capoeira-senzala

Capoeira

Capoeira is an afro-brasilian fight-dance. It is played following a certain ritual. The game takes place inside a circle formed by musicians and players. Two players squat under the berimbau (a one-string instrument), exchange greetings and move to the center of the circle. Then they start the game with its harmonized, flowing movements, acrobatics, feints and kicks. To the spectator it appears as if an improvised choreography exists, prompting the players to follow, attack and escape each other

Capoeira is a Brazilian Art Form, which combines elements of dance, play and ritualistic fighting. It evolved from the struggle of African slaves against their oppressors and its history is deep with Warrior rituals from Central Africa.
Capoeira is a celebration of life in the face of everyday struggle. It develops confidence, combined with a strong feeling of centre and balance. Capoeira's circular and evasive movements, combined with its rich tradition of music and song, place it in a unique position as an art, and always poses the question "is Capoeira a game, a fight or a dance"?

Capoeira games require the grace and agility of a dancer, with the strength and skill of a warrior. Always central to the message of Capoeira is unity and bringing people together to keep continual flow regardless of the game and to find peace, joy and fulfillment in the game and in life.

Capoeira

Senzala

Centro Cultural Senzala was founded by Mestre Peixinho – Marcelo Guimarães ( Prof. ) and is part of Grupo Senzala.
As it’s home at Rio de Janeiro Brazil, and it’s represented all around the world.Grupo Senzala was created in early sixties. It as grown chasing perfection by contacting other capoeiristas and through intensive training while looking for knowledge with the old Mestres, spending several periods of time in Salvador, Bahia.
In 1967, while looking for new experiences, the group participated in the tournament “Birimbau de Ouro”. By surprise, they won the tournament, in all categories, and kept winning the next following years. With this, not only they gained maturity, but obtained National respect in Brazil. Later the group as spread, with it’s members teaching in different institutions, universities, academies, sort clubs, and gathering for the formation of new “Mestres” and the graduation of students.
Actually, it is represented in all Brazil and many other countries and despite of having thousands of students during this period, it as formed not more than 10 to 12 “Mestres”.
It is this demanding for quality and high technical level, along with the dedication and consciousness of the true historical values of Capoeira that as kept the name “Senzala” as high reference in Brazil and all over the world.

Mestre Peixinho

From its own characteristic teaching method, one can point out:

“Practical teaching centralized in the students, focusing in their interests, necessities, and own learning rhythms.
“Respect for each one’s personality, valuing its own identity, developing ones consciousness and promoting the developing of self-confidence.
“Proposing teaching methods that go beyond the classical styles of Capoeira ( Angola and Regional ) without loosing the traditions of the art itself.
“Great creativity e constant evaluation of its activities towards the improving of quality.