Code of Conduct
This code of conduct outlines the values and principles that guide Capoeira Angola Filhos de Palmares school. It is designed to create a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all members of our community. We strive to cultivate a space where everyone feels welcome, empowered, and able to express themselves authentically through the martial art of Capoeira Angola. This document addresses important aspects of our practice, including community, consent, safety, music, language, and cultural preservation, ensuring that our school is a place where everyone can learn, grow, and thrive.
Community, Respect, and Inclusivity
At the heart of Capoeira Angola Filhos de Palmares lies a strong sense of community. We foster an atmosphere of mutual respect, where differences are celebrated, and everyone feels valued and supported. Our community is built on a foundation of trust, openness, and shared passion for Capoeira Angola.
We believe that inclusivity is paramount. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds, ages, abilities, and experiences. Regardless of one's skill level, everyone is encouraged to participate actively and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of our community to the best of their abilities. Our school is a space for growth, both in Capoeira Angola and as individuals. We strive to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing themselves, asking questions, and learning from each other.
Respect is essential in our community. We treat each other with kindness, empathy, and consideration. This includes active listening, valuing diverse perspectives, checking in and engaging in constructive dialogue. We prioritize a culture of respectful communication, where differences are acknowledged and honored, and everyone feels heard and understood.
We believe that everyone has something unique to offer, and we encourage open and honest communication. We actively promote a sense of belonging where everyone feels safe, respected, and empowered to contribute to the richness of our Capoeira Angola family.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
(DEIB)
Capoeira Angola finds its roots in Angola, Africa. The Portuguese brought Angolans to Brazil during the slave trade. The enslaved Angolans disguised the martial art the would come to be known as capoeira by saying it was folk dancing and singing. Although capoeira was popularized in Brazil, the fighting style, music and rhythmic singing come from African traditions. We pay homage to our African roots by playing Capoeira Angola.
We believe that diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are essential for the health and vitality of our community. We strive to create a school that reflects the diversity of our world and that embraces the unique perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds of all our members.
Equity means ensuring that everyone has access to the same opportunities and resources, regardless of their background or identity. We recognize that systemic barriers exist and commit to addressing them within our school. We are actively working to create a more equitable environment by removing barriers and providing support for underrepresented groups.
Inclusion means creating a space where everyone feels welcome, valued, and respected. We are committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone feels a sense of belonging and where diverse voices are heard and valued. We encourage open dialogue and actively strive to understand and appreciate the perspectives of others.
Belonging means fostering a sense of connection and community where everyone feels like they are a part of something larger than themselves. We believe that a strong sense of belonging is essential for creating a positive and supportive environment. We encourage our members to connect with each other, to build relationships, and to support each other both on and off the mat.
Embracing Diversity and Inclusion
Gender Identity Inclusion: We foster a safe and welcoming environment for people of all gender identities. Everyone is free to express themselves authentically, without fear of discrimination or judgment. Pronouns should be respected and used at all times.
Racial and Cultural Diversity: Our Capoeira Angola community celebrates the rich tapestry of racial and cultural backgrounds. We honor the historical roots of this art form and actively promote cross-cultural exchange and understanding.
Equity and Belonging: We are committed to creating equitable opportunities and a strong sense of belonging for all members, regardless of their identity or background. Our goal is to empower everyone to fully participate and thrive.
Consent and Bodily Autonomy
Consent is fundamental to our practice and our community. We recognize that every individual has the right to determine what happens to their body and to choose how they interact with others. Consent is never assumed, and it must be freely given, informed, and enthusiastic. We emphasize the importance of clear communication and mutual respect in all interactions.
Within the context of Capoeira Angola, physical contact is an integral part of the practice. However, all physical contact must be consensual. We believe that everyone has the right to set boundaries and to say "no" to any activity that makes them uncomfortable. We encourage open communication and respect for each other's physical and emotional boundaries. We are committed to creating a space where everyone feels safe and respected, regardless of their personal preferences or comfort levels.
Sexual Harassment and Misconduct
Our school has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment and misconduct of any kind. Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature. This includes, but is not limited to, unwelcome touching, inappropriate jokes, sexually suggestive comments, or the display of sexually explicit materials.
We recognize that sexual harassment can take many forms and that it can create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. We are committed to providing a safe and respectful space for everyone. We will not tolerate any behavior that creates a hostile or uncomfortable environment for any individual.
We recognize the importance of the teacher-student relationship. Teachers are not permitted to engage in sexual or romantic relationships with students or their caregivers as this is considered sexual misconduct.
If you experience or witness sexual harassment or misconduct, please report it immediately. You can report it to the school director, another trusted instructor, or a member of the school's leadership team. All reports will be taken seriously and investigated promptly. We will take appropriate disciplinary action against anyone found to have violated this policy.
Music, Language, and Cultural Preservation
Music is the heart and soul of Capoeira Angola. It is a vital element of our practice, creating the energy and rhythm that drives our movements. We value the traditional instruments and songs used in Capoeira Angola, recognizing their cultural significance and their role in preserving our heritage.
We encourage our students to learn about the history and cultural context of Capoeira Angola music. We believe that understanding the origins and evolution of our music helps us to appreciate its richness and to connect more deeply with our practice. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable learning and participating in our musical traditions.
Language is also an important part of Capoeira Angola. We use a variety of terms and expressions that are unique to our practice and the Portuguese language. We encourage our students to learn Portuguese, as it helps them to understand the nuances of our movements and to connect more deeply with our community. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable learning and speaking the language of Capoeira Angola, regardless of their fluency.
We are committed to preserving the cultural heritage of Capoeira Angola. We strive to pass on the traditions, values, and knowledge of our art to future generations. We believe that Capoeira Angola is a powerful tool for promoting cultural understanding and appreciation, and we are committed to sharing its beauty and richness with the world.
Movement and Safety
Capoeira Angola is a dynamic and challenging art form. It requires a high level of physical fitness, coordination, and flexibility. We believe that everyone can participate in Capoeira Angola, regardless of their current skill level and physical abilities. We offer a variety of classes and programs to meet the needs of different students, from beginners to advanced practitioners.
We prioritize safety in all of our classes and programs. We encourage our students to listen to their bodies, to work within their limits, and to seek guidance from instructors when necessary. We emphasize proper technique and safe practices to minimize the risk of injury. We believe that a safe and supportive environment is essential for students to progress and to enjoy their practice.
We encourage our students to communicate with their instructors about any physical limitations or injuries they may have. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable participating and learning at their own pace. We believe that everyone has the potential to develop their skills and to experience the joy and benefits of Capoeira Angola.
Conclusion and Resources
This Code of Conduct serves as a guide to ensure a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all members of our Capoeira Angola school. We encourage all members to uphold these values and to contribute to a positive and supportive community.
If you have any questions or concerns about this Code of Conduct, please do not hesitate to reach out to the school director or another trusted instructor. We are always open to feedback and suggestions for improvement.
We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive space for everyone to learn, grow, and thrive in the art of Capoeira Angola.