Class Rules
You will find most of the information on our website and the New Student Booklet.
Here are the key rules to follow in a Capoeira class
Hygiene and Uniform
Clean Uniform: Wear a clean, properly fitted uniform or t-shit/trackies/tights to every class.
Personal Hygiene: Nails must be kept short and clean. Shower before class if necessary please.
Skin/Injuries: Cover all open cuts or scrapes. Do not train if you have a contagious skin condition.
Mat Etiquette and Safety
*We called the "mat" to the training ground no matter if tatami, mats or floorboard, the place we train in.
Shoes Off/On: Remove shoes before stepping on the mat.Use footwear (sandals/slides) when leaving the mat to go to the bathroom.
Respect the Mat: face the Teacher and training partners when entering or leaving the training area.
No Ego: Leave your ego outside; the class is a learning environment.
Not motivated? Stop early to prevent injury.
Safety First: Do not intentionally harm training partners; use technique over raw strength.
No Jewelry: Remove all jewelry, piercings, rings and necklaces.
Class Conduct
Punctuality: Arrive 10-15 minutes early. If late, wait for the Teacher to invite you onto the mat.
Silence during Instruction: Keep talking to a minimum and stop immediately when the instructor is demonstrating techniques.
Respect Hierarchy: Give older students (higher graduation) preferred space and follow guidance from instructor.
Conduct: if you feel unwell, need to stop for any reason or leave to use the bathoom, do it off to the side not crossing around the center. When possible, ask first to the instructor.
Jogo Rules
Key rules emphasize constant movement (ginga), fluid interaction, and non-injurious, controlled contact.
Key Rules and Guidelines
Roda and Music: The game happens in a roda (circle), with music setting the tempo; players must synchronize their movements to the berimbau's rhythm.
Ginga: Players must maintain the ginga, a constant, rhythmic movement, as the base for all actions.
Controlled Contact: Strikes should be light and controlled. Attacks to the face or throat are generally forbidden.
Takedowns and Defenses: Sweeps and takedowns are allowed but should focus on skill, not raw force.
Interaction: The goal is to "play" (jogo) rather than fight, often involving tricking the opponent and dodging.
Respect the Rules: Obey the referee (in competition) and follow the traditions, such as starting the game at the pe do berimbau (foot of the berimbau).
Etiquette: Shake hands before and after the game. It is customary to enter the roda with a floreio (acrobatic movement).
Common Prohibitions
No Intense Violence: Uncontrolled or malicious attacks result in disqualification. No Pushing or Grabbing: Pushing is forbidden, and grappling on the floor is generally not allowed. Avoid Turning Your Back: Never turn your back on the opponent without watching them.
Unwritten Rules
Adapt to the Rhythm: If the music is slow, the game is slow and technical. Fast music demands high energy. The Chamada: If a player calls for a chamada (a ritual pause/invitation), it must be respected.