Paul H. Williams , Gleaner Writer

(From left) Dennis 'Simpson' Eckart and Angelo 'Capacete' dos Anjos, instructors, in a recent promotional demonstration at Devon House, St. Andrew. - Contributed

Its coordinator, Dennis Eckart, is German; its members are principally Brazilians. And, there are some Jamaicans in the mix. Such is the eclectic composition of Grupo Cativeiro Capoeira, a martial arts/dance troupe right here in Jamaica.

The Capoeira comprises traditional African movements once used by Brazilian slaves and Maroons as a form of passive resistance against the colonising Portuguese. Nowadays, it has evolved into a cultural expression that uses music and movements to instil discipline. It is also an agent of social cohesion, incorporating acrobatics, jumping, kicking and dancing. It is not to hurt, but to bring its practitioners to move in harmony. The essence of the art is to free the mind, body and soul.

Instruments

Paul 'Black Gold' Eathon, one of the Jamaican members of Grupo Cativeiro Capoeira.Photo by Paul H. Williams

Traditional instruments, such as the berindoa, are integral to the performances as their use determines the pace of the movements. The art is alive and well in Brazil, a country with perhaps one of the largest black populations outside Africa.

Locally, the group works with inner-city youths, using the discipline to promote peace and unity, but their services are also available to the general public. Classes are held at the International Martial Arts Institute at 25 Annette Crescent, St. Andrew, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 a.m., and Saturdays from 4:00-5:30 p.m.

Some of the members of the group. (Back, from left) Paul 'Black Gold' Eathon, Gidson Scantlebury, Felipe 'Fofinho' Oliviera, Christine 'Mandinga' Garcia, Leo 'Esperanca' Francis. (Front) Kareolano 'Carrapeta' Magalhaes, Dennis 'Simpson' Eckart, founder and coordinator. - Photo by Paul H. Williams