When I entered Almiro's class for the first time I was captivated by what I saw. A music, song, dance, sport, game, and more. I saw fit cat-like bodies competing through acrobatic displays, kicks, defenses, and a beguiling dance, all the while encircled with smiles and laughter from a surrounding crowd of energetic singers and musicians.
I was compelled to try this art despite having no formal dance lessons, no physical fitness, no coordination, and worse no money. However, none of these issues were a problem because the people of the CAF saw that I was genuinely intrigued by this art form even though I must have appeared unfit.
Now I cannot imagine what kind of life I would have now if it wasn't for the CAF's presence and ability to focus my energy into something positive.
I wish the organization all the best and I hope that this story can be one of many posted here that shows the power of the Cultural Awareness Foundation to bring about a positive change.
In the years 1996, 2000 and 2002 I went on research based journies to Bahia with Almiro Aquilino. We travelled as a group of performers and dance educators on each trip with interests in African based secular and non-secular dance and music materials. I was very satisfied with all of the artist based activities and instruction. Almiro has an incredible reputation within the region and was very gracious about sharing his contacts and knowledge with us. After all of these years of inclusion and information gathered from an incredible cultural experience the most rewarding and memorable experience was witnessing the Raio de Luz school. His commitment to the poor youth that he has left behind and his deep understanding of what it will take to turn this phenomenon of poverty in a positive and productive direction has left an incredible impression on me.
I have always thought that most US citizens need to be required to live with and experience a small community outside of the US to understand culture and the ramifications of poverty. This experience has resonated deep inside me. It wasn't the first time I had witnessed community activism but it is the first time I had witnessed how simple and profound it can be. Any of us can make a difference.
I've been a student of Mestre Almiro since 2000 here in Portland Oregon. I really enjoy the camraderie, classes and performances. Almiro and CAF have a lot of to offer. I have been exposed through the transition of CAF being establised as a non-profit organization and see its future potential. This organization does a lot of outreach to the community and has done much service.
Mestre Almiro commitment to teaching Brazilian martial arts has spanned over 20 years. He is very focused on getting CAF to a position to do more. He is constantly creating new ideas to establish his prescense in the community.
I feel fortunate to have stumbled across the CAF organization. I am learning the discipline of the capoeira art (brazillian martial arts). This is a challenging experience that has been very rewarding.
Congratulations on your efforts over the years and the lives you have impacted. I have a question about the school in Salvador that was started and will be reopened by this project. It sounds like a great contribution to the local community. What are the other choices for the children who were enrolled in this school- are there other schools for them to attend? How was your school able to provide a better service for the youth than any others in the area?
Thank you for your question and your interest in our project. Our school was very unique in the community for a number of reasons. For low income families private schools are very expensive so their only choice is to send their children to public schools. Although this is free, it is not the best education. Our school offered the level of service you would find at a private school but free of charge so that the low income families could benefit from a higher standard of education. With 4 teachers, our program offered very individual attention to students. Also, we had a broad range of curriculum which included arts, music, capoeira and dance components as well as standars subjects like mathematics and science. This range of subjects can not be found in any other public school in the area. We also implemented some features very specific to disadvantaged children from dysfunctional family backgrounds. For example, we would make children do their homework before they went home because we found that their parents were not making sure they did this after school. The local community was very dissapointed when we had to close the school and I am really looking forward to being able to reopen the facility and provide this service again to the community.
Please feel free to let me know if you have any further questions or would like more information.
I started doing capoeira with Mestre Almiro in 2001, and since then have discovered new potentials within myself. In 2005 I joined the Cultural Awareness Foundation as a board member and began working on something much bigger than myself. It was the first time I ever worked with a non profit organization and though the mission of the CAF I have helped bring cultural exchange of these incredible art forms to the pacific north west.
On a personal note I have changed my own body in an incredibly positive way. And with that has come mental, spiritual, and emotional growth and health.
I think the most rewarding feelings ultimately come from helping others, and it is through my affiliation with the Cultural Awareness Foundation that I have been enabled to participate in sharing my experiences with others who are in far greater need.
I had been interested in Capoeira for many years but never had the courage to try it out. I found the Capoeira Regional/Cultural Awareness Foundation online and attended a beginner class and I am hooked.
At a very simple level , the classes have provided me with a new form of exercise but it has amazingly changed into something more. IT has given me a sense of routine and calmness in my very busy and often stressful work life. I find I look forward to the classes and actually stress out when I know I might miss one.
I have observed Maestre Almiro teach the younger children's class before my class and the advanced students who come after me. I am impressed and convinced that Capoeira through Maestro Almiro is a truly a"sport for life" and a "sport for the whole body - mind body and soul".
I can see myself continuing this "sport" throughout my life.
Mestre Almiro's Grupo Capoeira Regional do Brasil, and the Cultural Awareness Foundation have been a grounding force in my adult life, providing a place for community, friendship and creative expression. After traveling all over the world- playing capoeira in Venezuela, Ecuador, Thailand, New York CIty, the Virgin Island and my motherland, the great Midwest, I always come home to Portland and Mestre Almiro's dedicated martial arts troupe. I can honestly say that his focus on the purity of the art farm has created one of the strongest, most tight knit capoeira groups out there. The quality of athletes that he produces, and the loyalty amongst his capoeiristas are second to none! The last seven years of my life would have be seriously impoverished had it not been for this great organization. AXE!
Mestre Almiro's Grupo Capoeira Regional do Brasil, and the Cultural Awareness Foundation have been a grounding force in my adult life, providing a place for community, friendship and creative expression. After traveling all over the world- playing capoeira in Venezuela, Ecuador, Thailand, New York CIty, the Virgin Island and my motherland, the great Midwest, I always come home to Portland and Mestre Almiro's dedicated martial arts troupe. I can honestly say that his focus on the purity of the art farm has created one of the strongest, most tight knit capoeira groups out there. The quality of athletes that he produces, and the loyalty amongst his capoeiristas are second to none! The last seven years of my life would have be seriously impoverished had it not been for this great organization. AXE!
Portland is loaded with martial arts schools, most of which have moved ever closer to the "mixed martial arts" ever since the rising tide of the UFC. The Capoeira taught at the CAF stands apart from most of the other arts in town by having deep, traditional roots and by being from Bahia, Brazil. It is truly a gift to the town of Portland and especially to all martial artists in Portland, to have a teacher like Almiro among us teaching the unique art of Capoeira. A diverse community is a strong community.
CAF has an established history in generating positive change in several communities through the medium of dance, martial arts and other creative expression. The use of mentorship plays a critical role in each CAF program or venture. I have been particularly impressed to observe how mentorship is used as a teaching and personal development tool in the capoeira program. For example, all advanced students are formally trained and actively encouraged to teach those more junior to them. This can take a huge range of forms, from proactively correcting technique to suggesting development exercises to leading a class to disseminating insights into/ experience with Bahian culture. Not only is this is an integral part of fostering the strong community and culture at CAF but it is also an effective means of providing personal development and leadership experience for the mentors.
The other CAF programs (including the artist collaborations in Brazil and the Raio de Luz school) also feature a strong mentorship aspect which has been a key factor in their success to date and impact on their respective communities.
The first time I went to Mestre Almiro's introductory capoeira class in 2005, it was the most physically demanding thing I had ever done. I was severely out of shape, so for days afterward I felt the effects of the class with every step. But even without the reminder from my body, I would not have been able to stop thinking about the experience. I was hooked from the very start.
The mestre tells us that capoeira has everything: dance, combat, acrobatics, song, language, musical instruments, physical conditioning, mental conditioning. Even when grad school becomes too demanding for me to make it to class regularly, I never stop thinking about it. I've started and stopped a lot of exercise classes, but capoeira _always_ pulls me back.
I have seen and experienced Mestre Almiro's organization changing lives for the better. I don't know where I'd be physically and mentally without his work.
As an occasional instructor of Capoeira children's classes, I have seen first hand how Capoeira helps kids develop into strong, self-confident and self-aware individuals. It is an amazing thing to witness how children and adults can come together to participate in the same activity together. The music, the movements and all the energy create a mirco-community within a community.
I remember a student of mine, a nine year old boy with slouching shoulders and inward demeanor. Over the three years we worked together, I saw him build the upper body strength to open his chest and hold himself with strong posture. His pride at having accomplished both physical and musical skills helped him feel more comfortable with kids outside of his family and school. Having worked with adults in the classes and within the "game of capoeira" had helped him feel more comfortable with people from all age groups. It was empowering to me to witness his transformation. I only wish I had found the art earlier in my own life.
Working with The Cultural Awareness Foundation has helped me by providing me with an opportunity to build teaching skills, working specifically with children. In turn I have had the opportunity to partner with other local Portland Community Outreach Programs to work with low income, at-risk youth as well as more privileged youth. All in all, I have seen nothing but community building, reinforcement of positive characteristics and the creation of art as direct outcomes of capoeira participation.
Thank you Mestre Bimba for the creation of the art.
Thank you Mestre Almiro for bringing it here to Portland.
Thank you Almiro for creating the Cultural Awareness Foundation
And Thank you Changemakers for any attention you bring to this amazing art form and organization.
Over the several years I've been learning capoeira at the CAF, I've seen all varieties of people attend our classes, from the very young to the middle-aged, from the confident to the introverted, and from the slump-shouldered to those who have obviously studied gymnastics for many years. I honestly believe, however, that every one of them comes away from the experience improved in some way. Even those who gain nothing more than an increased knowledge of Brazilian culture can call their time well spent. But many, like me, come away fitter, more self-assured, all-around healthier people. The CAF provides an invaluable service to the community -- a safe, friendly environment in which to learn about a fascinating culture and a beautiful art form.
I have been training with Mestre Almiro,for over 6 years . In thes six years i have learned about being aware of myself and the world and how everything grows and move. I have seen alot of students get nothing but positive life changing exsperince through the years and seeing that help improve the quality of living in my life.
Comments
When I entered Almiro's class for the first time I was captivated by what I saw. A music, song, dance, sport, game, and more. I saw fit cat-like bodies competing through acrobatic displays, kicks, defenses, and a beguiling dance, all the while encircled with smiles and laughter from a surrounding crowd of energetic singers and musicians.
I was compelled to try this art despite having no formal dance lessons, no physical fitness, no coordination, and worse no money. However, none of these issues were a problem because the people of the CAF saw that I was genuinely intrigued by this art form even though I must have appeared unfit.
Now I cannot imagine what kind of life I would have now if it wasn't for the CAF's presence and ability to focus my energy into something positive.
I wish the organization all the best and I hope that this story can be one of many posted here that shows the power of the Cultural Awareness Foundation to bring about a positive change.
In the years 1996, 2000 and 2002 I went on research based journies to Bahia with Almiro Aquilino. We travelled as a group of performers and dance educators on each trip with interests in African based secular and non-secular dance and music materials. I was very satisfied with all of the artist based activities and instruction. Almiro has an incredible reputation within the region and was very gracious about sharing his contacts and knowledge with us. After all of these years of inclusion and information gathered from an incredible cultural experience the most rewarding and memorable experience was witnessing the Raio de Luz school. His commitment to the poor youth that he has left behind and his deep understanding of what it will take to turn this phenomenon of poverty in a positive and productive direction has left an incredible impression on me.
I have always thought that most US citizens need to be required to live with and experience a small community outside of the US to understand culture and the ramifications of poverty. This experience has resonated deep inside me. It wasn't the first time I had witnessed community activism but it is the first time I had witnessed how simple and profound it can be. Any of us can make a difference.
I've been a student of Mestre Almiro since 2000 here in Portland Oregon. I really enjoy the camraderie, classes and performances. Almiro and CAF have a lot of to offer. I have been exposed through the transition of CAF being establised as a non-profit organization and see its future potential. This organization does a lot of outreach to the community and has done much service.
Mestre Almiro commitment to teaching Brazilian martial arts has spanned over 20 years. He is very focused on getting CAF to a position to do more. He is constantly creating new ideas to establish his prescense in the community.
I feel fortunate to have stumbled across the CAF organization. I am learning the discipline of the capoeira art (brazillian martial arts). This is a challenging experience that has been very rewarding.
Hello Almiro,
Congratulations on your efforts over the years and the lives you have impacted. I have a question about the school in Salvador that was started and will be reopened by this project. It sounds like a great contribution to the local community. What are the other choices for the children who were enrolled in this school- are there other schools for them to attend? How was your school able to provide a better service for the youth than any others in the area?
Thanks,
Cynthia
Hello Cynthia,
Thank you for your question and your interest in our project. Our school was very unique in the community for a number of reasons. For low income families private schools are very expensive so their only choice is to send their children to public schools. Although this is free, it is not the best education. Our school offered the level of service you would find at a private school but free of charge so that the low income families could benefit from a higher standard of education. With 4 teachers, our program offered very individual attention to students. Also, we had a broad range of curriculum which included arts, music, capoeira and dance components as well as standars subjects like mathematics and science. This range of subjects can not be found in any other public school in the area. We also implemented some features very specific to disadvantaged children from dysfunctional family backgrounds. For example, we would make children do their homework before they went home because we found that their parents were not making sure they did this after school. The local community was very dissapointed when we had to close the school and I am really looking forward to being able to reopen the facility and provide this service again to the community.
Please feel free to let me know if you have any further questions or would like more information.
Thanks again for your interest,
Best regards
Almiro
I started doing capoeira with Mestre Almiro in 2001, and since then have discovered new potentials within myself. In 2005 I joined the Cultural Awareness Foundation as a board member and began working on something much bigger than myself. It was the first time I ever worked with a non profit organization and though the mission of the CAF I have helped bring cultural exchange of these incredible art forms to the pacific north west.
On a personal note I have changed my own body in an incredibly positive way. And with that has come mental, spiritual, and emotional growth and health.
I think the most rewarding feelings ultimately come from helping others, and it is through my affiliation with the Cultural Awareness Foundation that I have been enabled to participate in sharing my experiences with others who are in far greater need.
Thank you CAF!
I had been interested in Capoeira for many years but never had the courage to try it out. I found the Capoeira Regional/Cultural Awareness Foundation online and attended a beginner class and I am hooked.
At a very simple level , the classes have provided me with a new form of exercise but it has amazingly changed into something more. IT has given me a sense of routine and calmness in my very busy and often stressful work life. I find I look forward to the classes and actually stress out when I know I might miss one.
I have observed Maestre Almiro teach the younger children's class before my class and the advanced students who come after me. I am impressed and convinced that Capoeira through Maestro Almiro is a truly a"sport for life" and a "sport for the whole body - mind body and soul".
I can see myself continuing this "sport" throughout my life.
Mestre Almiro's Grupo Capoeira Regional do Brasil, and the Cultural Awareness Foundation have been a grounding force in my adult life, providing a place for community, friendship and creative expression. After traveling all over the world- playing capoeira in Venezuela, Ecuador, Thailand, New York CIty, the Virgin Island and my motherland, the great Midwest, I always come home to Portland and Mestre Almiro's dedicated martial arts troupe. I can honestly say that his focus on the purity of the art farm has created one of the strongest, most tight knit capoeira groups out there. The quality of athletes that he produces, and the loyalty amongst his capoeiristas are second to none! The last seven years of my life would have be seriously impoverished had it not been for this great organization. AXE!
Mestre Almiro's Grupo Capoeira Regional do Brasil, and the Cultural Awareness Foundation have been a grounding force in my adult life, providing a place for community, friendship and creative expression. After traveling all over the world- playing capoeira in Venezuela, Ecuador, Thailand, New York CIty, the Virgin Island and my motherland, the great Midwest, I always come home to Portland and Mestre Almiro's dedicated martial arts troupe. I can honestly say that his focus on the purity of the art farm has created one of the strongest, most tight knit capoeira groups out there. The quality of athletes that he produces, and the loyalty amongst his capoeiristas are second to none! The last seven years of my life would have be seriously impoverished had it not been for this great organization. AXE!
Portland is loaded with martial arts schools, most of which have moved ever closer to the "mixed martial arts" ever since the rising tide of the UFC. The Capoeira taught at the CAF stands apart from most of the other arts in town by having deep, traditional roots and by being from Bahia, Brazil. It is truly a gift to the town of Portland and especially to all martial artists in Portland, to have a teacher like Almiro among us teaching the unique art of Capoeira. A diverse community is a strong community.
CAF has an established history in generating positive change in several communities through the medium of dance, martial arts and other creative expression. The use of mentorship plays a critical role in each CAF program or venture. I have been particularly impressed to observe how mentorship is used as a teaching and personal development tool in the capoeira program. For example, all advanced students are formally trained and actively encouraged to teach those more junior to them. This can take a huge range of forms, from proactively correcting technique to suggesting development exercises to leading a class to disseminating insights into/ experience with Bahian culture. Not only is this is an integral part of fostering the strong community and culture at CAF but it is also an effective means of providing personal development and leadership experience for the mentors.
The other CAF programs (including the artist collaborations in Brazil and the Raio de Luz school) also feature a strong mentorship aspect which has been a key factor in their success to date and impact on their respective communities.
The first time I went to Mestre Almiro's introductory capoeira class in 2005, it was the most physically demanding thing I had ever done. I was severely out of shape, so for days afterward I felt the effects of the class with every step. But even without the reminder from my body, I would not have been able to stop thinking about the experience. I was hooked from the very start.
The mestre tells us that capoeira has everything: dance, combat, acrobatics, song, language, musical instruments, physical conditioning, mental conditioning. Even when grad school becomes too demanding for me to make it to class regularly, I never stop thinking about it. I've started and stopped a lot of exercise classes, but capoeira _always_ pulls me back.
I have seen and experienced Mestre Almiro's organization changing lives for the better. I don't know where I'd be physically and mentally without his work.
As an occasional instructor of Capoeira children's classes, I have seen first hand how Capoeira helps kids develop into strong, self-confident and self-aware individuals. It is an amazing thing to witness how children and adults can come together to participate in the same activity together. The music, the movements and all the energy create a mirco-community within a community.
I remember a student of mine, a nine year old boy with slouching shoulders and inward demeanor. Over the three years we worked together, I saw him build the upper body strength to open his chest and hold himself with strong posture. His pride at having accomplished both physical and musical skills helped him feel more comfortable with kids outside of his family and school. Having worked with adults in the classes and within the "game of capoeira" had helped him feel more comfortable with people from all age groups. It was empowering to me to witness his transformation. I only wish I had found the art earlier in my own life.
Working with The Cultural Awareness Foundation has helped me by providing me with an opportunity to build teaching skills, working specifically with children. In turn I have had the opportunity to partner with other local Portland Community Outreach Programs to work with low income, at-risk youth as well as more privileged youth. All in all, I have seen nothing but community building, reinforcement of positive characteristics and the creation of art as direct outcomes of capoeira participation.
Thank you Mestre Bimba for the creation of the art.
Thank you Mestre Almiro for bringing it here to Portland.
Thank you Almiro for creating the Cultural Awareness Foundation
And Thank you Changemakers for any attention you bring to this amazing art form and organization.
Over the several years I've been learning capoeira at the CAF, I've seen all varieties of people attend our classes, from the very young to the middle-aged, from the confident to the introverted, and from the slump-shouldered to those who have obviously studied gymnastics for many years. I honestly believe, however, that every one of them comes away from the experience improved in some way. Even those who gain nothing more than an increased knowledge of Brazilian culture can call their time well spent. But many, like me, come away fitter, more self-assured, all-around healthier people. The CAF provides an invaluable service to the community -- a safe, friendly environment in which to learn about a fascinating culture and a beautiful art form.
I have been training with Mestre Almiro,for over 6 years . In thes six years i have learned about being aware of myself and the world and how everything grows and move. I have seen alot of students get nothing but positive life changing exsperince through the years and seeing that help improve the quality of living in my life.
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