Fenix Capoeira

I’ve always hated gyms. Running on a treadmill makes me feel like a little hamster, and gym workouts are downright boring. Knowing that I had to do some kind of exercise, I tried running and swimming but I still wasn’t motivated to continue. That is, until I found capoeira.
Capoeira is THE most fun way to work out, and training with Fenix is sheer joy. The group is super friendly and supportive. Fellow students help each other get the movements and the class atmosphere is always that magical mix of fun but down to business.
Fenix capoeira is very flexible to different fitness levels and we all go at our own pace (but motivated to grow thanks to the teacher and fellow students). I love it.

Great workout, great sport, great people. Do yourself a favor and check out the way in which capoeira can benefit you in your health and wellness goals.

My twin 9 year old boys started taking classes a few months ago and they LOVE it. They get a workout, music and language lessons all in one class. They are excited about how much stronger they’re getting and I’m impressed with how quickly they are improving. I credit a lot of the excitement to the gentle and nurturing nature of their instructor. He makes class so much fun they don’t realize how hard they are working!

I recently tried Capoeira with a friend’s group in Utah. On my return to Seattle I wanted to look around to find a local group because I loved it so much when I tried it first. I want to share a little bit of my experience with Capoeira here:
First of all Capoeira is one of the best workouts I have ever done. Skiing, Basketball, Soccer, Yoga, Pilates, Lifting Weights, Swimming, Surfing, Volleyball, Handball, Bear Hunting, Salmon Fishing and Seahorse Tickling. Nothing comes close to Capoeira if you want to have a full body workout which on the one hand increases your muscle strength and on the other gives you better endurance, flexibility. Try the Jinga for 5 minutes and your glutes will inform you that you have never been this challenged and fit before. I thought Brazilians look so great in a thong because they are, uhm, Brazilians. Now I know its the Capoeira!!! Ok, maybe Samba also has something to with it. Speaking of Samba, during the workout a constant stream of brazilian beats keeps you in rhythm and bouncing a long when the going gets tough.
The music, combined with the history and the people that practice this sport lend it an amount of soul that you will not find in other martial arts. Once you start and commit to it, you will find it hard to leave. Also, this is awesome for kids!!!
Now, if you think that Capoeira is something that you want to try then you should give Professor Fenix «Academia» (gym) a try. We have had several Capoeiristas visit and they assured us that this is the nicest one in the Seattle area. It is well lit and has nice soft mats that keep your sweet toesies soft and it even has a play pen in case you want to park your 4 year old (like I do) while you work out.
But the best part are the people at the Professor’s Academia. Everyone truly embodies the spirit of Brazil and Capoeira. They will make you welcome, show you all the moves and eventually challenge you to your limits. Just don’t ask me to do a back flip — YET!!!

I have trained capoeira off and on for about +7 years. I started at college and was hooked then due to the amazing instructor, Mestre Canguru from Brazil. He cultivated a true community along with an amazing workout.
Since then I have trained in states across the US and even in Mexico City, I regularly visited between groups, mainly because each group I trained with lacked that special something that I experienced when I trained with Canguru. I am excited to say after starting at Fenix Capoeira three months ago I have finally lost the urge to visit other groups, more than the simple fact that Profesor Fenix is from Brazil, or that he gives thoughtful well executed classes (laid back often, but truly intense at times as well), rather the warmth of his attitude and his ever present, great partner and wife lend a very personable and welcoming atmosphere to the whole experience.

Professor Fenix and the crew at Fenix Capoeira are some of the most welcoming people I have met since moving to Seattle. They truly have a ‘crew’ mentality and welcome newcomers immediately and with smiles and handshakes!
These guys are more than just a capoeira group. They are a solid bunch of people that combine all aspects of capoeira, not just the physical. That being said, you will definitely get a workout, and there is room to give as much as you have on any given night.
It has been a long time since I have had such an enjoyable experience with a new group of people.

I consider myself a reasonably fit person. But somehow I always end up sore after Professor Fenix’s classes in that «hurts so good» kind of way.
Capoeira is tricky like that, you’re just bouncing around, having fun, laughing, listening to awesome music and then BAM! you wake up the next morning with SORE muscles. I love it, I get tricked into a great workout.
The best thing about Fenix is that he will spend serious one on one time with new students. He keeps his beginner classes pretty small so people can learn quickly. I came in intimidated of the whole scene… the white pants, the back flips, etc. But, he worked with me and got me up to speed, (well. I’m still new, no back flips here yet).
Overall, capoeira is a REALLY fun way to work out and this group specifically has an awesome community of people attached to it.
TRY IT!!!