MISSION STATEMENT
ICAF Seattle 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.
954 E. Union St.
Seattle, Wa 98122
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.
ICAF Seattle is now based in the culturally diverse Ranier Valley neighborhood.
Mestre Jurandir visits Seattle often to give workshops, demonstrations, and lectures.
Silvio Aleixo Dos Reis, Contramestre 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.
SEATTLE CLASS SCHEDULE
- Tuesday and Thursday evenings 7:00 - 9:00pm, FICA Seattle Studio
- Sunday afternoons 4:00 - 6:00pm, FICA Seattle Studio
- First Sunday of each month also includes open roda, and cultural/community event (film, lecture, discussion, potluck etc.) FICA Seattle Studio
- New Student (Beginner Beginner) Series, Tuesdays 6:00 - 7:00pm, $55/month, FICA Seattle Studio
- Childrens Class, Saturdays 2:00 - 3:00pm, FICA Seattle Studio
Beginners are always welcome to these ongoing classes. Material covered varies widely from class to class, but gerenally presents the movement, music, and ritual that makes this art form so unique.
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.
LINKS
PHOTO GALLERIES
Click on an image to view the gallery. Use left and right arrows to scroll through images. Press esc to exit the slideshow.
CONTACT
ICAF Seattle is located at:954 E. Union St.
Seattle, Wa 98122
10th + Union, enter brown door on 10th, NW corner
Contra Mestre Silvinho (Seattle)
silvioaleixo@hotmail.com
206-669-0273
Treneu Caxambu (Seattle)
treneucaxambu@yahoo.com
206-937-5849
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 Kurose
- 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
FUTURE EVENTS
FICA Seattle presents: Youth IN Action
July 9 -- September 2, 2010
FICA Seattle Studio
Calling ALL Youth!!!
ages 14 - 18
Play Capoeira Angola. Sing. Dance. Make Music and Friends. Take the Stage. Explore Non-Violent Self Expression. Eat Free Food. Paint a Mural with a Professional Artist. Speak Out Against Violence. Play more Capoeira Angola!
This FREE program is made possible by the City of Seattle’s Small and Simple Neighborhood Matching Fund.
Click here to Find Out More...
16th Annual International Encounter of Capoeira Angola
CAPOEIRA ANGOLA E MANHA, E MALICIA, E TUDO QUE A BOCA COME
"Nourishing the Capoeira Family"
September 2 - 5, 2010
FICA Seattle Studio and Camp River Ranch in Carnation, WA
Capoeira Angola Workshops
Lectures
African Dance and samba Workshops
Movie Presentation
Rodas
Camp River Ranch is located 45 miles east of Seattle, near Carnation WA and provides a beautiful 430 acre camp in the forested foothills of the Cascades.
The conference will start Thursday evening in Seattle at the FICA studio for registration and Open Roda.
That night we will leave from the space to Camp River Ranch to spend 3 nights full of energy, dance, percussions and Capoeira Angola workshops grouped by experience level.
In attendance will be Mestre Jurandir, Mestre Cobra Mansa, Mestre Valmir, Mestre Indio, Contra-mestre Silvinho, Treinel Andrea, and others to be announced.
Early registration is $150 includes all workshops, rodas, food, transport, and housing. Due by August 1, 2010.
After August 1st cost is $175
Children age 6 and up cost is $50
Click to download the *2010 Encounter Registration Form* pdf. You can fill it out electronically and email it back to ficapdx@gmail.com, or print it and mail it (along with a check) to: FICA Portland Study Group 707 NE Broadway #203, Portland, OR, 97232.
Please make checks payable to * ICAF Seattle *
Easy payment option with Paypal. Click on the "Buy Now" button and save money by registering early!
+++ GREAT NEWS!!! +++ Early registration has been extended till August 25, 2010. Register now and take advantage of this special offer!!!
Early Registration (Before August 25): $150
Late Registration (After August 25): $175
Children (age 6 and up): $50
PAST EVENTS
FICA Seattle Studio Open House
Sunday March 28 2010
954 E. Union, Capitol Hill
Brazilian Percussion Workshop
Brazilian Dance Workshop
African Dance Workshop
Capoeira Angola Workshop-- All ages
Capoeira Angola Roda
Sambadance Performance w/ Tudo Beleza
(see photos in the Gallery)
Annual Womens Weekend Event
Friday - Sunday March 6 - 8, 2009
(see photos in the Gallery)
2008 Afro-Brazilian Festival / Pastinha Conference
Fri - Mon Nov. 14 -16 2008
(see photos in the Gallery)
2008 Summer Camp
12pm - 3pm Mon - Fri Aug. 4 - 8 2008
(see photos in the Gallery)
Rodathon!
Friday Feb. 29 2008 6pm - Midnight
"Women's Empowerment in Capoeira Angola" Weekend Event
Friday - Sunday March 14 - 16, 2008
Garage Sale & Open House
Garage Sale Saturday & Sunday October 29 & 30, 2005 10am-7pm
Open House Sunday October 30, 2005 10am-7pm
Lots of Great Items
Rainier Beach Community Festival
April 29-30, 2005
FREE! All Ages.
Performances, workshops, group discussion, community Roda and Party
5th ICAF International Womens Capoeira Angola Conference
March 11, 12, & 13, 2005
Workshops, Rodas, Music, Performances, Lectures, Panel Discussions
Open House & Garage Sale
Sunday November 14, 2004
Workshops, Music, & Food
Women's Presence in Capoeira Angola
April 1-4, 2004
Fourth Annual Women's event in Seattle
Homenagem ao Mestre Pastinha
November 7th, 8th & 10th, 2003
Seattle
FREE CAPOEIRA ANGOLA COMMUNITY FESTIVAL
November 9, 2003, 10-5pm
Seattle Central District
Mestre Jurandir Leads Capoeira Angola Workshops in Japan
May 22 - 28, 2002
Japan
"Samba & Orixas Rhythm" by Jorge Alabe
May 4-5, 2002
Seattle, WA
4th Annual FICA International Capoeira Angola Womens Encounter
March 8-10, 2002
Seattle, WA
Tribute to Mestre Pastinha Capoeira Angola Workshops w/ Mestre Cobra Mansa
November 9-11, 2001
Seattle, WA
Seattle Summer 2000 Capoeira Angola Encounter
August 25 - 27, 2000
Workshop with Mestre Cobra Mansa
Saturday & Sunday July 17 - 18th 1999
The Second Annual Capoeira Angola Encounter in Seattle
