QUESTION	ANSWER
Is Capoeira for women?	There is no component of Capoeira that is restricted to either sex. Some of the greatest players of Capoeira are women. Also, Capoeira does not pose any more risks to women than it does to men. On the contrary women could benefit from Capoeira as a self-defense tactic.
Am I too young/old for Capoeira?	No! As long as you are mobile you can participate in lessons. Our students come from a variety of ages who are intrigued by the beauty of Capoeira. While children tend to pick up the sport faster (as they do with other things), middle-aged and older people can also participate. Some of the greatest Capoeira Masters in Brazil are over 70 and still practicing the sport! Of course, we will chose movements which are appropriate to your age group and /or other needs.
How many days  week should I train?	That depends on your other commitments, lifestyle and what you want to get out of Capoeira. Some people undertake lessons as a fun activity on a weekly basis; others do it as a training session for physical benefits and some as a professional sport. Most of our students train from one to four times per week.
Do I need to bring anything to class?	Just yourself and your uniform...oh don't forget to bring a bottle of water to re-hydrate & a towel ! A good attitude is always helpful too !
Is Capoeira dangerous?	Like any martial art, Capoeira is a tactic which can be used for attack or self defense. However, its main principle is not a destructive one. Capoeira aims to teach players to work together rather than against each other. We guide students as to how to execute movements so that they do not pose any risks to themselves or others and also to ensure students attempt moves only when they are experienced enough to do so. If you have any other concerns because of a past injury please speak to us  so that we can help you out.
Can Capoeira be used as a self-defense tactic?	The beauty of Capoeira is certainly impressive however it is, without a doubt, an art of self-defense as well. The basic movements of Capoeira were used by slaves to fight their way to freedom against armed guards in colonial times. While modern Capoeira has had acrobatic movements added to it to make it into a flowing game, its potential for attack and defense has not been diminished. Many parents sign up their children for Capoeira classes because they not only learn an art of self-defense but also undertake a fun and expressive activity.
Do I have to do acrobatics to be able to do Capoeira	No. Acrobatic movements are only a small part of Capoeira and they are undertaken by the students who wish to do so and are developmentally ready for them. If for some reason you think that you should not undertake acrobatic movements because of an injury please inform your instructor. You can still practice the basic Capoeira movements as well as participate in musical and dance components of the sport.
Do I have to sing and dance?	No. While some people brand Capoeira as a dance or a choral group, a person is never put on the spot to dance or sing. Many students are afraid of singing, dancing and playing instruments, however after a while they find that they want to participate in these activities because they are fun and all students undertake them as a group not on an individual basis. This does however improve your understanding of the art as a whole.
Will Capoeira give me a physical workout?	Definitely! Many people have traded in their boring gym workouts for the Capoeira class because apart from giving them the physical workout they need it also gives them a mental challenge and teaches them a skill. Capoeira has the potential to define the entire musculature, promote weight loss and give you a very good cardio/aerobic workout. More importantly, it does not place you at risk of injury because it uses your own bodyweight rather then weights for the workout and works on the entire body rather then isolated sections of it.
I am not very flexible... Can I do Capoeira?	Let's face it. There are not many rubber-band people in the world. The purpose of Capoeira is to increase your flexibility and joint mobility. You will find that as time goes, you will become more flexible and be able to execute more movements, not just in Capoeira but also in everyday life like tying up your shoelaces whilst standing!
Do I have to learn Portuguese?	Not at first, but as you progress it will help with the understanding of the movements, the history and thought pattern. Portuguese words/phrases are gradually introduced during the class.
Is the uniform compulsory?	The white Capoeira pants, t-shirt/vest and belt are traditional to Capoeira. I prefer my students to follow  this tradition.Other Capoeira gear can also be worn. However, if for some reason you cannot wear or afford the uniform, please have a chat to me to make alternative arrangements.
I'm a bit embarressed to ask, but how do you say "Capoeira"?	Just like this... "ka-poo-ey-ra"