How should I approach my first Capoeira class?
- Mestre Aranha
- Oct 3, 2023
- 1 min read
How should I approach my first Capoeira class? Read through this list and learn more about how you can set realistic expectations for your first class and build Capoeira habits that will help you see success.
Capoeira is VERY cardio intensive. Bring a big water bottle.
The warmups tend to be on the difficult side, the stretching is intense, even the traditional Capoeira stance is a series of endless repeating squatting and lunging steps. You will sweat more than you anticipate, so stay hydrated. Take advantage of those water breaks!
Work hard and have fun!
Sometimes we get so lost in our fears and apprehensions about an activity that we forget to simply have fun. If you are putting maximum effort into training, it’s worth much more if you are enjoying it. Try to set this standard for yourself as soon as you step foot in a Capoeira academy. Smile. Laugh. You will appreciate your hard work more, and the other students will appreciate your positivity. Being around people who are having fun is infectious!
Bring realistic expectations to your class. Capoeira is a very big, very complex world.
Have realistic expectations. Capoeira is a very big, very complex world. The basic ‘Ginga’ stance is in itself almost a complete workout, and can be a little confusing at first. You likely won’t fully wrap your head around everything that’s happening in the first class, and that’s ok! Focus on remembering one thing, and feel good about the fantastic workout you pushed yourself through.
When it comes to mandatory mat cleanliness, clean feet are essential. No shoes on the mat.
Capoeira falls somewhere between BJJ and Kickboxing. BJJ practitioners are ground specialists, Kickboxers stay on their feet, Capoeiristas do a little of both. While we do not typically engage in grappling on the floor, we do movements that require our feet, hands, and sometimes heads to be on the floor. Let’s all help keep those mats as germ free as possible!
Speaking of feet, wear flipflops, crocs, or slides to the academy.
Make sure your feet are clean before class, and when you leave the mat for water or the restroom, wear flip flops. Most breaks are pretty short, so it’s much easier to step in and out of flip flops than it is to constantly deal with shoes.
Reflect and take notes.
Whether you write yourself a quick note on your phone, or actually write in a notebook, log your first class. Make sure you mark the date of your Capoeira journey beginning, you will appreciate that if you end up sticking with it. Also, write down 2 or 3 things that you learned in class. Don’t worry about the names and spellings at first, those will come with time.
Nutrition is key for performance.
Consider preparing your post class meal in advance. Most people are pretty wiped out after their first few Capoeira classes. This can lead to unhealthy food choices, ie McDonalds. Plan your first 2 or 3 after class meals beforehand. This is even more important if the class gets out later in the evening. Don’t forget you will have to drive home, shower throw your sweaty clothes in the wash, and make food- so time will be short. If you can eat a reasonable meal as soon as you get home, you will be able to sleep better than if you wait and eat late at night. Bad nutrition is your enemy, and sleep is your ally, so set yourself up for success.
What about martial arts interests you?
The workouts
The techniques
The sparring
Check out this article on Meia Lua de Frente, one of the very first Capoeira kicks you'll learn.
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