Molly has been hard at work to bring Capoeira to the Grand Rapids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy and to set the new Capoeira classes in motion, we will be having an Open Roda with Capoeiristas from all over Michigan!

The event is this coming SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH from 5p.m.-9p.m.

Come on out and watch some great Capoeira as well as participate in the FREE beginner workshop during the event!

www.gvsumandinga.org

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Congratulations to Randy Patino and Jesse Vida on being raised to blue belt by professor Crabtree.

Kris Cheresh has a new TRX Bootcamp class lined up. It starts tonight at 8:15pm and continues every Thursday at the same time. Kris’ classes are only $30 a month (or $10 walk-in fee). Check out the schedule for class times.

Capoeira music
Uploaded by InventionsTV. – Classic TV and last night’s shows, online.

CAPOEIRA is an Afro-Brazilian art form that combines elements of martial arts, music, and dance. It was created in Brazil by slaves brought from Africa, especially from present day Angola, sometime after the sixteenth century. Participants form a roda, or circle, and take turns either playing musical instruments (such …as the Berimbau), singing, or ritually sparring in pairs in the center of the circle. The sparring is marked by fluid acrobatic play, feints, and extensive use of sweeps, kicks, and headbutts. Less frequently used techniques include elbow strikes, slaps, punches, and body throws. Its origins and purpose are a matter of debate, with theories ranging from views of Capoeira as a uniquely Brazilian folk dance with improvised fighting movements to claims that it is a battle-ready fighting form directly descended from ancient African techniques.