Bantus wishes all who celebrate the chinese lunar new year, 恭喜發財 and best wishes for the coming year of the Fire Dog. The academia will be closed for the holidays on Monday, 30th January and Tuesday, 31st January, and we won’t be meeting for a public roda this coming Saturday, 28th of January. Classes will resume on Wednesday, 1st February.

Happy holidays people!

It wasn’t too long ago that we were smack in the middle of the whirlwind of activity which was the Bantus Festival 2005 in Kuala Lumpur—and now you’re hearing about the next festival already. Festival Bantus 2006, however, will be far beyond what we could ever offer here in Malaysia for the simple fact that it will be held in Brazil, Capoeira’s country of birth.

To mark Bantus’ 15th year as a group, representatives from Bantus schools from around the world will congregate in Brazil in August to learn from some of the most notable figures in Capoeira today.

You’ve seen the itinerary—there are workshops for Capoeira and music, sightseeing tours, beach rodas and Samba—you’d be diving into the very heart of Capoeira culture. Living together with fellow Bantus students from other countries in Bantus’ academia in Belo Horizonte. Having a chat with Mestre João Pequeno, one of the last living Capoeira legends. Waking up at sunrise to the prospect of playing Capoeira on a beach with the South Atlantic Ocean lapping at the shoreline…

Mind-blowing, isn’t it?

If you’re keen on finding out more information on how to be a part of the Festival Bantus 2006, come on over to the academia and talk to Quek, Rafael or Ngeow for details.

Festival Bantus 2006 in Brazil—Celebrating 15 Years of Bantus Capoeira.

Tour Itinerary for 1st to 16th August 2006

Belo Horizonte 1st August-Depart at 7am for Mar Grande on the Ilha of Itaparica, Bahia. Overnight bus trip. Arrive there the next day.

Itaparica/Salvador Spread over 5 days, there will be classes with Mestre Jaime and Mestre Ze do Lenco, visits to Candomble, Samba de Roda, visits to Salvador, shopping and visit to meet the legendary Mestre João Pequeno!

• 3rd August-Beach in the morning then afternoon class with Mestre Jaime.
• 4th August-Visit to the Pelourinho and the studio of Mestre Lua Rasta followed by a class with Mestre Ze do Lenco.
• 5th August-Acrobatics on the beach and a class with Mestre Jaime.
• 6th August-Visit Mestre Joao Pequeno and trip to Salvador.
• 7th August-Class with Mestre Jaime and Samba de Roda.
• 8th August-Depart for Rio De Janeiro with a side trip to Itacare, percussion, Forro and acrobatics on the beach along the way.

Rio De Janeiro 5 days of beach, Capoeira Regional and Rodas with Mestre Tamandua, acrobatics and training with Mestre Senna, visits to the tourist locations and Samba! There will be lots of acrobatics training on the beach and many Rodas.

• 11th August-Class with Mestre Tamandua.
• 12th August-Class with Mestre Senna.
• 13th August-Class with Mestre Tamandua and visits to Rio’s tourist spots.
• 14th August-Class with Mestre Senna.
• 15th August-Beach Roda with Mestre Tamandua.
• 16th August-Return to Belo Horizonte.

Festival Bantus 2006 in Brazil—Celebrating 15 Years of Bantus Capoeira.

• When are the Kids’ Classes Held? We will be conducting kids’ classes on Saturdays at 11:00am to 12:00pm.
• Where are the Kids’ Classes Held? Our academy is at Lot 23c Jalan SS22/23, Damansara Jaya (Near the Atria Shopping Complex). For a map, click here.
• How Do I Sign Up? Please feel free to walk in and start immediately. First class is free! After you have decided to join us, you will need to bring a photo and fill out some forms.
• Can I Observe Class? Depending on space, quiet observers are always welcome. Parents are welcome to stay and observe their child in class as well.
• Why Capoeira for Kids? Kids love to have fun. Capoeira is fun! Bantus Capoeira Malaysia currently has capoeira programs in Mont Kiara International School, Garden International School, Alice Smith Primary and International School of Kuala Lumpur with a total of approximately 100 students. Due to the overwhelming response to our school program, we are now introducing dedicated kids classes at the Academia Bantus.
• How are Kids’ Classes Different From Adults’ Classes? The kids’ classes are catered especially to children where they will be able to learn the fundamental of movements, music and philosophies while playing specially designed capoeira games. “At this age, kids’ attention span is short. We need to think creatively to keep their interest and attention during classes. By injecting fun elements, it really helps them to keep them focused and keen on the game”, said Quek Wei Kin, Managing Director of BCM. He continued, “Children take to capoeira like ducks to water because capoeira requires creativity and spontaneity that is inherent in children.”