"We do Capoeira."

 

"Capowhat???"

 

cap·o·ei·ra [kap-oo-air-uh] -noun An Afro-Brazilian blend of martial art, dance, game and fight that combines strength, grace, speed and flexibility into an amazing display of physical conditioning and skill. Capoeirstas take turns "playing" two at a time in a circle, or "Roda", formed by participants who clap and sing in time to the rhythms set by the musicians playing traditional instruments. The speed and style of the game being played is determined by the berimbau, a wooden bow, with a single steel string and a resonating gourd. Other instruments are the pandeiro (large tambourine), atabaque (conga-like drum), agogo, (double cowbell), and reco-reco (rasp).

 

For more in depth information on capoeira please click on the History tab above.

 

cap·o·what [kap-oo-wuht] -noun A group of individuals dedicated to spreading the capoeira revolution through public education, performance and classes for children and adults.

We offer an interactive, entertaining, multicultural program for children and young adults. We use capoeira to entertain and hold the attention of our audience while we teach them about the history, geography, vocabulary and culture of Brazil. Most importantly we pass on life building messages about the importance of reading, education, health, fitness and diversity.

Rodney Ondrus' capoeira nick name is Pica Pau which translates as woodpecker. He is named after Brazil's version of the cartoon Woody Woodpecker. He began to study capoeira in Tampa, Florida on August 15, 2003 with the Volta Ao Mundo group of capoeira under Professor Girino. He progressed quickly due to intense training, hard work and a long history of previous martial arts and combat sports training that include judo, karate, wrestling and ninjustsu. He began teaching children and beginner level classes at the Tampa Academy of Volta Au Mundo in early 2007.  He has attained the 9th level and the title of Monitor. Rodney currently teaches classes in St. Petersburg, Florida and performs Capowhat shows. He discovered capoeira while visiting California and was immediately inspired and impressed by the body control of the capoeiristas and could barely contain himself from jumping in at that very moment. Rodney has also been a performer for Didgeridoo down under. DDU is an Australia-theme, education-motivation-entertainment-character building presentations and workshops specifically for children and young adults.

 

Mary Taylor's capoeira nickname is Brilhosa, meaning one who is brilliant or shines. She is named for her brilliant personality and always positive disposition. Mary began to study capoeira in Sarasota, Florida in February 2005 with Volta Ao Mundo group of capoeira under Mestre Rony. Mary has years of experience mentoring special needs children and assisting them in various physical and occupational therapies. Mary began performing at the age of 8 as a solo pianist and later as a violinist in a symphony. In addition to capoeira, Mary also enjoys participation in a wide range of outdoor sports such as snowboarding and rock climbing. Mary currently assists Rodney in teaching classes in St. Petersburg. She first discovered capoeira at the Riverwalk in Naperville, Illinois and thought it was impressive and intriguing.

 

Mary and Rodney have each visited Brasil twice and have just recently returned from a month of intense training.