Interview: Mestre Ombrinho Inspires Youth Through Brazilian Martial Art

Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art, originating in West Africa, that was once disguised as a dance. It is interlocked with the liberation efforts of Africans in Brazil, has its own rich musical traditions, and often builds incredible strength, speed and agility among its participants but, more importantly, a sense of community and respect.

Michael Goldstein, better known as Mestre Ombrinho, is the director of Capoeira Angola Quintal and the New York Mindful Capoeira Center as well as the founder of the nonprofit Afro Brazil Arts. He has over thirty years of experience teaching Capoeira to people of various ages and ability levels. His program Teen Leadership Through Mindful Capoeira inspires under-served youth to become positive leaders in their communities.

BWW: What is "Mindful Capoeira" and what inspired you to create it?

Mestre Ombrinho: Mindful Capoeira is the name we use for our style of capoeira to distinguish it from most other capoeira practices. It's mindful because we practice and master the basics; simple moves that are accessible to almost anyone. We aim to have as few accidents, injuries and upsets as possible. We learn to be aware of our impact on others and offer programs that make a positive impact in our communities.

I created Mindful Capoeira because I saw the need for safe spaces for people to practice and play. High-level capoeiristas are incredible to watch but capoeira can be fast, aggressive and very intimidating. Many people see Capoeira and think they could never do it.

We feel that we can go at a moderate pace, building strength and ability, with the goal of eventually playing faster games with more control. I also wanted to build a practice that promotes longevity so that people of all ages and abilities are able to play Capoeira for as long as they want.

BWW: Why is Mindful Capoeira particularly good for youth? What impact on young lives have you witnessed?

Mestre Ombrinho: Mindful Capoeira is accessible for people of all ages and abilities, though especially important for youth because mindfulness is awareness beyond the self. It's awareness of one's impact on others, of cause and effect. Children learn to make eye contact, honor their teachers, have gratitude, respect and discipline. Youth learn to work together with all different types of people. No one is left out.

Mindful Capoeira encourages teamwork in an environment that is supportive of the individual's development. Plus kids love the music, games and overall playfulness of capoeira. Our youth have enjoyed improved academic performance, worked through developmental issues, overcome social anxiety and more, all while getting fit, having fun and feeling connected to a larger community.

Our program Teen Leadership Through Mindful Capoeira features performances for under-served teens in NYC high schools, scholarships for classes at CAQ New York Mindful Capoeira Center, leadership training and development for program participants.

BWW: We'll get to see Capoeira in action at ABA's first annual showcase fundraiser. Can you tell us about that?

Mestre Ombrinho: ABA's first annual showcase is a fundraiser and friend-raiser to support our Teen Leadership program. The event will feature master capoeira artists, some of them graduates from our Teen Leadership Program. The event is Sunday, March 25 from 5-8pm in LATEA at the Clemente, 107 Suffolk St. 2nd floor, NYC 10002.

Honorees will include Omitola Hill, who joined us when he was only four years old. Thanks to his capoeira training he's traveled to more than 30 countries worldwide and he's only 30 years in age. He started his own capoeira school, teaches, performs and will soon be a capoeira Mestre (master).

Shem "Caiman" Rajoon, who joined us in middle school and who works closely with Omi, also graduated from our teen program and he will also be honored.

BWW: Where can people go for more information about studying Capoeira or supporting the teen program?

Mestre Ombrinho: Please visit www.newyorkcapoeira.com and www.afrobrazilarts.org. Thank you!

BWW: Thank you! Get tickets to the 2nd Annual Showcase HERE!