Grupo Capoeira Hangzhou

"I have played since I was a child; capoeira has grown inside of me. My way of seeing the world is through capoeira, which taught me to respect others, to know that we are all equal regardless of social condition. Capoeira gave me the flexibility to overcome everyday difficulties; it taught me how to win and how to lose.

It enabled me to have a profession with which I completely identify, and I am free to act, think, and develop my work in the way that I think best. I have never had another profession and I wouldn't even want to do anything else. I raise and educate my kids with capoeira. Through capoeira, I have the chance to help many people and also be helped. I have made many friends in capoeira and I learned everything that I try to teach my students. This is how a "children's plaything" transforms into a life philosophy."

-Mestre Camisa