YOUTH PROGRAMMING

MISSION  

The mission of ACSF’s AWARD WINNING youth programming is to support healthy youth development through regular physical and cultural activities led by top professionals in the field, who act as positive role models and create a supportive learning environment.

Started in 1995, youth programs annually serve 12,000 urban youth and teens through multiple, daily training and performance programs offered “on-site” at our Mission District based Capoeira Arts Center, and “off-site” at over 30 partnering Bay Area schools and community sites. 

BENEFITS

ACSF uses capoeira as a youth development strategy. We know from years of experience and countless examples that capoeira is one of the best vehicles for teaching young people valuable life lessons—confidence, leadership, goal-setting, team-work, cultural and social cooperation, respect and tradition, and habits that can lead to a lifetime of good health and civic involvement. In doing so, ACSF programs can have a permanent, positive impact on kids' lives and choices.

Capoeira is unique in that is covers a broad spectrum of mental, physical, and social skill building. Naturally through learning this martial art a student develops skills in self-defense, acrobatics, fitness, instrument playing, rhythm and singing, language skills, teamwork, and strategy development. 

PRINCIPLES

ACSF's high-quality programs use “building blocks” of healthy youth development, which address the full spectrum of young people's needs in order to support their emotional, social, and physical development. Research shows that children need these “building blocks” to grow into healthy, successful adults.

Healthy Youth Development building blocks are: 

Positive Relationships: Students develop positive relationships with supportive adults and peers.

Skill Building: Students build confidence and develop cultural awareness while learning new skills.

Regular Physical Activity: Students improve mental, physical and cognitive health through regular physical activity. ACSF introduces healthy lifestyle habits through fun, vigorous physical activity.

Safety: Students are provided emotional and physical safety, allowing them to develop a sense of belonging and freedom.

Youth Participation: Students participate in decision-making and build leadership skills.

VALUES

ACSF programs are designed to promote the following individual and community values:

Respect
Maintain respect for ourselves, each other, our ever-evolving capoeira community, the studio we share, and the art that we practice together.

Freedom
Create a safe space to express ourselves as the unique individuals we are.

Equality
Acknowledge everyone’s contribution as valuable. Never underestimate anyone – especially yourself.

Integrity
Be fair, impartial, and true to our word.  Admit when we are wrong and strive to make it right.

Leadership
Serve as positive role models, both inside the studio while training and outside of the studio as community representatives of ABADÁ. Offer help when we can give it and ask for help when we need it.  Hold ourselves and each other accountable for our actions.

Community
Share experiences – both hard and easy, joyous and frustrating.  Foster a sense of belonging, camaraderie, and wonder.  Meet new people and have fun!

Education
Seek to understand and honor our rich traditions. 

Strength
Build strong minds, bodies, and souls. Push our limits and approach challenges as opportunities for growth, remembering that failure is essential for success.