NYC
Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art combining elements of dance, acrobatics, music, play, and history. Born out of struggle for liberation by enslaved Africans in Brazil, Capoeira is a cultural art that continues to be a form of non-violent resistance. Through 3 focus areas, students actively learn how to harness values of humility, discipline, accountability toward self & others, self- respect, egalitarianism, and perseverance: Movement: Emphasis on the use of movement as a form of self-expression. Students learn movements including dance, martial arts and acrobatics. Music: Students will learn to sing songs conveying the history of slavery, folklore, and values of the art. They will also learn how to play the various rhythms and percussion instruments of Capoeira. Group work: Team-building exercises, games, and discussions build relational capacity, friendship, communication and teamwork skills. During this time students have the opportunity to problem solve and receive support from peers around challenges they face both in and outside of the classroom. Contact: kanoff.jennifer @ gmail.com +1 . 646 . 400 . 9420
Research
BIO
According to a recent study done by the University of Iowa, at risk youth tend to have a strong preference for kinesthetic and sensing-perceiving learning style which is exactly what Capoeira provides. Research on Capoeira with youth has shown to:
Founder of Youth Rising NYC, Jennifer Kanoff is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Family and Couples Therapist with over 10 years of practice working with Children and Families affected by trauma, poverty, and illness.
Increase emotional stability, feelings of self-efficacy, and emotional well-being Improve discipline, concentration and self-control within the school setting Decrease physical aggression
In addition to her training and experience providing psychotherapy she has been practicing Capoeira Angola for the past 15 years. In 2007, she began synthesizing Capoeira with group therapy in her work with youth in order to help them develop skills to manage the loss and/or chronic illness they were faced with. Through Youth Rising NYC, She continues to use Capoeira, group work, and evidenced based practice to empower and develop the youth and families she serves.