| Capoeira is a martial art created by African Slaves in Brazil as a means to protect themselves from their oppressors over 400 years ago. A dynamic physical art form with roots in the ceremonial dances of the Bantu and Native Indian people of Brazil, it weaves together elements of music, vigorous body movement, acrobatics and self-defense. Capoeira creates a strong sense of community and develops self discipline and self confidence. |
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 | In 1990, Mestre Barrão was invited to demonstrate his art at the International Children's Festivals throughout North America and eventually found himself in Canada at the Vancouver International Children's Festival. After spending 1991 teaching in Italy, Barrão decided to immigrate to Canada in 1992 and begin teaching here at various locations. He started The Annual International Capoeira Encounter and has renowned and respected Mestres from all over the world visit and share their skills. In 1996, he opened Canada's first Academy of Capoeira.
Today, Mestre Barrão frequently receives invitations to conduct and teach Capoeira at international workshops. The mestres who assembled at the Melhores Do Seculo event in Curitiba Parana in 2000, recognized Mestre Barrão as one of the great capoeiristas of the century, due to his skill and contribution to Capoeira. Mestre Barrão and his Grupo Axé Capoeira have recorded six CD volumes of Capoeira music and one other, together with Mestre Burguês which continues to be tremendously popular throughout Brazil. They have also produced several VHS and DVD performance releases and the four Volume Instructional DVD compilation. Mestre Barrão now has schools in Canada, Brazil, the United States, Barbados, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, England, France, Kazakstan, Mexico, Peru, Poland, Russia, Taiwan, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey and Ukraine. |
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Grupo Axé Capoeira began in Recife in 1982. Today, as Canada's first academy of Capoeira, the Group continues to rise as one of the world's leading Capoeira organizations. Backed by worldwide releases of six albums of music on CD, several VHS and DVD performance releases and the four Volume Instructional DVD compilation, enrollment continues to steadily increase with over 8000 students from all over the world. The Group continues to travel around the world and participate in competitions and has participated in the 2001 International Capoeira Competition in Argentina. Furthermore, Grupo Axé Capoeira is renowned as a traveling group which promotes the history, music, art, and culture of Brazil in interactive and educational demonstrations. |
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The philosophy of Grupo Axé is to respect the Mestres, the integrity of fellow Capoeiristas, and to preserve the roots and traditions of Capoeira while being at the forefront of the modern evolution of the art form. As a student of Capoeira, one should strive to be "complete", that is to learn all aspects of the art-form: self-defense, art and culture. Capoeira is more than a simple activity, it is a way of life. Students should train with intensity in order to develop physical and mental well-being, and to demonstrate Capoeira as a strong and efficient art-form. Axé Capoeira also believes in the strengthening of the community and providing people in need with opportunities to improve their situation in life. The group has ongoing projects in many parts of Brazil providing training, facilities, uniforms, instruments, salaries and, most importantly for many, a chance to have a better life.
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