Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that is played to live music, and it is one of the few martial arts children often describe as fun before anything else. Here is what kids get out of it, and what our kids classes in Thousand Oaks look like.
Capoeira is built on the ginga, a constant rocking step, with kicks, escapes and low movements flowing out of it. Children learn to move in every direction, to balance on one leg and on their hands, and to change direction quickly. As they progress, cartwheels and other acrobatics come in at each child's own level.
Two players meet in the middle of a circle called the roda and play a game of attacks and escapes. The goal is to outplay, not to hurt, so kids learn control: how to throw a kick that stops short and how to get out of the way of one. They learn to watch their partner closely and to respond.
Every roda has music: the berimbau, drums and songs sung in Portuguese, with everyone answering the lead singer. Children pick up rhythm, learn to sing in front of others and learn words in another language without noticing. Our lyrics page has the songs we sing in class.
Stepping into the middle of the circle with everyone watching takes courage the first time and becomes natural with practice. Capoeira also has a strong group culture: students clap and sing for each other, and the whole class takes part in every roda.
A class usually moves from a warm-up into ginga and movement drills, then kicks and escapes practiced with a partner, and finishes with music and a roda where students play. Nothing to buy and no experience needed: children start in clothes they can move in.
Kids capoeira for ages 5 to 14 runs Mondays and Wednesdays, 5:10 to 6:00 PM, at Old Meadows Center, 1600 Marview Dr, Thousand Oaks. See the full class schedule.
Conejo Valley Capoeira teaches kids and adult classes in Thousand Oaks, with students from across the Conejo Valley. Request a first class or ask us a question.
