Capoeira Classes

3 parent questions ▼
Archived Q&A and reviews ▼

Parent Q&A

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  • Capoeira for 5 yo boy East Bay

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    Nov 9, 2022

    Hi Friends, Can anyone recc Capoeira classes or something similar-ish for my 5 yo boy in the East Bay? He's into firefighting, swords and tools up the whazoo, recently got into "fighting" and "bad guys" (yay) and I really want to guide this big energy. He loves drumming and music too... open to any suggestions that come to mind. Thanks!

    Nov 9, 2022

    Saturday (11/19) there is the first Capoeira class (of a winter series) for ages 3-5 at the Rich City Gallery Space in Richmond, 10-10:45. Our friend was involved in getting this organized and it should be a fun class! Text 510-334-6928 for more info. 

    Nov 16, 2022

    This Saturday 10-10:45 is the first Capoeira class of the winter session for 3-5 year olds at the Rich City Rides Gallery in Richmond. 1500C Macdonald Ave Unit C. 

    Nov 16, 2022

  • Capoeira classes for teenagers

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    Nov 6, 2022

    Hello,

    My son is 14 and enjoys Parkour at Athletic Playground.  He's recently gotten interested in learning more about Capoeira and the recommendations are from awhile ago, virtual only, etc.

    Can anyone recommend classes near El Cerrito/Berkeley/Richmond/Pinole area that happen after school or on weekends?

    He's interested in the physical aspects of training and form but also learning more about the mind frame that comes with it.

    Nov 6, 2022

    They teach capoeira at the BrasArte studio - corner of San Pablo and Hearst in Berkeley - all levels, lovely folks! My daughter studied there for several years.

    Nov 7, 2022

  • Family Capoeira Virtual Options

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    Jan 2, 2021

    Greetings! I have an almost 4 year old who I planned to take Capoeira with before everything went awry. How can I incorporate capoeira music, instruments etc. into our lives until we can get to a class after everything clears up and social distancing isn't necessary. I believe he can benefit from the discipline, strength and comeraderie that Capoeira embody.

    Jan 2, 2021

    My kid practices capoeira with Professor Malandro, who runs the Filhos de Bimba School. Before the pandemic he taught at Emeryville Parks and Rec. 

    http://capoeirabayarea.com/ 

    Professor Malandro is patient, kind, and firm. The school teaches the music, history and present of capoeira, and its values, like strength, control, discipline and community. He offers Zoom class, sometimes with visits from his teachers in Salvador. 

    My 9yo currently attend a kids' class biweekly with masks and distance at Bushrod Park in North Oakland. It's mostly older kids right now but you should inquire about the online schedule and get on the email list. I feel lucky and grateful to have found Professor Malandro and Filhos de Bimba... 

    Jan 7, 2021

    My 9 year old has been with Profesor Malandro for a couple of years.  We started with live instruction as an after school class on his school campus.  We then went on  to classes at the Emeryville Senior Center with older kids as well as occasionally tried a class with adults.  When the pandemic hit, Malandro’s dedication to capoeira brought us Zoom classes that included participants from all over the world including from his own mestre in Brazil who was actually the son of Mestre Bimba (founder of modern capoeira).  Later in the pandemic he took the children’s classes live outdoors to Bushrod Park with masks on.  Malandro’s relationship to capoeira goes DEEP and it is a part of who he is as a human being.  It is so much more to him than a hobby or a teaching job and this shows in every detail he brings to his classes and his dedication to enrich others lives with capoeira even with the pandemic going on.

    He now expanded to livestreaming and creating videos on Twitch.  I highly recommend subscribing to his Twitch account, MrMalandro81.  My son now regularly practices capoeira using his Twitch video classes which have the advantage of being available 24 hours a day and he can go back and rewind parts that are more difficult (not to mention zero chance of COVID19).

    Despite his passion/dedication for capoeira, he has always been great at connecting with kids in a positive way with patience during his classes.  He motivates his kids to improve their capoeira skills by inspiration and dedication rather than by displaying frustration.  I feel so lucky that my son has him as a mentor in his life.

    Jan 14, 2021

Archived Q&A and Reviews

Capoeira classes for 6-year-old

Oct 2014

My son's OT has recommended martial arts classes to improve his gross motor skills, truncal tone, and focus issues. She specifically said he would benefit from a small class with an instructor who is especially good with children. That's also important to me, as our only previous experience with martial arts involved a woman who became impatient with and yelled at the children. We quit after two sessions. Does anyone have recommendations? I'm particularly fond of the idea of Capoeira, but am open to anything that would help with the specific issues outlined above. Thanks in advance! Sarah

Hi there! I saw your question about finding a good martial arts class for you son. MVMNT studio in Berkeley offers a Capoeira class specifically for kids ages 5-10. The instructor, Seth, is a really cool guy. I dropped into his adult Capoeira class, and enjoyed it immensely! He is great at explaining the material as well as the historical context of the form, and is very patient and encouraging. I never watched the kid's class specifically, but it is worth looking into. More information about the class at http://www.mvmnt.co/#!kids/c38w Emmeline

The Downtown Berkeley YMCA offers free Youth and Family Capoeira classes! Here are the details: YOUTH & FAMILY CAPOEIRA: AGES 6 and up Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance and music. It is known by quick and complex moves using mainly power, speed and leverage for leg sweeps. Families will be introduced to Capoeira with lots of fun games, tumbling and some circle time where they will sing a simple Capoeira song and be introduced to a musical instrument to learn a simple rhythm. Monday & Wednesday 6:00-7:00pm Youth & Family Center FREE for all YMCA youth and Full Service Members Membership is required for participation. However, we offer financial assistance. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. Heather

March 2013

RE: Martial Arts for 7 y o near Montclair

I would highly recommend Capoeira Mandinga (4137 Piedmont Ave)! Capoeira is a Brazilian martial arts with dance and music aspects incorporated. I have been involved with this organization (training and helping with non-profit programs) for the past 8 years and have seen both the adults and kids program grow tremendously. The kids program is divided into 3 main groups - Kindergym for crawlers to 2.5yo, Bentivis for 3-5yo, Sabia for 6-12yo. We are also currently in the process of forming a separate pre-teen/teen group.

Capoeira is not only great for learning body awareness and strength/flexibility training, it is just plain fun! Everyone learns to play different musical instruments, sing songs in Portuguese (language development) as well as community building. Many parents have joined the adult classes themselves after observing the connection that could be cultivated within their family and with the greater community....as an aside there is a free introductory class for adults on May 4th at 2pm.

There is a 3-class introductory special for $27! Anyone interested is more than welcome to come observe the classes or check out the website for class schedule and history of the organization at www.mandinga.org or call 510.655.8207 CapoMom

Capoeira Class for 6 year old

Dec 2011

I am wondering about signing up my 6 year old son for a Capoeira class and am looking for recommendations. He hasn't done martial arts before and isn't particularly coordinated. Thanks!

I highly recommend sending your 6yo to capoeira. It's a beautiful blend of martial arts (no contact), dance, and culture. I send my 4yo to Mandingo on Piedmont Ave. The community, kids and teachers, there are fantastic! They are happy to let you observe or have a free class for your son to try it out. Happy Capoeira Mama

Capoeira Arts Cafe

In response to the person requesting kid capoeira classes I can recommend the Capoeira Arts Cafe, 2026 Addison in Berkeley, 666-1349. A friend of ours trains there and her daughter has taken classes there for years. Our family frequently eats at the Cafe. Everyone that we have met have been very friendly and kind.
Linda (6/99)

The Capoeira Cafe in downtown Berkeley has classes for children (though I'm not sure of the starting age). If you are in Oakland, Alice Arts Center downtown also has some classes. The Capoeira Cafe, though, is an exceptionally nice space. I believe Albany Village also offers classes to children...
June 1999