Here you can find commonly asked questions about the Capoeira Club. If you have a question that is not on this list, please feel free to ask Faisca (faisca2 @ gmail . com)
What is Capoeira?
Please refer to the What is Capoeira page on this site for detailed information on the history and culture of capoeira.
What is the Capoeira Club?
The club was started in 2002 by Mike Landry (Faisca). He had a love for capoeira, and wanted to spread the art across campus. The club meets twice a week and does performances throughout the year.
How can I get more information about the club?
If you to find out more about the club, who we are, what we do, or anything else, please feel free to contact Faisca (faisca2 @ gmail . com), or Abby (alacasse @ assumption . edu).
What are the meetings like?
Meetings are set up like “classes.” Each class we review the basics and learn some new techniques, as well as going over aspects of culture, history, and music. It is a collaboration between everyone to help eachother learn and have a good time.
Is the Capoeira Club part of a larger capoeira group?
No. While Faisca and Vispa are part of a capoeira group called CapuraGinga, the club is not a part of that group.
Will I receive cords (belts), nicknames, and ranks in the club?
Yes and no. The club is not a structured capoeira school or group, so no batizados will be held for members to gain ranks and cords. But members do have the opportunity to gain capoeira nicknames.
I don’t go to Assumption, can I still join the club?
Non-Assumption people can not use the Plourde gym facilities, which is where we practice. Which means that people who don’t go to Assumption can’t participate in the meetings. If you live in the Worcester area and are interested in learning capoeira, look into a group called CapuraGinga, led by Mestre Loka. Ask Faisca for more information.
Do I have to be able to do cartwheels and backflips?
No. Capoeira is not only about acrobatics, they look cool but you don’t have to be able to flip to do capoeira. And since this is a class you will be learning new movements as you progress, so don’t worry you’ll be able to do a cartwheel in no time.
I’ve never done martial arts before, is that ok?
That’s perfectly fine. A lot of the members have no prior martial artsexperience, but after a few classes everyone starts to catch on quick. Sometimes it could help to have prior experience in martial arts or dance, but it’s not necessary.
Is it ok if I only come once in a while?
We encourage members to come to every class, because if you don’t practice you’ll have a much harder time moving on. Coming once a week is fine, but coming “once in a while” does hinder your progress.
Isn’t this just breakdancing?
NO! Capoeira is not breakdancing, no matter what people have told you or what ideas you have formed. They have similar movements (mostly because breakdancers stole a lot of capoeira moves) and they both involve music, but the similarities stop there.
Do I have to pay for the classes?
The club does require that you pay $10 dues in order to fund things like t-shirts, pants, and other equipment the club may need.
