It's quite likely that if you saw the BBC One idents depicting various forms of movement, you've recognised tango, tai chi, skateboarding and bollywood. But what exactly is the martial art shown in the other one? Capoeira, that's what.


All the way from Brazil, Capoeira (pronounced cap-wear-ah) was developed by slaves to train the mind and body in combat skills.  Because slave owners forbade any form of martial art, it was cloaked in the guise of an innocent looking recreational dance.  It is finally arriving in Glasgow - thanks to instructor Anderson Santos, who will be running classes at the Kelvin Hall every week.

Brazilian Anderson has been studying capoeira for years. But as he explains, you don't have to be an expert to do it.

"People of all abilities are able to do it... I've taught people from the age of four, right up to those in their 50's"

As well as appealing to people of all ages, capoeira is good for developing a whole range of skills too. The energetic kicks, ducks and twists involved help to increase agility, flexibility, strength, speed and coordination.  Capoeira's not bad for weight loss either with some pupils having lost a substantial amount of weight after just a few weeks (though many have said they've done little else since starting!).

One of the reasons people who try a class enjoy capoeira so much is the sense of fun. As well as improving fitness, capoeira acts as a way for people to come together to play and sing, since music is an integral part of it.

All too good to be true? Find out for yourself by going along to one of Anderson's classes.

Capoeira classes in Glasgow - Kelvin Hall ISA (0141 357 2525)

For adults:
1430-1600 Sundays (beginning 4th Feb 2007)
For kids:
1300-1400 Sundays (6 week trial beginning Feb 2007)

All abilities welcome
Inclusive in Glasgow Club membership, £4.10 per class for adult non-members, £2.05 for Passport Leisurecard holders.