Olympics Media Takes Another Look at Rocinha’s Acorda Capoeira

Rolha Capoeira

1 minute read

The international media surrounding the Olympics has not been shy about dipping into Rio de Janeiro’s favelas whenever they need to show a different side of Brazil; its controversial social and economic inequality is an easy target. However, the result is often short, inspirational stories highlighting how capoeira helps young people overcome the challenges of the favela (and constantly pointing out that it is not an Olympic sport, despite its cultural importance to the host country).

The latest piece offers a brief video as well as a written article, and it again takes us to the Rocinha favela where Mestre Manel runs Acorda Capoeira.

Brazilian martial art changes lives — by Melissa Davies, for Newshub:

The favela is symbolic about how this martial art started and the idea behind teaching it is to provide some empowerment about where they’ve come, but also about where they’re going.
Still, Newshub can’t resist an Olympic-flavored soundbite from Vinicius:
“I have one question - why capoeira doesn’t stay in the Olympics. It’s definitely enough of a challenge, for me at least.”
Read our related post, Mestre Manel and Acorda-Capoeira Thriving in Rocinha Favela and visit the group’s Facebook page.