Kapoeira
Do Sapo
"The Way of the Frog" — A revolutionary approach to Kapoeira Angola that honors the ancient connection between the frog and the martial art.
Every Kapoeira movement mirrors the frog: the low stance of the Negativa, the explosive leap of the Au, the patient stillness before the strike. For 38 years, Mestre Curtis Pierre has preserved this sacred knowledge.
Why Kapoeira?
We spell it Kapoeira with a K — not a C — to honor the true roots of this martial art: the Kongo people of Central Africa.
In the Kongo language and culture, the letter K carries deep significance. The word "Kongo" itself is spelled with a K, representing the ancient kingdom and its people who were forcibly brought to Brasil during the transatlantic slave trade.
This intentional spelling is an act of cultural reclamation — bringing closer awareness to the African origins of this martial art that was born from the resistance and resilience of enslaved Kongolese people in Brasil.
Today, researchers and practitioners in the Democratic Republic of Congo are uncovering more evidence about the original combat techniques, spiritual practices, and cultural traditions that gave birth to what we now call Kapoeira. By using the K, we acknowledge this living connection and support the ongoing work to restore this art to its rightful place in African heritage.
"The K is not just a letter — it is a bridge back to our ancestors."
Why the Frog?
In the Kongo traditions of Central Africa, the frog represents transformation, adaptability, and hidden power. The enslaved Africans who created Kapoeira in Brasil carried these symbols with them.
Watch a Capoeirista move: the low crouching stance, the explosive unpredictable leaps, the patient waiting before striking — these are the ways of the frog.
The berimbau's curved bow mimics the arc of a frog's leap. The atabaque's rhythms echo the calls across ancient lagoons. Kapoeira Do Saporeconnects practitioners to these original roots.
The Jinga
The foundation - like a frog's subtle weight shifts before a leap
Au (Cartwheel)
The frog's rolling escape through water
Negativa
Low to the ground - the frog's defensive crouch
Rasteira
The sweeping kick - a frog's powerful leg strike
The frog waits in stillness, then moves with explosive power. This is Kapoeira. This is life. Learn to wait. Learn to leap.— Mestre Curtis Pierre
Transform Your Mind & Body
These are some of the acquired benefits from practicing Kapoeira Angola
Awareness & Visualization
Develop keen awareness of your body's capabilities and visualize movements before execution.
Tranquility & Control
Cultivate calmness, patience, and complete control over mind and body.
Cleverness & Deception
Master the art of misdirection and strategic thinking within the roda.
Rhythm & Soul
Express yourself through movement that comes from the heart, connected to the music.
Freedom & Balance
Achieve mobility and find balance within chaos, moving naturally and subtly.
Self-Preservation
Learn objective techniques for protection while maintaining grace and fluidity.
The Art of Kapoeira Angola
Kapoeira Angola is one of the many unknown original martial arts out of Africa. It represents the Kapoeira inheritance from the KONGO — a practice that combines fighting, dance, acrobatics, and music into one fluid expression of freedom.
More than just physical training, Kapoeira Angola is a complete cultural immersion. You'll learn Portuguese songs, play traditional instruments like the berimbau, and become part of a global community connected by this ancient art form.
Class Schedule
Join us for training sessions in the heart of New Orleans
Kapoeira Angola Movements
A comprehensive 324-page study guide for Kapoeira Angola. Learn the movements, understand the history, and master the techniques with detailed illustrations by Mestre Curtis Pierre.
- 324 Pages of Detailed Instructions
- Hand-drawn Illustrations
- From Beginner to Advanced
Begin Your Journey
Your first class is free. Come experience the transformative power of Kapoeira Angola.
Location
New Orleans, Louisiana
info@casasamba.com
Phone
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