About

Capoeira is a distinctive blend of martial arts, dance, ritual and music that attracts people of all backgrounds. It builds core strength, flexibility and balance – an ideal workout.

The  game or “Jogo de Capoeira” is best described as a circle (called a “roda”) in which two players (capoeiristas) display their techniques in a whirlwind of power, speed and agility. They are guided by the music, singing and clapping of the people in the roda.

TVNZ ‘Tast of Home’ interviews Mestre Junior

There is an acrobatic and beautiful avoidance of physical contact. The players’ movements display ritual, trickery and grace. Songs rich with oral traditions are sung to reference what is occurring at that very moment in the game. This gathering of musicians and artists forms a community of expression.

Many moves involve headstands, handstands, cartwheels and other improvised movements.

At its best expression, there is never any actual contact between players. Skill is cultivated to pull blows, and it is enough to show that a kick could have landed, without striking the other person.

In class students learn all the physical elements of Capoeira, but this is only one facet of Capoeira. There is much more than physical training involved. Students will learn to sing, to play musical instruments, and also possibly to speak a  whole new language!

Hopefully you’ll come join us to learn more about the wonderful art and game that is capoeira.

Our Teacher – Mestre Junior

Mestre Junior has over 21 years of practice and 14 years of teaching this magnificent art form. He opened a branch of the Au Capoeira school in New Zealand 5 years ago with the mission to pass on the knowledge of Capoeira.

He was first introduced to Capoeira by his own father Mestre Pop, a greatly respected Capoeira Master, in 1988. After 7 years of training and after obtaining the required graduation level he became an instructor and was authorized by his Master to teach Capoeira in his city.

Inside his father’s gym, Junior had the opportunity to be in touch with different styles of fitness training and martial arts. Because of this he also graduated in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (brown belt) and is an advanced level in Thai-kickboxing.