Fitness Through Capoeira: Axé BootCamp July 6th - Aug 1st, 2009 4 Weeks - 8 or 12 Sessions Mon / Wed 8-9pm Sat. 12-1pm 2x / week = $89 3x / week = $99 Times per Week 3x Per Week $99.00 2x Per Week $89.00

The Capoeira Boot-Camp

Everyone knows that Capoeiristas have great physiques. This class is designed based on Capoeira moves and exercises with two goals in mind;
- 1) Tone your muscles and give you a leaner look while increasing your flexibility, strength, energy, balance, coordination and endurance.
- 2) Prepare you physically to take part in our full Capoeira sessions where you will begin to understand the fundamentals of Capoeira and prepare yourself to progress through the belt system in Capoeira.

Class focuses on:

Legs - The Ginga (pronounced jinga) is the fundamental movement in Capoeira. It is performed in a semi-squat position which gives you a strong base while strengthening all your leg muscles.

Core - To maintain your balance while performing some basic Capoeira moves, you must engage your core muscles for greater stability. Exercises are done in class to achieve this strength and the movements themselves will dramatically increase your core strength while toning your mid section (abs and back).

Upper Body - Capoeira has many ground movements in which you must use your hands and arms to move yourself on the floor. These moves can be as simple as a pivot around one foot assited by both hands, or a bit more advanced moves such as a balanced hand-stand, depending on each students level. These moves work to strengthen you upper body giving you better posture and a leaner look.

More Info:
The Boot-Camp sessions will begin on Wednesday, April 29th, 2009 . Class times will be from 8-9pm on Wednesdays and 12-1pm on Saturdays. We recommend you attend all 8 sessions, however, that is up to your discretion. Wear comfortable and breathable clothes. Registration can be done online by clicking the "PAY NOW" button bellow. Space is limited. By paying you will reserve your spot in the class, therefore, all payments are final and no refunds may be issued.

Here's what some of our students say:

"Since starting capoeira classes I've noticed that I have more energy in my day-to-day routine. I feel stronger, healthier and more confident."
Kerry-Ann Saouter

"Capoeira is awesome. It's helped me focus more in school and helped me set better goals for my life and work towards them."
Hamed Hashimi

"Axé Capoeira Academy gives me a bigger and better view of life in a more fun way. It also helped me to control my emotions better. Also it gave me the confidence to know that I can defend myself. Thanks everyone for making it fun!"
Michelle N.

The fundamental principles taught in capoeira include a corporal dialogue, the body's intelligence, the ability to react, balance, as well as the notions of space, time, rhythm, music and an understanding of the philosophy of the game.

Capoeira is a marvelous exercise for the body, involving all of the muscle groups and developing a series of physical qualities. While playing in the roda one rapidly notices a great change: less tension, faster reflexes and increased power.

By persevering your breathing becomes regulated as the regular practice of capoeira (at least three times a week) develops the cardiovascular system. And, most beautiful of all, one develops great abdominal muscles, these muscles being amongst those most solicited.

A few facts:

-- One hour of capoeira burns about 500 calories.
-- Stretching and weight training are complementary to capoeira as they improve flexibility.
-- Everyone can practice capoeira according to his/her natural abilities. Only those with spinal cord problems must receive authorization and be followed by a doctor in order to practice.
-- Capoeira is one of the best physical activities if not the best! Check out the following comparative table, with 5 being the maximum grade.

Below are the qualities that the practice of capoeira develops and improves.

- Endurance : to provide the maximum energy during the entire period of play.
- Agility : the movements change direction at any time.
- Flexibility : large movements dominate capoeira.
- Speed : in order to trick your adversary.
- Balance : to master the body's control during complex movements.
- Coordination : to be able to respond to attacks with arms, the trunk of the body and legs, all at once.
- Rhythm : the game is led by music and singing and the pace of the movements must match the music's rhythm.

But capoeira in not only good for the body. Capoeira works with one's emotions, helping to liberate aggressivity, although the sport does not encourage any form of violence. Capoeira develops the mastery of one's body and mind, as well as one's creativity.

By practicing capoeira you improve:

- Your concentration : The attention paid to your adversaries movements must be constant.
- Your perseverance : Perfect mastery of one's body comes only after diligent practice.
- Your daringness : Little by little one's fear of performing certain acrobatic movements is overcome.
- Your cunning : In order to fool your adversary with unexpected sequences of movements.