Capoeira Classes
Parent Q&A
Archived Q&A and Reviews
Capoeira classes for 6-year-old
Oct 2014
My son's OT has recommended martial arts classes to improve his gross motor skills, truncal tone, and focus issues. She specifically said he would benefit from a small class with an instructor who is especially good with children. That's also important to me, as our only previous experience with martial arts involved a woman who became impatient with and yelled at the children. We quit after two sessions. Does anyone have recommendations? I'm particularly fond of the idea of Capoeira, but am open to anything that would help with the specific issues outlined above. Thanks in advance! Sarah
Hi there! I saw your question about finding a good martial arts class for you son. MVMNT studio in Berkeley offers a Capoeira class specifically for kids ages 5-10. The instructor, Seth, is a really cool guy. I dropped into his adult Capoeira class, and enjoyed it immensely! He is great at explaining the material as well as the historical context of the form, and is very patient and encouraging. I never watched the kid's class specifically, but it is worth looking into. More information about the class at http://www.mvmnt.co/#!kids/c38w Emmeline
The Downtown Berkeley YMCA offers free Youth and Family Capoeira classes! Here are the details: YOUTH & FAMILY CAPOEIRA: AGES 6 and up Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance and music. It is known by quick and complex moves using mainly power, speed and leverage for leg sweeps. Families will be introduced to Capoeira with lots of fun games, tumbling and some circle time where they will sing a simple Capoeira song and be introduced to a musical instrument to learn a simple rhythm. Monday & Wednesday 6:00-7:00pm Youth & Family Center FREE for all YMCA youth and Full Service Members Membership is required for participation. However, we offer financial assistance. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. Heather
March 2013
RE: Martial Arts for 7 y o near Montclair
I would highly recommend Capoeira Mandinga (4137 Piedmont Ave)! Capoeira is a Brazilian martial arts with dance and music aspects incorporated. I have been involved with this organization (training and helping with non-profit programs) for the past 8 years and have seen both the adults and kids program grow tremendously. The kids program is divided into 3 main groups - Kindergym for crawlers to 2.5yo, Bentivis for 3-5yo, Sabia for 6-12yo. We are also currently in the process of forming a separate pre-teen/teen group.
Capoeira is not only great for learning body awareness and strength/flexibility training, it is just plain fun! Everyone learns to play different musical instruments, sing songs in Portuguese (language development) as well as community building. Many parents have joined the adult classes themselves after observing the connection that could be cultivated within their family and with the greater community....as an aside there is a free introductory class for adults on May 4th at 2pm.
There is a 3-class introductory special for $27! Anyone interested is more than welcome to come observe the classes or check out the website for class schedule and history of the organization at www.mandinga.org or call 510.655.8207 CapoMom
Capoeira Class for 6 year old
Dec 2011
I am wondering about signing up my 6 year old son for a Capoeira class and am looking for recommendations. He hasn't done martial arts before and isn't particularly coordinated. Thanks!
I highly recommend sending your 6yo to capoeira. It's a beautiful blend of martial arts (no contact), dance, and culture. I send my 4yo to Mandingo on Piedmont Ave. The community, kids and teachers, there are fantastic! They are happy to let you observe or have a free class for your son to try it out. Happy Capoeira Mama
In response to the person requesting kid capoeira classes I can recommend the Capoeira Arts Cafe, 2026 Addison in Berkeley, 666-1349. A friend of ours trains there and her daughter has taken classes there for years. Our family frequently eats at the Cafe. Everyone that we have met have been very friendly and kind.
Linda (6/99)
The Capoeira Cafe in downtown Berkeley has classes for children (though I'm not sure of the starting age). If you are in Oakland, Alice Arts Center downtown also has some classes. The Capoeira Cafe, though, is an exceptionally nice space. I believe Albany Village also offers classes to children...
June 1999
Saturday (11/19) there is the first Capoeira class (of a winter series) for ages 3-5 at the Rich City Gallery Space in Richmond, 10-10:45. Our friend was involved in getting this organized and it should be a fun class! Text 510-334-6928 for more info.
This Saturday 10-10:45 is the first Capoeira class of the winter session for 3-5 year olds at the Rich City Rides Gallery in Richmond. 1500C Macdonald Ave Unit C.