For the UTS Capoeira Club 2010 has been mainly about the batizado & troca de cordão, i.e. the grading & changing of cords, which was held in October. This is a very important event in capoeira, as it gives all club members & capoeiristas a chance to get graded, change cords, and learn from their master and each other. This was the very first such event that the UTS Capoeira Club had organised, so it was a very special occasion for all of us.

Mestre Boneco, one of the best and most respected capoeiristas in the world, was invited especially from LA for this batizado. Leading up to the grading, he gave one week of intensive and informative workshops, in which most of the club members participated and learned a lot. Other guests from Sydney attended the grading, which was a great success.

A lot of work and effort was necessary to get this event set up, and organisation started already at the beginning of the year. Several fundraising parties were held, as well as a chocolate fundraising campaign. All club members helped in the organising and raising money to fund the batizado.

Other events throughout the year included several traditional “gincana” competitions, where new members are welcomed into the club and are given their white (or “raw”) cord, as well as a capoeira nickname. Many new beginners joined the UTS Capoeira Club in the course of the year.

To diversify the training some special training sessions were held at Five Dock Gymnasium. The focus of these training sessions was on acrobatic movements, such as back flips and somersaults. As the gym is equipped with professional gymnastics and acrobatics equipment these moves can be practised specifically there.

On a few occasions Professora Potiguara went overseas to take part in capoeira events and gradings in Brazil and the USA. Much knowledge and many new moves and techniques are always brought back from such events and are passed on the club members.

The club also represented well at the UTS Open day, amazing the crowds with their energy, enthusiasm and spectacular performance.

Until the next update…Axe!
Cientista