Nina Capoeira in Brazil

Many parents ask me which activities, sports, martial arts, dance, they should enroll their kids in and how early. My answer is always the ones they enjoy most, and as early as they’re able. The only thing to watch for is to not force them into anything, or be one of those horrific backstage Moms or wannabe- coaching Dads.

There’s no greater kill-joy than to have a parent project his/her desires or life’s longings of what could have been onto their children. Let them be authentic expressions of themselves while celebrating and supporting their individualities.

Nothing brings a wider smile to a parent’s face than to watch their little munchkins discover and explore their hidden potentials. Kids approach everything with zeal, curiosity, intensity, and fun. If it ain’t fun, they don’t want none.

Knowing this, my sister Adele decided to encourage her three year old daughter Nina Simone who had shown an interest in Capoeira from having seen it on YouTube to check it out.

Since our family believes in learning things as close to the source as possible(to avoid bad imitations of the real deal), the natural thing to do was to take Nina to the mecca of Capoeira in Brazil to experience it for her first time.

They went to the Angoleiro Sim Sinhô school to observe an adult class, when Mestro Freguesia Damasceno suddenly invited lil Nina to join. They normally do not do that, but Mestre Frefuesia told Adele, “This child has the spirit of Capoeira in her!”

Obrigado Mestre Freguesia Damasceno. Only great Mestres can connect without words, and earn the trust of pure hearts.