institutopalmeiras@gmail.com

The principles of Capoeira Angola at Instituto Palmeiras are:

1. Negativa. Capoeira Angola is an adventurous, but defensive martial art where creative security is considered more than twice as important as perfect attacks. Because no attack is perfect.

2. Devagar, devagarinho... We learn by slowing down and dissecting the most complex movements, opponents and sequences into simpler elements.

3. Arte e Liberdade. We value the artistic and philosophical elements of Capoeira Angola as well as the physical discipline required to live free.

4. Jogo bonito é o que eu quero ver. Even while respecting differences, students and instructors will be judged by the quality of their performances in class and in the Roda.

5. Nzinga. We act quickly and respond effectively to chaotic situations, even if this means changing direction and pace, stopping, or beginning again. This is Capoeira Angola.

6. Grande e pequeno sou eu. Each member of Instituto Palmeiras is expected to form the vanguard of the discipline of Capoeira Angola.

7. Clear Objectives and Flexibility will guide our classes, months and seasons. We keep in mind that our horizon in Capoeira is beyond 25 years.

8. Zero Tolerance for sexual harassment, discrimination, unethical use and demonstration of the art form, and Capoeiristas who don’t have a strong sense of humor.

RODA DA SABEDORIA/THE CIRCLE OF WISDOM

"When I first began Capoeira, I entered the Roda with an experienced player...

I had my guard down out of naivete, and I was struck in the mouth. 

I was stunned but recovered quickly into my ginga and noticed the look of alarm in camara’s eyes as I smiled and kept playing....

Years later, I entered the Roda with a novice and let my guard down out of pride, and I was struck in the mouth. 

The cut was deeper than before,I turned my eyes from camara and I left the ring in shame."

institutopalmeiras@gmail.com