in my heart energizing my body and mind. I am ready to play Capoeira.
Nicole Severino, nicknamed Macaca (monkey), says learning capoeira has surpassed her expectations. This singer from Gafieiera says, "It has transformed my life and the way I perceive the world. The physical benefits are the immediate results-a sense of well-being, of confidence from knowing how to use your body, and feeling good so you can enjoy your life more."
"You can't help but move your hips," Refosco said. "It's the kind of music anyone can dance to. A good samba dancer is almost intimidating, or with salsa or rumba you just want to watch. But with forró, anyone can do it."
As a complete novice, there are still several moves I am yet to master which, given my complete lack of coordination, is not surprising. Handstands, walking along the floor on my hands as my partner holds my legs and trying to do a cartwheel on one hand (one hand!) are just few of the moves that have so far evaded me. But one of the great things about the class is the positive energy and feeling of group togetherness that helps you keep pushing yourself. 
On a sunny day in Vancouver, you may come across Axé Capoeira performing on the street. To the pounding beat of capoeira music, two muscled men or women -- scantily-clad bodies dripping with sweat -- are engaged in a exchange of kicks, escapes, and take-downs. Capoeristas call capoeira "the game," but for those of you who think it is just a game, a quick look at Professor Barrãozinho's 20-second MMA Knock Out will tell you different.