Capoeira Guatambu

WHY GUATAMBU?

Guatambu in Tupi (a Brazilian indigenous language): gwa a’ tã mbu

= what is hard and resonant

GUATAMBU is a tree native to Brazil whose wood is of very good quality; quite strong, it is used for beams and floors in construction, canes, naval construction, tools, and musical instruments, including the berimbau. Guatambu also has medicinal uses.

Each function described above is present in our Institute because it is part of our mission:

• Beams play a fundamental role in the structure of a work. Our Institute works by supporting the construction of emotionally balanced individuals.

• Floors are resistant and elegant coverings on which something is built or supported. Our institute values ​​the beauty and resistance of art.

• Canes have the primary function of contributing to safer mobility. Our students rely on defense and attack techniques transmitted with complete responsibility and knowledge in order to protect their physical integrity to the greatest degree possible.

In shipbuilding, the use of guatambu makes it possible to travel around the world. The promotion of culture and learning, the pursuit of development and of the new, are all encouraged in our Institute.

THE TOOLS

Our Institute seeks to provide the tools for the development of each individual's potential, both as a unique being and part of the collective.

The making of musical instruments (especially the berimbau) would by itself justify the choice of the name of our Institute; this is because capoeira, which is a fight, culture, game, dance, sport, play, and more, has music as one of its main foundations. And it is governed by the berimbau. Our Capoeira Institute excels in quality, and musicality is one of our main focuses.

Finally it has medicinal uses, like how capoeira can help cure people in many ways.

Guatambu is strong but flexible at the same time, like a capoeirista.

Our institute seeks to preserve Brazilian culture, respecting all differences and seeing above all that each individual can be a multiplying agent of art and, in this way, contribute to a more humane society.