Oi capoeiristas:

 

This is a very exciting and monumental time for all persons in and around New Orleans who are interested in capoeira, Afro-Brazilian culture, the Portuguese language, physical fitness, and Brazilian music.   For those who attended Wednesday night’s capoeira session, we hope you enjoyed the class.  We, along with many of you, are delighted to have Instructor Carlao in New Orleans.  

 

Carlao is a professional capoeirista with over 30 years of experience. Born and raised in Brasilia, he has trained regional, Angola, and benguela under the guidance of Mestre Ralil with Raizes do Brasil (Roots of Brazil) since he was seven years old.  In addition to his capoeira skills and knowledge, he has extensively practiced other martial arts including Tae Kwon Do, Jiu Jitsu, and vale tudo(no holds barred fighting). 

 

Instructor Carlao arrived in New Orleans this week, leaving his family, job, and life in Brazil behind for the sole purpose of spreading the art of capoeira to New Orleans.   

Just as times are tough in Brazil with the current president and economic situation, we understand that life in post-Katrina New Orleans is also not easy so we are implementing some small fees to help Carlao make ends meet and get the group started.  Prices, effective September 8^th, 2006, will be as follows:

 

Introductory student rate (for new students)- One Week unlimited classes- $10 

Monthly Unlimited Classes- $60

Drop-in fee- $10

 

In comparison with other schools of capoeira and the quality of Carlao’s teaching, this is an excellent deal. Academies in New York charge $200-250 per month. 

 

We are in the progress of obtaining a rental space, but until then, classes will be held at the Labyrinth behind the Fly (at Audubon Zoo).  If you need directions, please let me know.  

 

Until further notice, the class schedule is as follows:

 

Monday 6-8pm

Wednesday 6-8pm

Friday 6-8pm

 

You will be encouraged to wear white to every class.  After your first week, a uniform is required for class.  A capoeira uniform consists of white capoeira pants (abadas), a white Raizes do Brasil t-shirt, and a cord.  Abadas and t-shirts will be available for purchase in the next few classes and thereafter by request or on certain days. Cords are on the way.  The clothes are designed for the art of capoeira so they are flexible and durable.  The uniform is white because when capoeira was played in the past, players would be wearing white suits and whoever left from the capoeira game with the cleanest clothing would be considered a great capoeirista.  We keep the tradition alive by wearing a white uniform to class, as do many other capoeira groups today. Prices are as follows:  Abadas $40, t-shirts $20. 

 

Any assistance that you can provide to help us get the group started will be greatly appreciated.  We particularly need assistance with the following: creation of flyers, distributing flyers, contacting members of the community regarding possible rental spaces, spreading the word about our current classes, and website development.

 

Samurai will continue the Saturday morning session at 9am at the Labyrinth (until further notice).  This session will focus mostly on music.   

 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 770-356-0105. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you soon.

 

Risada (Alison)

Administrator for Raizes do Brasil New Orleans