Capoeira
CAPOEIRA ARGOLA DE OURO (Singapore) is a Brazilian Capoeira and Cultural Arts Organisation. Now registered as an association in Singapore, its purpose is to propagate the teachings and practice of Capoeira, a dance-like fight, fight-like dance Brazilian martial art form in Singapore and throughout the world. In doing so, it is enriching the cultural and artistic expression of people in society.
Capoeira was born out of opposition to slavery in the 1500s. Slaves did not have weapons and thus turned their bodies into one, transforming traditional ways of dance and fight used in African rituals.
Capoeira resisted as a symbol of oppressed people and, for practicing it, these people gathered in groups and silently made their revolutions. The confrontation between the police and the "capoeiristas", as the group of adepts are called were frequent. For over 70 years there has been no more need for that as practicing and teaching Capoeira became legal. It also became a means for the proud Brazilians to reunite.
Capoeira is one of the most important sports in Brazil after football. It is widely and actively promoted by the Brazilian Confederation of Capoeira and internationally by the International Confederation of Capoeira. Not only is it practiced in community centres, schools and universities in Brazil but also in other parts of the world.
The master is the most important figure in the Capoeira society. Being a master is not a simple task. Only he or she is able to qualify new capoeiristas whom he will pass the teaching of the preserved culture. Capoeira students must start apprenticeship, affiliating themselves to a school of Capoeira and it is best to start in a renowned and experiences group just like Association of Capoeira Argola De Ouro. At such schools, the teachers and masters would have at least 15 years of experience in learning and teaching Capoeira.
Capoeira is gaining popularity all over the world and this has lead to the rise in numbers of unqualified instructors who claim to be proficient in Capoeira. Professionals from other martial arts are taking opportunity of this situation and suddenly turned themselves in Capoeira teachers. Some of these people were not even trained in Capoeira schools and some of the rest were just taught in several non-qualified Capoeira groups. Certain students who learnt Capoeira for a short period of time are also one of these culprits. Capoeira is usually misunderstood due to the irresponsible behaviours of unqualified instructors.
The subject to this case is, does it happen to the other martial arts, namely Kung Fu, Karate, Jiu-jitsu which also should be respected. Capoeira has recently been disrespectfully called the "Brazilian Kung Fu". This is not only disrespectful towards Capoeira itself but also towards the serious professionals of Kung Fu. Each of these disciplines has its own complex and rich characteristics. It is unacceptable that such misconceptions can happen. Capoeira has a past of fight and glory that must also be respected.
This hinders those seeking serious Capoeira apprenticeship. It is paramount to have the appropriate knowledge to teach its history, to know how to put into practice the rituals and the philosophy behind it. It is also important to teach how to play the musical instruments, to learn the songs and to be able to understand the rich culture behind the songs to the students.
There is a group of teachers and masters that for decades have been developing a very dignifying social work with Capoeira. Children, teenagers and adults alike have learnt Capoeira. This fight art has helped so many in a variety of important aspects of their upbringing and citizenship. To teach Capoeira is to teach a philosophy of life, based on cooperation, participation and respect to the other players. Only true teachers and masters philosophy combined with the physical exercises and all other musical components involved in this art form.
Master Ousado is a professional master of Capoeira with 35 years of experience and 22 years as an international recognized master at all levels of Capoeira and folklore industry. Master Ousado is skilled in choreography, physical fitness training and artistic technical directions. He has won many Brazilian championships and has traveled extensively to three continents conducting Capoeira workshops, seminars and tanks. He has appeared on television, created CD documentaries on Capoeira and is a leading authority being the only recognized master of Capoeira in South East Asia.
Master Ousado is currently running Capoeira classes at the National University of Singapore for its students on Wednesdays and Fridays. Classes are also held on Saturdays from 4.00pm to 6.00pm and on Sundays from 3.00pm to 5.00pm at The Substation Dance Studio, this is located at 45 Armenian Street (besides Asian Civilization Museum).
We can be contacted at +65 67327611 (home phone/fax). Alternatively, Master Ousado can be reached at his email mrousado@hotmail.com. Or visit our website at www.adoclife.com.
posted by Viva Brasil Magazine @ 11:06 AM
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