by Dave Delgado

Guam - The martial arts form of capoeira arrived on island back in 2004 with instructor Caroco. The classes started down in Sinajana but moved up north because of the strong interest with the island's youth. Island Girl Power got involved in March of 2005 with classes being held on Monday's at the Island Girl Power Club House in Dededo from 6-8pm, as well as Saturdays from 3:30-5pm.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays you can find the classes at the CK Gym on the Navy Base down south from 7-9pm and on Wednesdays and Fridays at the Dededo Fire Station from 6-8pm.

Vampiro with Capoeira Guam told KUAM Sports, "Our main purpose here for Capoeira Guam is to spread the art and culture of Brazil that was brought to us by our instructor Caroco. We just want to spread the knowledge, the Portuguese language, the music, the self-defense and the acrobatics. Just spreading the capoeira and Brazilian culture. Anybody can do it young or old, big or small we just want to spread the art, it gets you in shape and it's a lot of fun, mostly to get people in nice physical shape when we do capoeira."

Classes for kids 18 years and under are $25 a month, 19 and above run $50 a month. The unique thing about the art form is the culture and history surrounding the martial arts. Those who have joined have found the sport to be soothing to the mind and comfort to the body.

Another instructor with Capoeira Guam, Sereia, said, "The music was very appealing to me because they don't sing in English they sing in Portuguese and the music is very different I have never heard anything like it until I actually joined this martial art. I have also gained a lot of confidence from joining this sport because there's not only one aspect you learn. You don't only learn the kicks and escapes you also learn music, legends and the history so I that's what I've learned from capoeira."

Getting in shape while listening to music and learning history sounds great for those wanting to find a fun way to lose fat and live a healthy life. The sport gets your heart rate up and keeps you moving constantly during class and will definitely help you get your sweat on.

Said Doutor, another advocate of the program, "The benefits of capoeira are it keeps you very healthy and it can keep you very disciplined. It's a lot of energy involved so I would encourage everybody to come out and join. For more information regarding the classes and group performances contact Vampiro at 688-6629 or Mrs. Juanita at 688-4752."