Stockholm School of Economics in Riga Students' Magazine

If once upon a time you decided to google two common hobbies,  “martial arts” and “dance”, you would probably get thousands of links about something called “capoeira”.This article is going to explain what it is all about and where to practice capoeira in Riga.

More than 4 years passed, but I still remember my first meeting with capoeira. Some time after I had got the odd result in Google I decided to bate my curosity and attend a training of this Brazilian martial art. August sun was shining into the windows of the top floor of one of Riga’s block apartments; sunburned fit guys dressed in white  were doing astonishing stunts; pleasent smiles and spirit of friendship could be felt everywhere around. All these things made me believe that Brazil may also be present in Riga.

Capoeira, according to the dictionary definition, is a Brazilian art form which combines elements of music, dance, martial arts, game, and even phylosophy. Still, I prefer to think that capoeira cannot be explained verbally or described in books - it can only be felt through tough trainings, sounds of Brazilian music and family atmosphere. 

Furthermore, capoeira is more than just words – it is all about acts. For instance, when 3 years ago, because of some circumstances, we were forced to open “Capoeira CDO Latvia”, a lot of our capoeira friends responded, and only with their help we managed to pay rent bills, create a gorgeous website, and attract new followers.

Newcomers usually are amazed by the amount of energy, knowledge, and self-improvement they get during capoeira trainings. Sports part of capoeira teaches everyone to be flexible, enduring, strong, and fit. A variety of exercises makes capoeira available for all ages, sexes, and body complexions. Moreover, each capoerista has a chance to play Brazilian music instruments and not only to feel the rhythm, but also to create it. And, of course, it is necessary to mention Brazilian culture, which is presented in capoeira songs, Afro-Brazilian dances, samba, and maculele.

Friendship is one more main component which helped capoeira to become so popular in the world. Capoeira unite so different people and help them to change: kids are not afraid to play capoeira with vigorous sailors; designers are inspired by the trainings and create incredible pieces of art; people who are shy in their everyday life can easily make new friends. What is more, each capoeirista knows that he is always welcome in any part of the world. For example, during a workshop in France, one of our trainers shared his cramped 17-metres flat with three of us. 

Capoeira workshop in Latvia is a big event that brings capoeira masters from all over the world. They give capoeira classes, teach new songs, and share their stories about Brazilian culture and capoeira. Once a year, usually in July, they conduct a great belt- changing ceremony - Batizado - which is accompanied with acrobatics shows, Maculele, and Afro-Brazilian dances. During Batizado every student becomes an official capoeira member. It has passed more than 4 years, and I am very grateful to capoeira as it has changed me very much and  made me friends with a lot of new and different people. I see that some attend capoeira classes for learning acrobatic stunts, others for finding new friends or learn Portuguese  or maybe even for developing music skills. As for me,  I attend capoeira because it has become my life.

More information about capoeira and Capoeira CDO Latvia could be found here: www.capoeira-latvia.lv or contact me umacdo@gmail.com

Training time-table in Riga : 

Tuesday 20:00 - 21:30

Thursday 19:30 - 21:00

Monday 19:30 - 21:00

Friday 19:30 - 21:00

Sunday 17:30 - 19:00

Rīga, Kalpaka bulvāris 8 (Rīgas Valda Zālīša pamatskola)  on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Rīga, Grēcinieku iela 10 (Rīgas 3. Ģimnāzija), all the other days.

Jelena Gaikevica