MISSION STATEMENT

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ICAF Olympia is a non-profit educational organization committed to the cultivation, preservation, and growth of the African Brazilian cultural art form Capoeira Angola. Our goal is the creation of a strong and vibrant community committed to social transformation through empowering individuals to overcome both self and societally imposed limitations.

Mestre Jurandir first started teaching Capoeira Angola workshops at Evergreen in 1998. Since that time, there has been a regular presence of Capoeira Angola in the community, and generations of capoeiristas have learned and grown through the Olympia group. Since 2002, The Evergreen Capoeira Angola Club has been organizing classes and events at the Evergreen state College and around Olympia, with the support of Mestre Jurandir. The student group has been known over the years for having organized numerous amazing Capoeira Angola Conferences and their regular Arts Walk Street Rodas. Ongoing classes at the Evergreen State College are lead by ContraMestre Silvinho and Treinel Caxambu.

MESTRE JURANDIR NASCIMENTO

Mestre Jurandir Nascimento founded the International Capoiera Angola Foundation Seattle in 1997. A small group of students invited him from Brazil to teach them the philosophy, movement and music of Capoeira Angola.

Mestre Jurandir worked tirelessly to bring the rich traditions of Capoeira Angola to the Pacific Northwest. The first classes were held at Miller Community Center on Capitol Hill. Mestre Jurandir also taught workshops in various schools in the greater Seattle area.For many years ICAF Seattle trained in a studio of their own where he taught music and movements, and endowed students with his rich knowledge and philosophy of Capoeira Angola.

Mestre Jurandir lived and taught in Seattle until 2005. The community he worked so hard to create continues to grow. Mestre’s Jurandir’s first Contra Mestre, Silvinho from Belo Horizonte, Brazil, currently leads the group.

Mestre Jurandir visits Seattle often to give workshops, demonstrations, and lectures.

Silvio Aleixo Dos Reis, Mestre Silvinho, Belo Horizonte, Brazil-USA

He has dedicated 23 years of his life to Capoeira Angola. He started capoeira with Mestre Rogerio,Belo horizonte/Brazil in 1986 and as Mestre Jurandir's student he was the leader of FICA-BH for 8 years.

In Belo Horizonte he has taught for social programs created by the city council such as Homeless People and for street kids, named Kids in the Park. There he also taught for a Youth Project created to teach African Brazilian music, drums, and dance known as Tambolele.

Since 2004 he has leading the International Capoeira Angola Foundation, ICAF Seattle, founded in 1997 by Mestre Jurandir, as well as the TESC Capoeira Angola Club at the Evergreen State College in Olympia, which was started by Evergreen students under Mestre Jurandir leadership since 1998.

Contramestre Silvinho has taught at middle and high schools in Seattle and vicinities since 2004 while supporting the development of other ICAF Groups in the USA. He has presented and have been supporting the development of ICAF African Brazilian Community Festivals in Seattle and Olympia.He has been traveling and presenting at conferences in the USA since 2000.

CLASS SCHEDULE

  • Monday and Friday afternoons 3 - 5pm, The Evergreen State College, CRC Rm. 117

WHAT IS CAPOEIRA ANGOLA?

Capoeira Angola is an Afro-Brazilian art form--a fluid, rhythmic martial art; a ritual; a dance of deceptive vulnerability, wit, and grace. The intricate movements of Capoeira Angola weave tradition, history, spirituality, and philosophy into a uniquely beautiful "game". Like many African based traditions, it is orally transmitted from masters (mestres) to students.

Capoeira was used by enslaved Africans in Brazil to fight against colonial oppression. After emancipation of the slaves, Capoeira continued to develop in Brazil, however, it was outlawed for almost 400 years and so it was practiced in secret. To teach and practice Capoeira Angola was legalized in the 1930's. It survives because of the wisdom and dedication of a handful of mestres and their devoted students.

Played in a circle (roda), the game (jogo) of Capoeira Angola is an improvised combination of movements, a mix of acrobatics, rituals, and dance. The players respectfully demonstrate their skills in Capoeira while singing songs in Portugese and playing instruments.

CONTACT

Mestre Silvinho (Seattle)

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

We offer a variety of outreach opportunities to the community. We provide dynamic cultural experiences for teachers, organizers, and community leaders. Contact us to set up a workshop or performance.

WHAT WE OFFER:

  • After School Programs
  • Workshops
  • Performances
  • Summer Camps
  • Quarterly class sessions
  • Lectures inclusive of Capoeira Angola history, Afro-Brazilian Culture, and African Diaspora, dance/movement

BENEFITS TO THE COMMUNITY:

Capoeira is a fun physical activity that encourages individuals to build strength while working together with others. This art form can encourage self-esteem among students as they begin to develop both their bodies and minds while supporting camaraderie as a way to overcome our differences. Educating and engaging people in this martial art can bring empowerment and inspiration reflected in its historical influence in overcoming oppression.

PAST SCHOOL INVOLVEMENT:

  • Bertchi
  • Eckstein Middle School
  • Bush
  • T.T. Minor
  • Aki Kurosi
  • Happy Medium
  • Rainier Beach H. S.
  • Thurgood Marshall
  • Dunlap Elementary
  • The Little School
  • The New School
  • NW School
  • Summit Elementary
  • St. Matthews

PAST COMMUNITY CENTER INVOLVEMENT:

  • Rainier Beach Community Center
  • Meadow Brook Community Center
  • Rainier Valley Cultural Center

PAST UNIVERSITY INVOLVEMENT:

  • University of Washington
  • Western Washington University
  • Seattle University