The OdC Social Project Baltimore began in February 2008 with a demo held for the International Refugee Committee and their youth refugee program. Formal instruction of capoeira for the children began in April 2008 with a total of nearly 30 Elementary and Middle School aged children, mostly from war torn regions of Africa.

The mission and goals stated below mirror social projects that Oficina da Capoeira has established throughout various cities in Brasil, and we look forward to matching their success.

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Oficina da Capoeira Social Project Baltimore, Ltd. has been established for the purpose of providing instruction in and insight into the Brazilian martial art of Capoeira, specifically to underprivileged youth (ages 7-18, or grades 2-12) of Baltimore City and the surrounding Counties. All aspects of the class (instruction, uniform, and transportation to out of area events) will be provided to all participants by the organization at no cost to the participants. Instruction will focus on the physical aspects of Capoeira: attack, defensive, evasive and flourish movements as well as their combinations and applications. There is an innate musical aspect to Capoeira and as such, the necessary musical (both vocal and instrumental) accompaniment will also be taught. The historical origins of the art will also be an integral part of the instruction. Through this organization, participants will also gain understanding of the historical, philosophical, lyrical, and martial significance of Capoeira.

As a part of learning the movements and lyrics participants will also slowly learn Brazilian Portuguese. Through training of the martial art itself, participants will gain strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, rhythm, self awareness and self confidence. Future purpose of Oficina da Capoeira Social Project Baltimore, Ltd. will be to provide additional social services to the youth participants including but not limited to afterschool tutoring in math, reading/writing, and sciences.

Oficina da Capoeira Social Project Baltimore, Ltd. is a registered tax-deductible non-profit organization under the IRS Section 501(c)(3) guidelines.