Oceanside Capoeira
Capoeira is a Brazillian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics and music. It was originally developed in Brazil mainly by West African descendants with native Brazilian influences to practice fighting in disguise without slave owners realizing they were training.
It is known for quick and complex moves, using mainly power, speed, and leverage for a wide variety of kicks, spins, and highly mobile techniques. The martial art aspect is still present and still disguised, leading many non-practitioners to ignore its presence. Trickery is ever present and expert capoeiristas can even disguise an attack as a friendly gesture.
The attacks in the capoeira should be done when opportunity arises, and though can be preceded by feints or pokes, they must be precise and decisive, like a direct kick to the head, face or a vital body part, or a strong takedown. Most capoeira attacks are made with the legs, like direct or swirling kicks, rasteiras (leg sweeps), tesouras or knee strikes. Elbow strikes, punches and other forms of takedowns complete the main list. The head strike is a very important counter-attack move.
Mestre Abará
Mestre Abará is orginally from Juazeiro Bahia, Brazil; and is a professional martial artist. He has trained many different styles such as: Boxing, Muay Thai, Judo, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (is an active competitor under Team Renzo Gracie); although his passion is Capoeira. He began training capoeira at age 10, and began actively teaching at the age of 18 (when his was granted his blue cord as a Graduado).
In 2010, he was given his Black Cord and acknowledged as a Mestre by Mestre Caixas, Mestre Boneco, and Mestre Kim. At the present time he has over 30 years of experience in all capoeira styles. He also has performed in many Capoeira shows, TV programs, Radio, Magazines, and has performed in the NYC Lavegem Parade consecutively for approximately 5 years.