Capoeira (kah-po-WAY-da) took its shape in the bubbling cauldron of Brazil. Its roots trace from the African peoples enslaved there dating from the early 1500's. Its own evolution is testimony to the creative adaptability and will to survive of its people and culture. Still truly evolving, Capoeira has been spreading worldwide in recent decades. It provides a rare modern format to bring together our best human resources - music, vigorous physical interaction, playfulness, community structure, and creativity - to develop problem solving capabilities, confidence, and respectfulness in the 'un-balance-ing' conditions that we are often in. Much more than a “martial art”, capoeira is an art-of-life.

Capoeira is played in a circle (“roda”) of people that includes several members playing various percussion instruments. Driven by soulful songs and rhythms of diverse intensity, two capoeirstas at a time engage in a spirited dialogue of body and wit. Nonstop attacks, defenses, and counterattacks suggest a fight while the mood is generally playful. The strategies rely on trickery as much as agility, speed and strength. Ritual elements and personal expression are infused throughout the uninterrupted pulse of the roda.

The batizado is the feature event of a full reunion weekend where we welcome our newer students and recognize our existing ones! The batizado is an event where students receive their cords. They must train hard and know the requirements for the cord they are receiving and are tested on their knowledge before the big day. The capoeirsta must play one or many Mestres, and as a tradition they are to be taken down. The batizado is a celebration not a competiton and the Mestres and teachers are there to celebrate with everyone.

“The career of the capoeirsta begins with the batizado. From the first jogo to the point of fully understanding the art, students will spend many years constantly probing and training their weaknesses, facing the treacheries of life with open eyes. During this time, they will be physically, mentally and spiritually challenged as they strive toward a well-rounded study of the art.”

-ALEMIDA, Bira. Capoeira - A Brazilian art form. North Atlantic Books. Berkeley, CA 1986 p. 143

About Capoeira Volta Ao Mundo

In 1996, Mestre Rony moved to Western Florida from California where he was giving Capoeira classes with Contra-Mestre Amunka. Mestre Rony soon started his own Capoeira Group, Volta Ao Mundo, while living in St. Petersburg, Florida. Where he had his first small school. In 1999, he moved Volta Ao Mundo to Sarasota, Florida; he was giving classes in three different locations, and was anxious to find a permanent location. Within a year he found a 3000 sq. ft. facility that he could teach and train Capoeira. In 2002, Volta ao Mundo was moved to the location we train in today, on the corner of Bee Ridge Road and Tuttle Ave. To date, Volta Ao Mundo has three academies, including locations in Tampa, FL with Professor Girino, and Springfield, IL.