PHILIPSBURG – Fourteen members of Soualiga Capoeira were honoured for their hard work by Jacques Heemskerk – Professor Folha Seca, local son of the soil, and leader of Soualiga Capoeira since 2017. The highlight of the weekend long celebration was the Batizado (baptism) ceremony, where 11 students received their first cordão (belt) and were officially welcomed into the world of Capoeira.
One student received the 3rd level cordão, and two members – Allan Bell and Glenicia Mitchell –received special recognition for their continuous support throughout the years. Bell received his 5th level cordão and Mitchell was honored with her promotion to 7th level cordão Graduada (graduate). Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that was developed by African slaves in Brazil. Because they were not allowed to openly practice martial arts, the slaves disguised their movements as dance by incorporating music and singing into their training. It has since become the national sport of Brazil and is practiced all over the world.
Jacques is one of Soualiga Capoeira's first members since its founding by Tyrone Phelipa – Mestre Graveto – in 2002. In 2018, Jacques became St. Maarten's first Professor of the local group and has been sharing the Afro-Brazilian martial art through a resurgence of Soualiga Capoeira and through various school programs on the island. The celebration started on Friday September 8, with a public display of Capoeira at the Cyrus Wathey Square in Philipsburg. Spectators were able to see Capoeira practitioners from around the region and the world display beautiful movements and body control. Visitors came from Texas, Connecticut, Florida, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Curaçao and The Netherlands. This was Jacques’ first event he has hosted to celebrate the hard work and dedication his students have shown since 2017.
On Saturday, members and guests participated in various workshops from our visiting guest teachers and ended the day with the Batizado. On Sunday, participants were given a tour of the island before heading back to their homes. In total 23 Capoeiristas came together to celebrate this wonderful milestone of Heemskerk and his students. The celebration was made possible in part by many sponsors including Top 1 Toys. Soualiga Capoeira has weekly classes at the John Larmonie Center and online via ZOOM, starting at age 6. For more information can contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
