your first capoeira class
We also know that stepping into your first Capoeira class can make you feel excited, curious, nervous, or all of those emotions and more. So we’ve prepped a handy guide for what you need to know to join your first class with confidence (and a bit of excitement).
Welcome! We’re excited to train with you!
what should I expect in class?
All our classes follow a similar format:
Warmup: We take about 5-7 minutes each class to get our legs, hips, back, and arms ready to train. This is also where you’ll learn the basic stance of Capoeira, the ginga. Depending on that day’s lesson plan, additional warm-up drills may be added.
Lesson: The majority of our class. You’ll learn attacks, escapes, and acrobatics that will be applied during partner drills. If that sounds intimidating, don’t worry. Our instructors and students are here to help you. We break down each movement in class into different levels of difficulty so you can train at an appropriate challenge level for you. If you have a question, ask! Our instructors will answer any questions you may have, and you can work with more experienced students to get more help as you learn.
Roda (not every class): A roda, pronounce hoh-dah, is where we put our learning into practice. We form a circle with instruments at one end keeping the rhythm. Two people will play capoeira (we call it playing a game, not sparring), improvising attacks and escapes until someone else comes in to “buy the game” and take someone’s spot. A good tip for your first roda is to ask someone you worked with in class to play your first game with you. That way you have someone you’re comfortable with as you learn the ropes.
Ending class: At the end of every class, we form a roda, put our right hand over our hearts, and say, “Salvé.” Salvé literally means “save” in Brazilian Portuguese, but can also mean “safe travels” and is used to wish each other well until the next time we meet.
What do I need for class?
For a successful first Capoeira class (and beyond!) you’ll need three things:
Clothes: Wear a pair of athletic pants that you can easily move around in. No shorts! We also recommend a t-shirt that you can go upside-down in. You can choose to train barefoot or in shoes.
Water: We don’t have official water breaks, but if you’re thirsty during class it’s always good to have a water bottle handy for a quick drink.
Mindset: Come ready to learn! Capoeira is a unique martial art with a lot of movements we don’t do in our day-to-day. We don’t demand perfection, we prefer a solid attempt and progress over time.