When I first walked into the Capoeira Roots Course, I felt completely out of my element. I had zero experience with Capoeira, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. All I knew was that I wanted to try something new, something that would push me outside of my comfort zone and challenge me in ways that traditional workouts just couldn’t. But what I didn’t realize was how much Capoeira would transform me—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too.
The Beginning: Feeling Out of Place
The first class was a blur of new terminology, complex movements, and unfamiliar rhythms. The ginga, the basic movement of Capoeira, felt awkward. I stumbled through the footwork, trying to keep up with the flow of the class, while everyone else seemed to move with such ease. I found myself frustrated. How could something that looked so graceful and fluid feel so clumsy on my body?
The instructors, however, were incredibly patient. They didn’t rush me or make me feel self-conscious about my lack of experience. Instead, they broke down each movement into manageable steps and offered constant support and encouragement. I knew that Capoeira would be a challenge, but I wasn’t prepared for how much it would push me—not just physically, but in terms of my mental resilience too.
The First Big Breakthrough: Gaining a Sense of Rhythm
One of the biggest challenges I faced in Capoeira was syncing my movements with the music. In the beginning, I found it difficult to keep up with the beats of the berimbau (the traditional instrument) and the rhythms of the songs. My body wanted to move, but my mind was constantly trying to catch up.
But then, something clicked.
It wasn’t just about doing the movements right—it was about feeling the music. I started to relax and focus less on the precision of my movements and more on the flow of the music. Slowly but surely, I began to feel the rhythm in my body. The ginga started to feel less awkward, and I found myself able to flow more naturally with the music. That moment of realization, when everything finally aligned, gave me a huge boost of confidence. I wasn’t just learning steps—I was beginning to feel Capoeira.
Overcoming Doubts: Embracing the Challenge
Capoeira has a way of making you face your insecurities head-on. Early on, I found myself constantly comparing myself to the other students in the class. Some were more flexible, others were faster, and a few seemed to be naturals at the movements. I had moments where I thought, “Maybe this isn’t for me. Maybe I’m just not cut out for it.”
But the beauty of Capoeira is that it’s not a competition. It’s a practice of constant improvement. With every class, I learned to be patient with myself. The instructors emphasized that progress is a journey, not a destination. And it’s okay to make mistakes along the way—what matters is that you keep showing up and keep trying.
Slowly, I began to embrace the challenge. I started pushing myself to practice more outside of class, whether it was refining my ginga or learning the songs. Every small improvement, every new movement I mastered, added to my confidence. I realized that Capoeira wasn’t about being the best—it was about embracing the process and having fun along the way.
Building Confidence: Moving with Purpose
As my confidence grew, I began to notice changes not just in my Capoeira practice, but in other areas of my life too. Capoeira has this incredible way of teaching you to move with purpose—whether it’s physically, mentally, or emotionally. In the roda (the Capoeira circle), you learn to be aware of your space, your partner, and the energy around you. It’s a constant balancing act, one that requires focus, agility, and a sense of trust.
The physical progress I made—gaining strength, flexibility, and coordination—was only half the story. Capoeira taught me to trust my body and my instincts. The more I practiced, the more comfortable I became in my own skin. The confidence I developed in the classroom started to bleed into my everyday life. I became more assertive, more willing to take risks, and more willing to step outside of my comfort zone.
A Newfound Sense of Belonging
Perhaps one of the most surprising things about my Capoeira journey has been the sense of community I’ve found. From the very beginning, I felt welcomed by the instructors and fellow students. Whether I was practicing in class or participating in a roda, everyone was supportive and encouraging. Capoeira Roots Course isn’t just a place to learn physical skills—it’s a place where people connect, share, and grow together.
The camaraderie and spirit of Capoeira has helped me build lasting friendships, and I’ve felt supported every step of the way. There’s a unique energy in the Capoeira community, one that celebrates growth and progress, no matter how big or small. It’s a reminder that we’re all in this together, learning, failing, and succeeding side by side.
From Beginner to Confident: My Journey Continues
Looking back at where I started—feeling unsure and clumsy—I can hardly believe how far I’ve come. Today, I move with more confidence, not only in Capoeira but in everything I do. I’ve learned that confidence isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being willing to try, to fail, and to keep going. Capoeira has taught me resilience, patience, and the power of perseverance.
I’m no longer a beginner, but I still have so much to learn. That’s the beauty of Capoeira: there’s always more to discover, always new moves to try, always new rhythms to feel. But I know one thing for sure: I’m on this journey with a strong sense of purpose and confidence that I didn’t have when I started.
Capoeira has truly transformed my life—not just as a martial art, but as a path to personal growth. If you’re thinking about starting your own Capoeira journey, don’t wait. The journey from beginner to confident is one you won’t regret. And trust me, the best part is yet to come.