About Us
MIXING MARTIAL ARTS - MUSIC - DANCE
Contra Mestra Tigresa
Highest Ranking Female Intructor in Washington State
Born and raised in the town of Ipatinga in southeastern Brazil, Tigresa developed an interest in capoeira at a young age and studied in her hometown for many years.
She obtained her Professora belt in 1995 and began teaching. Beyond her training and teaching duties, Tigresa participated in rodas and batizados throughout Brazil, and secured a personal training certification.
In 2000, Tigresa moved to the United States and continued to develop her craft. She earned the title of Contra Mestra in 2012. As an instructor, Tigresa teaches her students proper and safe techniques, focusing on capoeira’s foundational movements. She pushes students to overcome the physical and mental limits they place on themselves, while maintaining her patience and humor.
About capoeira
Capoeira dates back nearly 500 years and is rooted in African traditions brought to Brazil by enslaved Africans. The art form arose from the pressures of colonialism and oppression. Slaves disguised trained martial movements as dance and expressed them in a roda, or circle. A capoeira game is played between two people with a fluid series of agile, acrobatic, and martial art movements linked together in a sort of dialogue. An orchestra of berimbaus (stringed instrument amplified by a hallowed out gourd), atabaque (drum), pandeiro (tambourine), clapping and Brazilian-Portuguese songs provide energy to those playing inside the roda.
About Sina de Capoeira
Sina de Capoeira, a Seattle based non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, is committed to providing those in our community an opportunity to change their lives while participating in the Brazilian tradition and art of Capoeira. Capoeira is increasingly gaining in popularity because of the raw excitement of martial arts, music, and dance; however, it is a powerful catalyst for transformation as well.
Sina de Capoeira has first-hand experience with kids, teenagers, and adults alike, who have redirected or redefined their lives because of training. This personal redefinition affects more than an individual. It has a rippling effect into one’s local community and family. In the Capoeira roda, you may be faced with obstacles, and constant battles are waged against body and mind. Victorious participants are left strong on both fronts. The physical benefits (stamina, flexibility, coordination, etc.) cannot possibly overshadow the mental benefits (focus / control, self-confidence, self-respect, etc.) one receives from playing. This personal growth is supported and encouraged by other students in the school, building a nurturing community. As members of the Seattle community, we open our doors to all genders, ages, and backgrounds. All proceeds will provide instruction, outreach and education.
More about our philosophy
Bend but do not break
Bodies are hard and firm and yet sway gently in the breeze while their trunks stay rooted firmly in the ground below.
What looks weak is stong
Do not underestimate yourself based only on old notions of what is weak and what is strong. Like bamboo, stand tall, believe in your own strengths, and know that you are as strong as you need to be.
Be always ready
"The warrior, like bamboo, is ever ready for action." - Aikido master Kensho Furuya
Unleash your power to spring back
Bamboo endures the heavy burden of the snow in winter, but in the end it has to power to spring back as if to say "I will not be defeated."
Wisdom in emptiness
The hollow insides of bamboo reminds us that we are often too full of ourselves and our own conclusions; we have to be open to that which is new and different.
Continuous growth
Even though bamboo grows rapidly, you do not notice its growth from day to day. We too may not notice our own improvement, even when we are making progress. How fast or how slow is not our main concern, only that we're moving forward.
Usefulness through simplicity
We complicate the simple to impress, and fail to simplify the complex, out of fear that others may know what we know. Lose your fear and be more creative to find simpler solutions to complex problems that ultimately provide the greatest usefulness.
Credit: GARR REYNOLDS
LEARN MORE
There are many resources for those interested in the Brazilian culture, history and traditions. Below are some places to start, but feel free to send us a message to ask specific questions!
Berimbau
The Sina de Capoeira Student Handbook is recommended to all students. The use of the berimbau, and its basic techniques are covered in this instructional and informational book. Current students can contact Contra-Mestra Tigresa for a copy.
Capoeira Music
There are many ways to explore Capoeira music on the internet. A simple YouTube search will yield thousands of videos and playlists. For a more in-depth understanding of the different rhythms and meanings of the songs, check out www.capoeirasongbook.com. Try searching for capoeira song lyrics and translations to learn more!
Books
Many books have been written about Capoeira and its history. One title to start with is, Capoeira: A Brazilian Art Form: History, Philosophy, and Practice