Cosmos Glasgow is a dedicated space for the teaching and lived experience of capoeiragem. The foundation is built upon the wisdom of Cosmos Capoeira, passed down by Mestre Russo de Caxias.

Here in Glasgow, Cosmos is a home for Afro-Brazilian cultures of capoeiragem and for people in transit, where the traditions of Capoeira and its Brazilian roots are nurtured. In daily practice, an environment of active respect is ensured: racism, homophobia, and misogyny are not tolerated, as Capoeira is understood to be an ongoing practice of freedom and dignity. Here, the philosophy is grounded in playing the game together, where the memory, the struggles, and the lived experiences of those who shaped this culture are honoured.

The ginga (body in movement) is a state of mindfulness and movement, a way to prepare the body to respond to any situation inside and outside the game. Initial clumsiness is not a mistake; it is a natural step for each person to develop their own way of playing (vadiar).

At Cosmos, guidance and care come from the elders. The teaching is supported by the experience of Mestre Russo de Caxias, Mestre Carlão, and the bonds forged with other Mestras and Mestres of this art, and is delivered by Christiano (Coringa) Mere.

The intention is to conduct the rituals of a roda (gathering) with respect and care; it is understood that no one sustains the song (cantiga) alone, which is why we are a collective. It is a space fostered by those who came before and by those who play side by side, sharing the same chão. Cosmos is an open invitation to all who wish to be a part of this roda.

"Somos a pedra lançada hoje para matar o pássaro ontem" - Traditional saying from the cult of Exú

A little more about Cosmos Capoeira: Capoeira transcends the notion of a simple martial art or sport; it is a tactical, rebellious, and anti-racist wisdom, and a pedagogy forged in the "mandinga of slaves yearning for freedom" - M.Pastinha. As an heir to the tradition of street resistance and the Roda Livre de Caxias, Cosmos Capoeira views the practice as a mirror of the universe. Within this space, the collective seeks to harmonise differences and views the roda (circle) as a sacred microcosm that prepares us to face society's structural adversities. From a counter-colonial and decolonial perspective, the sovereignty of the spirit is affirmed, rooted in the understanding that the physical body acts as a sounding board for our vital life force and ancestral identity. Through the ginga, and the continuous circularity inspired by the Bakongo cosmogram, the game is transformed into an uninterrupted dialogue of bodies and spirits in a trance, keeping the paths of transformation open whilst celebrating the perpetual movement of life.