Checkout photos from our class on Flickr
Capoeira Regional and Mestre Bimba
Mestre Bimba was responsible for the recovery of the original Capoeira movements after there loss through the centuries due to capoeira being outlawed by the Brazilian government, and the creation of a pioneering teaching method – Capoeira Regional – in 1928. He founded the first academy of Capoeria in the world in 1937.
In 1953, the President of Brazil Getúlio Vargas declared that Capoeria was the only authentic Brazilian national sport and thanks Mestre Bimba for his continuous efforts to prove that Capoeira had its own merit as a martial art and had an exteme educational, cultural and social value.
Filhos de Bimba School of Capoeira is the entity responsible for perpetuating the educational and cultural legacy left by Mestre Bimba. It abides by his principles and philosophy and is keeping Capoeira Regional alive and updated.
It is led by Mestre Nenel, son of Mestre Bimba, who has implemented Capoeira projects all over Brazil, Argentina, U.S.A, Portugal, the U.K., Germany, Holland and France.
Why practice capoeira?
Capoeira is a physical activity beneficial to all in many different aspects:
- Physical activity: self-defence training; healthy lifestyle; improves levels of energy, flexibility, strength, agility and coordination; works out all muscles and strengthens levels of fitness.
- Spiritual / psychological / educational activity: improves confidence, self-esteem, enthusiasm, respect for oneself and others; stimulates a family spirit within the group.
- Leisure / fun / entertaining activity: Capoeira is fun! People practice Capoeira and work out hard, without feeling the weight of strenuous exercise; people learn Capoeira language, they dance, clap and sing in Portuguese; people learn how to play the Capoeira music instruments.
- Inclusive / complete activity: Capoeira can be practiced and enjoyed by everyone, from 5 year-olds up to elderly people, since there are different, specific training programmes adapted to the capacity and needs of each person or group (this includes children and adults with physical or mental difficulties, who can also enjoy the benefits and extraordinary energy of Capoeira activities).
In short, Capoeira is a powerful energy booster, not only physical and mental but also spiritual and emotional, an unique experience that everybody ought to try!
Filhos de Bimba in Newcastle upon Tyne
Professor Bocão who has practiced capoeira with Mestre Nenel for 16 years in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil, has recently set up a Capoeira Regional class in Newcastle upon Tyne. Click here to find out more.
