Berkeley, CA 94710
(510) 528-2133
playinglifeacademy@gmail.com
©2011-2012, Playing Life Academy
Brincadeira Viva Martial Arts - Capoeira and Kung Fu
Playing Life Academy's Brincadeira Viva program provides Martial Art training in the disciplines of Capoeira and Kung Fu from September through June.
More than a repetitious regimen, Martial Arts engages the whole student by teaching technique, application, theory and philosophy, providing them with a lifetime of rewarding physical, mental and social activity.
Martial Arts training provides practical instruction in self-defense. Our philosophy is that the best self-defense is self-control and confidence. Students are instructed in the key concepts of Accurate Assessment – Accurate Response, their application effective in reducing the occurrence of violent physical confrontation. Martial Arts provides a framework for understanding the patterns and elements of physical confrontation, preparing the student with practical solutions.
Capoeira is a game of physical chess. Emerging from a rich African-Brazilian heritage, Capoeira is martial art, dance, music and song. Capoeira students develop the flexibility and agility of a dancer and the speed and timing of a powerful athlete as they play Capoeira, a game of physical chess. Along with Capoeira specific movement instruction that includes acrobatics and conditioning, we ground the students in songs, traditional chants and instruments. Brazilian Portuguese is introduced.
Kung Fu is inspired by the strategies of animals. Chinese monks invented highly effective martial arts inspired by the strategies of animals. Just as accurate assessment and accurate response are the keys to survival for the agile tiger, the clever monkey and the single-minded preying mantis, they are the keys to success in Kung Fu. Brincadeira Viva's training curriculum includess self-defense techniques, forms, sparring and weapons training. Our training system is influenced by Cascos Blossom Fist System, Simo and Sifu Owens, Oakland. Kung Fu prepares the students for life's challenges – physical and mental.
Capoeira Kids Classes
Acipepes (Starters) Class is a fun introduction to the freedom of Capoeira movement and music. It engages bodies and imaginations! Students may begin with comfortable clothing, but uniform is eventually required. No shoes. Fri., 5:15-6, Ages 3-5. New class begins Friday February 24![ schedule ]
Macacus (Monkeys) Class is a mix of fun and focus. This class builds a foundation of coordination, strength, and flexibility for Capoeira play and introduces elements of capoeira's African-Brazilian heritage. Students may begin with comfortable clothing, but uniform is eventually required. No shoes. Mon and Wed, 5-6 pm, Sat 10-11am. Ages 5-8. Ongoing classes: join anytime. Beginners welcome. [ schedule ]
Anacondas Class also builds the foundation for Capoeira play. In this class students develop a deeper understanding of Capoeira and its traditions, including language, music and song. Students may begin with comfortable clothing, but uniform is eventually required. No shoes. Mon and Wed, 6-7 pm, Sat, 11am-noon. Ages 9 and above. Ongoing classes: join anytime. Beginners welcome. [ schedule ]
Capoeira Kids Program
The Capoeira Kids program is designed to support students through the 5th level of Capoeira training. Opportunities for advancement typically take place three times each year at the Batisdado event. It is a self-paced program for advancement, time required to reach the 5th level typically requiring 4-5 years of study. Students advancing to the Yellow Cord, 5th level, have developed a considerable foundation in Capoeira and may apply to the Brincadeira Viva Advanced Training Program.
Kung Fu Kids Classes
Phoenixes Class is a mix of fun and focus. This class grounds the student in Kung Fu's stances and movements through forms, partner exercises and equipment. Kung Fu's Chinese philosophical origins are introduced. Students may begin with comfortable clothing, but uniform is eventually required. No shoes. Tu and Thurs, 5-6 pm and Sat, 9-10 am. Ages 5-8. Ongoing classes; join any time. Beginners welcome.[ schedule ]
Dragons Class also grounds the student is Kung Fu's basic elements and techniques. Students will progress to the refinement of forms, application of movements, and increased understanding of philosophical concepts. Students may begin with comfortable clothing, but uniform is eventually required. No shoes. Sat, 9-10 am. Ages 9 and above. Ongoing classes; join anytime. Beginners welcome. [ schedule ]
Kung Fu Kids Program
The Kung Fu Kids program is designed to support students through the 4th level of Kung Fu training. Opportunities for advancement typicallly take place three times throughout the year. It is a self-paced program for advancement, time required to reach the 4th level typically requiring 4-5 years of study. Students advancing to the Purple Belt, 4th level, have developed a considerable foundation in Kung Fu and may apply to the Brincadeira Viva Advanced Training Program.
Brincadeira Viva in the Community
We offer our services to the community in the form of entertainment and/or educational workshops or seminars for schools, community organizations and corporations. Call us so we can craft a presentation for your group!
