The Door Is Always Open: Returning to Capoeira After a Break
Life has a way of pulling us in countless directions. Work, family, school, health, there are so many reasons why you might have stepped away from Capoeira. Maybe it was just for a few months, or perhaps it’s been years. Whatever the reason, you’ve found yourself thinking about it again. The music, the movement, the energy of the roda. But there’s that voice in your head: What will everyone think? Will they judge me for leaving?
Will I even remember how to play?
Let me tell you this: Capoeira is not just a martial art or a game, it’s a home. And like any home, the door is always open for you to return.
Why It’s Hard to Come Back
It’s natural to feel hesitant. Maybe you’re worried about being out of shape, forgetting the moves, or facing questions about where you’ve been. You might feel like you’ve fallen behind or don’t belong anymore. These feelings are valid, but they’re not the truth.
The truth is, every capoeirista has their own journey. Some train consistently for decades, while others take breaks and come back stronger than ever. Life happens, and Capoeira understands that. It’s not about how long you’ve been away, it’s about the joy and connection you feel when you step back into the roda.
What You’ll Regret Most
Let’s be honest: the longer you stay away, the harder it feels to return. But the real regret isn’t about what others think, it’s about missing out on the part of yourself that Capoeira awakens. The fluidity of movement, the rhythm of the berimbau, the camaraderie of your fellow capoeiristas, these are things that stay with you, no matter how long you’ve been gone.
The only thing you’ll truly regret is waiting too long to come back.
Why Now Is the Perfect Time
We don’t judge. if you’ve forgotten a few things or taken a break to focus on other priorities. What matters is that you’re here, ready to reconnect with something that once brought you joy.
And trust me, there’s no better feeling than that first class back. The muscles might ache, the moves might feel rusty, but the energy? It’s electric. You’ll remember why you fell in love with Capoeira in the first place.
What to Expect When You Return
1. A Warm Welcome: Your Capoeira community is just that, a community. We’ll be happy to see you.
2. A Fresh Start: Think of your return as a new chapter. You’re not starting from scratch; you’re building on the foundation you already have.
3. Patience with Yourself: It’s okay to take time to get back into it. Capoeira is a journey, not a race.
A Message from the Heart
To the capoeirista who’s been away: Whether you come back to your old group or find a new one, know that Capoeira is waiting for you with open arms.
You don’t need to explain yourself or prove anything. Just show up. The rest will follow.
Life is about balance, and sometimes that means stepping away from things we love. But if Capoeira has been calling to you, don’t ignore it. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to return. And when you do come back, you’ll wonder why you waited so long.
So dust off your abadá, tune your berimbau, and step back into the training sessions and rodas.
The Capoeira family is here for you, now and always.
Axé Capoeiragem!
Instrutor Volta Ao Mundo