Capoeira for Youth 

Martial arts, music, dance, gymnastics, and creativity meet in one class, Capoeira! 

CBLA Youth Program focuses on developing athleticism, strength, respect, discipline, coordination and musical skill.  In Capoeira class, kids and teens will work their flexibility, reflex, agility, rhythm, basic acrobatic skill, and bolster their self-confidence.  In addition, youth develop their Portuguese language skills by learning basic greetings, commands, Capoeira songs and general vocabulary.

CLASS STRUCTURE

CBLA offers two different youth Capoeira classes.  The  “Tiny Tot” Capoeira classes are thirty minutes long and structured for kids 2-6 years of age.  This is a fun class that focuses on body awareness, coordination, and music.  Kids classes for youth (6 -13 years of age) are an hour long and consist of a warm-up, stretch, and instruction on the basic movements of Capoeira.  Kids classes also include lessons on the music and history of the art.  Throughout class, kids work individually and in partners, teamwork is a fundamental part of training Capoeira.  Tweens & Teens (13 and older) typically take the adult beginner classes. 

As in any martial art, respect and discipline is fundamental.  Kids and teens will be held to the highest behavioral standards in order to insure their growth as an athlete and guarantee the safety of the class as a whole.  It is important to note that CBLA teachers take safety very seriously and construct lessons for varying athletic abilities.  All movements are taught slowly, carefully and with considerable repetition.

Training Capoeira helps youth develop their interpersonal communication skills, enrich their cultural perspective, and illustrates the importance of music, art, and movement in history and in social change.  Kids are expected to participate fully in class, support each other in the classroom setting, during partner and group activities, as well as to stay on task when given a drill.   

UNIFORM

For Capoeira class, kids are required to be in clean Capoeira pants (abadas), their Capoeira cord and a Capoeira t-shirt or plain white t-shirt.  Students with long hair should have it pinned back.

ATTENDANCE & PROGRESS

Progress and development is directly related to consistent attendance and dedication.  It is very important that parents bring their youth to class regularly and as frequently as possible.  Kids that train at least twice a week will see the most improvement.

Much like any other martial art where cords (belts) symbolize rank and skill level, in Capoeira class kids will have the opportunity to test for their first (or next belt) twice a year.  Moving up in levels in Capoeira happens at an event called a “Batizado.”  A Batizado is a Capoeira graduation ceremony where students receive their new cords, there are performances and demonstrations; and family and friends are invited to watch.  The batizado is a fun, family friendly event that the kids look forward to each year. It is a time where the young capoeiristas can shine and show off what they've learned over the previous 6 months.