Capoeira is a unique Afro-Brazilian martial art, first developed by African slaves in Brazil during the colonial period as a tool of physical and cultural resistance against oppression. It is characterized by skillful and complex movements, often performed on the ground or completely inverted.
Known for its fluidity, grace and power, capoeira combines elements of martial arts, dance, music and acrobatics. There are two main styles of Capoeira that are clearly distinct.
Capoeira Angola is characterized by a slower, more reserved game, with special attention to the rituals and tradition of Capoeira. The other style, Regional, is known for its fluid acrobatic play, where technique and strategy are the key points.
Both styles are characterized by the use of feints, extensive use of groundwork, such as sweeps, kicks, and headbutts.
Capoeira Sinhá is a regional style that emphasizes a more modern, martial arts-oriented game.
The regional style is more popular and accessible to the public. While capoeiristas sometimes practice slow games similar to Capoeira Angola, the regional style is more often made up of fast, athletic, combat-oriented moves, but retains the complexity of Capoeira Angola.
At its core, capoeira is a form of oral tradition passed down from generation to generation. The music is played on traditional Brazilian instruments such as the berimbau, pandeiro and atabaque, each with its own unique sound and role in the music.
The berimbau, a single-stringed instrument played with a wooden bow, is the main instrument in capoeira music. It sets the tempo and rhythm of the game and is used to signal changes in the rhythm and style of the game.
The atabaque, a type of hand drum, provides the deep, resonant bass that drives the music. It is also used to add complexity and depth to the music, especially during the more intense moments of the game.
The pandeiro is a type of instrument that provides the melody and rhythm of the music.
Its sound is crisp and clear, and it is often used to accentuate the movements
of the capoeiristas.
Sinhá Capoeira School, founded in 2006 in Somerville, Massachusetts, is more than an academy: it is the embodiment of a passion for capoeira that spans generations. Led by Mestre Chuvisquinho, whose capoeira journey began at birth, the school was born out of a desire to share the richness and beauty of this Afro-Brazilian martial art.
Mestre Chuvisquinho, a third-generation capoeirista, has 31 years of experience as a teacher. His dedication led him to found Sinhá Capoeira. Since its official opening in 2007, the school has become a vibrant center of culture and learning, promoting capoeira through performances, international events, and the annual “Encontro de Bambas”.
At Sinhá Capoeira, we teach the Regional style, known for its energy, acrobatics, and martial focus, without losing the complexity and tradition of Capoeira Angola. Our classes, offered to children and adults in various locations, are more than physical learning; they are an immersion in Brazilian culture, developing strength, coordination, musicality, and self-confidence.
Sinhá Capoeira School has excelled in the Boston Public Schools for 17 years, providing students with an innovative and engaging capoeira education program. The program has distinguished itself by promoting physical fitness, cultural awareness, and language learning through the stimulating and dynamic art of capoeira.
Sinhá Capoeira School has managed to harness the unique and exciting aspects of Capoeira to provide a fun and engaging experience for students of all ages. Designed to promote physical fitness and athleticism, our program develops socio-emotional skills such as teamwork, self-discipline and respect.
In addition to the physical and social benefits, the Capoeira program has also proven effective in promoting intercultural understanding and language learning. Sinhá Capoeira School incorporates Portuguese classes into its curriculum, giving students the unique opportunity to learn a new language while experiencing Brazilian culture firsthand.
Overall, the work we’ve done in the Boston Public Schools over the past 17 years has been truly remarkable.
Our Capoeira Cross Training Program is specifically designed to improve the performance of athletes in various sports. Mestre Chuvisquinho has worked with many teams and individuals, including grapplers and MMA fighters, to help them improve their body movements and agility. His approach and personalized techniques have proven to be highly effective in improving athletic performance and success in competitive sports.
Capoeira’s approach to other sports involves a combination of movements and techniques from various disciplines. For example, capoeira incorporates elements of gymnastics, martial arts, and dance, creating a unique and holistic approach to fitness.
The capoeira cross-training program is designed to help individuals improve their overall fitness, agility, strength and coordination, offering a range of benefits including improved cardiovascular health, increased flexibility and overall body strengthening. Capoeira’s high-intensity movements and acrobatics help develop endurance, agility and speed.
Looking to shake up your workout routine or bring a new experience to your team or school? Consider the dynamic and exciting art of Capoeira!
Capoeira Cross Training can bring a new level of intensity and fluidity to your game. We are ready to help you get started – don’t hesitate to contact us today to learn more!
Lindemberg Desouza, also known as Mestre Chuvisquinho, is a renowned third-generation Capoeirista from Brasil who has dedicated his life to the art and culture of Capoeira. Born on June 26th, 1979, in the town of Belo Horizonte in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, Chuvisquinho comes from humble beginnings. From a young age, capoeira was always a driving force in his life. He has been training capoeira constantly from the age of 5. During those early days there was no system for teaching young children, and the learning process involved developing day-to-day relationships.
At the young age of 9, Chuvisquinho demonstrated his passion for teaching Capoeira by organizing and instructing his neighborhood friends in the backyard of his childhood home. In 1994, when he was only 15, he was honored with the responsibility to teach his first official Capoeira class with the approval of his Mestre in the Bairro Glória neighborhood of Belo Horizonte. In September 1997, after immigrating to the United States with his family, Chuvisquinho began his journey with Capoeira in the United States.
Since his arrival to the states, Mestre Chuvisquinho has been teaching Capoeira in various parts of Massachusetts, primarily in the Boston area. In 2006, Chuvisquinho embarked on a new journey after leaving his former Capoeira School. He took the major life decision to continue his capoeira journey on his own. On March 23rd, 2007 he launched SINHÁ CAPOEIRA, a Boston-based international Capoeira school, alongside his students. SINHÁ has since become a renowned center of Capoeira excellence. In December 2014, 10 years after being awarded the Contramestre rank in Capoeira by his Mestre, Mestre Chuvisquinho’s exceptional skills and unwavering dedication to Capoeira were recognized, and he was awarded the title of Mestre de Capoeira. During this ceremony he was presented with his Red Cord, an honor that was graced by the presence of many esteemed individuals in the Capoeira community.
Mestre Chuvisquinho’s contributions to the world of Capoeira are a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence and his devotion to the the art. Over the years he has played a key role in strengthening local communities by participating in and collaborating with public schools, colleges, youth and adult programs. During these workshops, participants not only to learn about the historical and cultural roots of capoeira, but also creating new bonds and experiences within their community. Through this magnificent gift and art, Mestre Chuvisquinho has had the opportunity to reach many pockets of his community and beyond. Some examples include: teaching Capoeira to celebrities such as Gisele Bündchen, Tom Brady, and their children; being the first organization to showcase Capoeira at the Museum of Fine Arts; performing for former Governor of Massachussetts Charles Baker; sharing capoeira at the New York and Boston Brazilian Embassies; being featured on the PBS documentary and Brazilian National TV on different occasions.
Mestre Chuvisquinho’s expertise in the world of capoeira has given him access to various academic institutions, with the honorary distinction of guest lecturer. Through these opportunities, Mestre Chuvisquinho has had the opportunity to deepen anthropological and pedagogical studies of the participating student body through musical and physical practice, as well as storytelling via capoeira history, culture, and music.
Some of these institutions include:
With over 40 years of experience in his career, Mestre Chuvisquinho has become an influential figure in the Capoeira community, both nationally and internationally, inspiring and teaching others while promoting the rich cultural heritage of Capoeira. He has traveled extensively throughout the United States, South America, Europe and other parts of the world teaching seminars, performing in shows, and coordinating performances. He is widely respected in the Capoeira community for his knowledge, skill, and dedication to the art. Mestre Chuvisquinho is also known for his poetry and musicality, and he has released three Capoeira albums.
Today Mestre Chuvisquinho firmly believes in the evolution of Capoeira, while still respecting the conservative views and rituals passed down in Capoeira heritage. He believes that Capoeira should constantly evolve to reflect the times and the needs of the people practicing it, without losing sight of its rich and deep cultural roots.
Mestre Chuvisquinho is in the process of publishing his first book of his own Capoeira poetry. He believes that poetry is an essential part of the Capoeira tradition and that conveys important messages and insights of the art form. This book is expected to be a unique contribution to the Capoeira literature and will showcase his creativity and passion for the art form.
Lindemberg de Souza, also known as Mestre Chuvisquinho, is a renowned third-generation Brazilian capoeirista who has dedicated his life to the art and culture of capoeira. Born on June 26, 1979, in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Chuvisquinho comes from humble beginnings.
Capoeira has always been a driving force in his life since he was young. He has practiced capoeira constantly since the age of five.
In 1994, at age 15, he was honored to teach his first official capoeira class with his mestre’s approval in Belo Horizonte. After moving to the United States with his family in September 1997, Chuvisquinho began teaching capoeira in the United States.
His expertise in capoeira has given Mestre Chuvisquinho access to various academic institutions as a guest lecturer. Through these opportunities, he has had the chance to deepen his anthropological and pedagogical studies with students through musical and physical practice, as well as storytelling about the history, culture, and music of capoeira.
Some of these institutions include:
Gastrell Rossingnoll
Kevin Barona
Sofia Cristina Pedronni Dorantes
Edna Cristina Lara Gallegos
Oliver Maurice
Yuleissy Ramirez
Alma Belén Jiménez Franco
Yael Alonso Pineda Espinosa
Brenda Hernandez
Maria Montserrat Bravo Serna
Greg Wolff
Julie De Souza
Earnest Gildon
Henry Own
