Capoeira - Future of Fitness - Seeking Advice

[JeffreyLNelsonJr]

Hello to all young entrepreneurs,

My name is Jeffrey Nelson and I am interested in starting up a business.(arent we all? lol) I have a problem, however; This is my first business and I would like some advice about successfully starting and operating a business.

I plan on creating a studio for the practicing of Capoeira, a Brazilian style of dance/martial arts/yoga. For those who know what it is, awesome; For those who do not, please check it out(maybe google search some videos or something.

Some useful advice to starting up a business, I would appreciate. I have found an instructor for the class and now I'm seeking a location. I plan on promoting the class myself via posters, brochures, internet, etc.


Please, everyone, tell me what you think. Advice is much appreciated!

[darkman]

I've seen Capoeira in action which is a very specialised dance / martial arts style, I realise the Brazilians call it a 'martial art' but to be honest with you I don't believe it to be an effective style of fighting, too many fancy movements and way to complex to learn as it requires very precise movements.

I don't wish to disrespect you in anyway but I don't see many people going for this kind of style although there are people who do it, most of the competition is from MMA (UFC, Pride, Cage Rage etc...), Muay Thai, Karate etc... Most people who start to learn martial arts want something fairly simple at first such as boxing just to get fit. I've been training in the martial arts all of my life and stick to styles such as Judo, Brazilian jujitsu and Thai Boxing.

I believe your best bet would be to target children with lots of energy and not advertise it as a 'martial art', advertise it as a specialised brazilian dance system that is excellent for staying in shape (which it is ), you will get lots of interest from, as I stated children, perhaps women who want to have lots of fun with their friends on an evening, you probably will get men joining for toning purposes etc... In all honesty I don't see someone joining to learn to 'fight' or defend themselves from an attacker.

just my 2 cents!

[JeffreyLNelsonJr]

I've seen Capoeira in action which is a very specialised dance / martial arts style, I realise the Brazilians call it a 'martial art' but to be honest with you I don't believe it to be an effective style of fighting, too many fancy movements and way to complex to learn as it requires very precise movements.

I don't wish to disrespect you in anyway but I don't see many people going for this kind of style although there are people who do it, most of the competition is from MMA (UFC, Pride, Cage Rage etc...), Muay Thai, Karate etc... Most people who start to learn martial arts want something fairly simple at first such as boxing just to get fit. I've been training in the martial arts all of my life and stick to styles such as Judo, Brazilian jujitsu and Thai Boxing.

I believe your best bet would be to target children with lots of energy and not advertise it as a 'martial art', advertise it as a specialised brazilian dance system that is excellent for staying in shape (which it is ), you will get lots of interest from, as I stated children, perhaps women who want to have lots of fun with their friends on an evening, you probably will get men joining for toning purposes etc... In all honesty I don't see someone joining to learn to 'fight' or defend themselves from an attacker.

just my 2 cents!

You are absolutely right, Capoeira should not be considered competition martial art(although using Capoeira against an untrained person may be effective, using Capoeira against some of the more serious fighting styles such as MMA or Muy Thai would be very difficult.)

But a key point to note, Capoiera maneuvers aren't what Capoieristas(those who study and practice Capoeira) actually use when fighting. Capoeira was originally designed to put its participants in incredible shape, including extreme flexibility, body control, strength, power, and reaction speed, etc.. Most people who practice Capoeira don't actually use the fancy moves in a fight, but rather, they use more down to earth and simple moves, simple kicks and simple punches(but with the skill of master Capoeirista).

Anywho, I do appreciate the 2 cents, and I definitely will consider putting more emphasis on the fact that Capoeira is intended to enhance health, relieve stress, increase flexibility, strength, reflexes, and just all around be a fun and competitive activity.


Please, more ideas people! We all need to learn! This is the best way.

Thank you Darkman.

[syia]

why don't you go to schools and promote it to their teachers, so that they can maybe relate the promotion to students?

you can also give a free demonstration at schools/college/universities..