Capoeira

Cacique De Ramos

Levi Guerrero, who is also known as Cacique de Ramos, has practiced the art of Capoeira for several years and is an instructor affiliated with Grupo Senzala from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil under the guidance of Mestre Zumbi. Mr. Guerrero has been teaching Capoeira since 2006 under the supervision of Mestre Zumbi in various locations in central and southern New Jersey. His instruction has now expanded to Holsome Holistic Center. His mission is to share the Art of Capoeira with the community. Primarily, Mr. Guerrero seeks to develop the mental and physical capabilities of young people through Capoeira while simultaneously exposing them to the cultural heritage of Africa and Brazil.

Capoeira: A Brief History and Overview

Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian art form that combines elements of dance, music, percussion, song, self-defense techniques, and acrobatics. It is an athletic stream of consciousness. In part it is a dance: a rhythmic dialogue with a partner set to the music of traditional instruments. In part it is a fight: a strategic match of throwing and dodging kicks, sweeps, and defensive movements.

The details of this form’s origins and early history are still a matter of debate. However it is clear that enslaved Africans played a crucial role in its development. Some historians claim that slaves used Capoeira’s dance-like appearance as a way to hide their training of combat and self-defense against their oppressors.

Capoeira for Kids

Capoeira provides children with a means of self-expression. In many Brazilian schools it is a compulsory discipline, which develops students not only physically but also intellectually, working both body and mind. Capoeira relieves stress, improves confidence, self-esteem and concentration. It also improves balance, coordination and creativity.

The psychological and developmental benefits arise from the cooperation, respect, discipline, and tolerance essential to practicing Capoeira. The discipline and social skills learned in Capoeira carry over into the rest of a child’s education. What is significant about Capoeira is that the lessons that are learned in this setting are essential ones that can be applied to their every day lives – outside of the classroom.

Class Fee Schedule
Capoeira Adults/ Kids Class
Wednesday 4:30-5:30 pm Kids
Thursday 7:30-8:30 pm Adults
Saturday 11:45-12:45 pm Kids
• Drop – in Class $15
• 5 – card Pass $60

Levi Guerrero
Capoeira Instructor
609.712.6339
caciquesenzala@gmail.com
www.zumbisenzala.org