Report
on Capoeira Workshop
Learning,
thought, creativity and intelligence are not processes of the brain alone, but
of the whole body. Sensations, emotions and integrative functions of the
central nervous system are rooted in the body making ‘movement’ as fundamental
as formal learning. Witty International School has always been in the search of
workshops that encourage exercise, discipline and excitement to be in school.
The workshops should help to boost the self-esteem and confidence of a child
too. To enable these goals, Witty Pawan Baug organised a Capoeira workshop by the
group Cordao De Ouro (CDO)
It has its presence in 85 countries
and has completed 60 years internationally. CDO in India was founded by Reza
Baba Massah, who trained at CDO Israel and is a certified Capoeira instructor.
From 4 students in 2006, the Capoeira way of life, today, impacts more than a
thousand lives.
In the last few years, Capoeira
has taken the world by storm. All over the world it is an art form in demand, a
most sought-after means of creative self-expression. Capoeira is Brazil's
National Sport, a unique sport that combines fight moves, dance, acrobatics,
with live music and Afro-Brazilian culture. Unlike many other martial arts,
where the goal is to subdue an opponent, in Capoeira there are no winners or
losers.
It is a well known fact that increase in brain
activity occurs during exercise, especially in areas of the brain dealing with
thinking and memory. Moving the body demands a lot from the brain –
coordinating muscle contractions, vision, balance, organ function and all of
the complex interactions of bodily systems. Capoeira is one of the best forms
of fitness as it not only includes body locomotion but needs strategic use of
the mind to make use of these movements in the form of dance. An integral part
of capoeira is its music which research has proved improves analytical thinking
and memory.
The workshop incorporated free movement based
exercises done with individuals, in pairs and groups helping the students in
strength, flexibility, reflexes and co ordination.
“Teaching in the form of games makes it fun and
challenging. Capoeira is the only martial art in the world that is non violent,
non aggressive and non competitive and at the same time teaches self defence in
the most unique way,” encouraged founder, Reza Baba Massah.
During the workshop, the children were introduced
to the Roda, a circle in which the Capoeira game is played between two
capoeiristas. They learnt to compete respectfully and that aggression can be
expressed with style and grace rather than brute force. The capoeiristas also
learnt to play and master more instruments like the berimbau and atabaque. They
were also introduced to Maculele, an Afro-Brazilian dance form through
warm-ups. Capoeira, very simply, helped a child navigate the complexities of
human interaction, the importance of being ready for anything, the value of
cleverness and the strength of indirect resistance.
The Principal Mr Bijo Kurian
enthused, “The mind is trained to be peaceful in order to synchronise it with
body movements, and extend this harmony to life and society. In today’s times
it is an important tool for balanced growth of children. I am happy to see them
enjoying the sport while gaining confidence.”
0 comments:
Post a Comment