When people think of capoeira, they usually picture young people spinning in the air. That image puts many older people off before they even start. Yet capoeira groups have students who started in their 30s, 40s and even 50s and have kept going for years. In this article we answer the questions of adults thinking about starting capoeira.
Is there an age limit for starting capoeira?
No. In capoeira everyone plays as far as their body allows. Acrobatic moves are part of capoeira, but they are not compulsory. The ginga, escapes, kicks, music and the roda are enough to experience capoeira fully without any acrobatics.
In Brazil, most capoeira masters (mestres) keep playing in the roda well into old age. With age the game slows down, but it becomes more strategic and more elegant.
What do adults gain from capoeira?
Mobility and flexibility
Years at a desk stiffen the hips, shoulders and lower back. The low stances, turns and stretches in capoeira gradually restore the joints’ range of motion.
Fitness
You move almost non-stop for the whole class. Your heart rate goes up, but thanks to the music and the playful atmosphere you don’t feel it as a dull chore like at the gym. We cover this in more detail in our article getting fit with capoeira.
Stress relief
In capoeira you focus on your partner, the music and your own movement at the same time. Work and everyday worries leave your mind for that hour and a half. For many students, that is the reason they keep coming.
A new social circle
A capoeira group isn’t made up of people training side by side but separately, as in a gym. You make music together, sing and go to festivals. As making new friends gets harder in adult life, capoeira offers a natural setting for it.
The joy of learning something new
A new move, a new rhythm, a few songs in Portuguese… Learning something from scratch as an adult and seeing progress every week feels good.
How to start
- Start slowly. In the first weeks don’t try to do every move perfectly. Get to know your body and progress with the easier versions the instructor shows.
- Come regularly. Two classes a week will move you forward much faster than one.
- Share your health situation. If you have a herniated disc, knee or shoulder issues or similar, tell the instructor. If needed, check with your doctor first.
- Don’t compare yourself with younger people. Everyone’s path is different. What matters in the roda is the quality of the game.
If you’re curious about what happens in the first class, take a look at our article your first capoeira class.
Frequently asked questions
I’m not flexible. Can I do capoeira?
Yes. Flexibility develops over time with regular classes.
Are cartwheels or handstands compulsory?
No. Those who want to learn them are taught step by step, but nobody is pushed.
Is being overweight a problem?
No. Moves are adapted to each person. Regular capoeira also helps with weight control.
Are adult and children’s classes separate?
Yes, our groups hold separate classes for children and adults. If you’re also thinking about your child, you can read our article capoeira for children.
Your first class is free
Most people waiting for the right moment to start never start. In Axé Capoeira Türkiye groups the first class is a free trial. Come, try a class, and decide the rest later.
Read more
New to capoeira? Start with our guide What is capoeira and how is it played?.
Contact us for a free trial class
For class times and venues, see your city’s page: Istanbul, Ankara, Bursa, Antalya, Trabzon, Sinop, Şanlıurfa. Axé!