Also at PC: Collaborating Martial Arts Masters
Mestre Urubu Malandro, Capoeira Ijexá
Capoeira is a martial art developed over 400 years ago by African slaves in Brazil. The slaves, not allowed to practice movements to protect themselves, developed a form of movement that disguised their self-defense strategies as a dance, using instruments and songs. Today, Capoeira is a popular art form practiced all over the world that teaches us about Afro-Brazilian history, ritual, and culture through its dynamic movement and music.
Mestre Urubu Malandro, a native of Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded his Capoeira academy, now known as Capoeira Ijexa, in 1996. He is a graduated Mestre under the esteemed Brazillian Mestre Suassuna. Throughout his 20+ year career in Capoeira, Mestre Urubu has traveled the world, bringing his wealth of experience and profound sense of joy to his work with children and adults. Mestre Urubu is also an accomplished percussionist, with extensive knowledge of Brazillian rhythms, including classic samba, afoxé, and the sacred rhythms of candomble. Project Commotion is proud to house Capoeira Ijexá’s Youth Program, offering classes for children ages 3 1/2 and up. Capoeira Ijexá offers workshops and performances for schools, organizations, special events, and festivals. For information about booking, please email Mestre Urubu Malandro at urubumalandro@hotmail.com. Capoeira for Adults taught by ContraMestres Bodinho, Formiguinha, Montanha, Salsicha, Capoeira Ijexá Mondays 7pm - 8:30 Fridays 6:30 - 8pm Saturdays 12:30 - 2pm $20 drop-in or $80 for 5-class pass Capoeira Music Classes taught by ContraMestra Formiguinha & Instrutora Jací will resume in Fall 2018. For information about Capoeira Ijexá, please visit www.capoeiraijexa.com |
Michele Elefante Sensei, Okinawan Karate Club of San Francisco
Michele Elefante Sensei, head instructor at Okinawan Karate Club (OKC) of San Francisco, and UC Davis, holds the rank of Yondan (4th degree black belt) in Shobayashi Shorin-Ryu, and Shudokan Karate. She began her study in the martial arts in 1990, and primarily trained in Germany where she both taught and competed. In 1999 she joined OKC Dallas under Ilene Smoger, (7th dan in Shorin-Ryu and Shudokan). She was honored to have her rank of Shodan presented to her directly by Shimabukuro O’Sensei. She has been a repeat instructor at the National Women’s Martial Arts Federation (NWMAF) Special Training camp, the Pacific Association of Women Martial Artists (PAWMA) training camp and the Association of Women Martial Arts Instructors (AWMAI) conference. She has taught numerous self-defense and conflict resolution workshops throughout the Bay Area. Michele, holds a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology, and is a licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT).
Deb Lee Sensei, Okinawan Karate Club of San Francisco Deb Lee Sensei, instructor at OKC San Francisco and martial arts student since 1983, Deb has practiced Tang Soo Do, Shorin Ryu, Tuide, Iaido and Aikido. A 5th degree black belt, she was awarded Shodan (Shobayashi Ryu) by Ilene Smoger Sensei in 2010. She's been a karate and self defense instructor since 1988, teaching adults and youth. She has taught numerous self-defense and personal safety seminars and workshops throughout the US and was honored to have taught at the National Women's Martial Arts Federation's (NWMAF) Special Training camp, the Association of Women Martial Arts Instructors (AWMAI) conference, and the Okinawan Karate Club's National Special Training. Deb has an extensive background in law enforcement having spent many years as a law enforcement officer and special deputy assigned to the Space Shuttle Protection Team in Florida. Additionally Deb holds a degree in Criminology and an Master's Degree in Business Administration, and works in the field of Biomedical Informatics. Anthony Shiver Sensei Starting in 2003, Anthony spent five years training in taekwondo and shotokan karate at Best Martial Arts Institute. He has been training with Sensei Elefante and Sensei Lee at Okinawan Karate Club San Francisco for the past six years, and teaches the Tuesday and Thursday classes. Anthony is a molecular biologist, who began his work at the University of California San Francisco and has since stayed in the Bay Area. Karate for Adults taught by Michele Elefante Sensei, Okinawan Karate Club of San Francisco Tuesdays and Thursdays 7pm - 8:30 Saturdays 2pm - 3:30 For information about Okinawan Karate Club of San Francisco, please visit www.sfkarate.net |