Two of Calgary Capoeira's students play and showcase their skills while accompanied by other students playing music. (Ayden Bragg, CMRU.ca)
Calgary Capoeira, led by instructor Frank Fowler, offers a unique blend of Brazilian culture and martial arts to the city of Calgary. Born in Brazil and raised in Canada, Frank, also known as Instructor Gigante, shares his cultural roots through capoeira, a martial art deeply embedded in Brazilian history.
Though many are initially attracted by its physical dynamism, practitioners soon discover that Capoeira extends beyond flashy, acrobatic movements. The community and cultural elements of Capoeira play a crucial role in the structure of the art while also retaining the interest of its participants. In addition to serving as a reminder of its historical origins during times of oppression.
Calgary Capoeira’s community impact
“I don’t care if you are an amazing capoeirista, but I want you to be a good human being first. If you’re an amazing capoeirista that is not a good human, that’s not the kind of person we want in our class. I’d rather have a great capoeirista that is a great person, first and foremost.” – Frank Fowler.
- Fitness and Lifestyle Adjustments
- Capoeira’s physical demands encourage a healthier lifestyle, influencing dietary habits and impulsive choices.
- Community and Responsibility
- Capoeira’s social nature fosters a sense of responsibility, promoting a collective growth within the community.
- Inclusivity and Diversity
- Embracing individuals of diverse backgrounds, Calgary Capoeira creates an inclusive environment where everyone’s individual strengths contribute to the learning experience.
- Community Outreach and Awareness
- Actively engaging in various programs and festivals, Calgary Capoeira strives to raise awareness about the art and Brazilian culture through local businesses and communities.
- Family-Centric Fitness
- Encouraging family involvement, Calgary Capoeira promotes a comprehensive approach to fitness, catering to individuals of all ages and abilities.
- Mentorship and Leadership
- The practice of Capoeira naturally leads to mentorship and leadership roles, ensuring the continuity and growth of the art form.
Challenges
Despite challenges in raising awareness about Capoeira in the city, Calgary Capoeira remains focused on cultivating a community of inspired individuals. With a goal to prioritize the quality of each student’s experience while still increasing the quantity of students to spread the benefits of Capoeira to a broader audience.
How to join
For those seeking a blend of physical fitness, culture, community support, and mentorship, Calgary Capoeira extends an invitation to explore its community. Under the guidance of Instructor Gigante and his team, students can experience the cultural richness of Capoeira, finding a space where wellness, personal growth, and cultural appreciation converge. Those are encouraged to attend a class and become part of a community built on joy, discipline, and camaraderie.
Reflection
With this multimedia media project I hope to make more people aware of Calgary Capoeira, what Capoeira is, and the community that comes along with it. Everyone I got to meet during the shoot was so kind and welcoming to me. From Instructor Gigante, the other instructors, and all their students. This project has been one of the highest points of my academic career so far and the opportunity to film and spend the day with such talented, and caring people was so rewarding. I left the shoot with a big smile on my face and couldn’t wait to carve out a path where I can keep filming incredible people and communities just like Calgary Capoeira’s.
At the same time this project was definitely a learning experience. There were a lot of variables to manage and doing everything by myself was definitely difficult. Along the way I forgot a few steps. Especially during the shoot where I had limited time to cover all my bases. Next time I’ll definitely bring a second pair of hands. Though I made a couple mistakes, I don’t regret the experience one bit.
If you’ve made it to the end of this post and and even have a small inkling that you might be interested in or want to try Capoeira, do it. The people you’ll meet and get to know alone make the whole experience more than worthwhile. I know I’m going to go in for my free class, and try it out in the new year. See you then.
– Ayden
Comments