Capoé brings African rhythms to exercise classes

By Paula Rath
Advertiser Staff Writer

Capoé instructor Pierre Olivier and Matthew Wong engage in "mirroring," which helps participants connect with one another. Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser Capoé classes Honolulu Club 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, noon to 1 p.m. Fridays Guest fee is $17.50; free for club members Information: Kiwi Heilman, 543-3970 The Oahu Club 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays Guest fee is $12.50; free for members Information: 395-3300

To begin with, it doesn't look like an exercise class. It lacks the intensity of bodies hunched over handlebars in a spinning class or the unbridled ardor of a step aerobics class. There's no cheerleader shouting instructions to frenzied rows of red-faced men and women.

Capoé incorporates Ashtanga yoga poses, martial arts kicks, gymnastics, dance movements and core strengthening exercises.

There is no uniform, not even special shoes. Bare feet and sloppy shorts will do just fine.

The sound is neither the boom-boom of an aerobics class, nor the new-agey tunes heard in Nia, nor the meditative music accompanying yoga. It's an irresistible rhythm, an African beat that gets under your skin.

Capoé is derived from Capoéira Angola, a martial art that originated in Brazil, reputedly among African slaves. It is being introduced in Honolulu by Pierre Olivier, who was born in Haiti and grew up in New York.

Olivier said he was a tae kwon do fighter but did not find the spiritual connection he was seeking in the martial arts. Though he learned Capoéira Angola in New York, he considers Urubu Malandro of San Francisco his "guru."

Capoé classes usually begin in a circle with participants holding hands, stretching and breathing together.

Olivier urges serious eye contact as he asks participants to mirror his poses. His infectious grin and easy charm engage participants right away, and the feeling of play takes over.

The music has a distinct African beat, and the dance-like movements are rhythmic. The basic step is the ginga, a side-to-side movement that's done as low to the ground as possible.

As participants become more familiar with capoé, they progress in the "game." Olivier's advanced demonstration included headstands, handstands, and balance and flexibility moves that rival yoga, as well as playful kicks reminiscent of combative martial arts.

Sharlene Bliss, of Kailua, described the sensation she feels in a capoé class: "The energy is two-way: from the instructor to you and from you to the instructor."

She finds capoé complements her other workouts, such as aqua aerobics, offering her a different approach to fitness.

"The ethnomusicology aspect interests me, and it offers a nice blend of mainstream martial arts with a not-too-far-out form of dance," Bliss said.

Anela Tamashiro, of Mo'ili'ili, usually takes aerobics and spinning classes. She added capoé to her workout schedule a week ago. "The class is awesome. Some people say it's not aerobic, but I sweated so much during the first class, and my butt and legs hurt for the next few days. It's a good lower body workout, and it's fun and different. The music is catchy, and he has us sing with it so we get into it more."

Kiwi Heilman, group fitness director at the Honolulu Club, was looking for an alternative to kick boxing, which she believes is declining in popularity. She spotted Olivier teaching capoé in Kapi'olani Park.

"Pierre's playful nature and sincere passion for sharing capoé captured my attention and inspired me to develop a capoé dance program at the Honolulu Club," Heilman said.

Although the first experience of capoé may seem limited to a lower body workout, participants build upon the basics, learning more complex movements that involve flexibility, and upper body and core strength.

And although the first class may not bring on a satisfying sweat, you have only to see Pierre and an experienced partner "playing" to see that capoé can rival even the most strenuous gym workout.