Capoeira Batizado

The kids Capoeira program held it's weekend long workshop and graduation ceremonies this spring.  Alex and Trace have been in the program for over a year and a half and they rarely miss a class.  There are about 8-10 kids who are regular attendees and their instructors, Carisso and Pato, are great mentors to the kids.

The weekend attendees at Plaza del Sol in San Pancho

Capoeira procession down the Main Street in San Pancho

The attendees are from all over Mexico and this year many kids came from other cities to attend.  Needless to say, Alex made a few friends and was sad to see the weekend come to a close.  It was great to see Alex meet other girls her age who have a similar interest in Capoeira.  Capoeira has benefitted Alex in so many ways in regards to her interest in other activities like dance and her circus class.  She has developed strength, flexibility and coordination that she would most likely never developed had she not attended Capoeira.

Alex and Luke

Trace and Daniella

Trace has come to love Capoeira.  It's his "thing".  His best friend from school is a regular as well and the two of them are always given and extra challenge by their instructors.  I rarely see Trace move across a room without some Capoeira move.  Trace has been able to progress quickly with circus class due to his involvement in the class as well.

One of the things I really like about Capoeira and the other activities the kids are involved with is the quality of coaching and instruction.  I have remarked on it before.  The quality coaches I had growing helped shape me into who I am today.  "Carisso" and "Pato" are the kids instructors.  The two are really just teenagers who were handed the entire program when the main instructor had to leave for family reasons.  Carisso especially is very well respected in all instructor circles in Mexico.  During the weekend the kids were also able to learn from instructors from Mexico, Brazil and the United States and it was great to see their styles and enthusiasm.

Big hug for Carisso.

In Plaza del Sol

The long weekend was great and the actual graduation was close to three hours long as the Capoeira community celebrated the adult program's achievements as well. 

Luke, Enzo, Daniella, Carisso, Trace, Alex and Kaudi.  The graduating class with new belts.

One more month of class before they take a well deserved break for the summer.  Once September is here they will be back at it.  It is a special community and I am glad they are in it.  I think I am officially a "Capoeira Dad".  Kind of like a "soccer mom" and will continue to get them to their class twice a week.  Can't wait to see what they learn next year.