About the instructor
My name is Sami Hamed. In the capoeira community, I am known as Professor Popô. Capoeira has been a vital part of my life since childhood, starting my journey in 1999 at the age of eight when I began training traditional capoeira angola. This early exposure laid a solid foundation, fostering a deep appreciation for the rich cultural heritage and intricate movements of capoeira. As I grew older, my passion expanded to include contemporary capoeira, allowing me to blend traditional techniques with modern influences. My path as a teacher started in 2008 in Hamburg, Germany. The dual approach of combining traditional capoeira angola and contemporary capoeira enriched my practice and gave me a broader perspective on the art form.
In 2011, I moved to Frankfurt am Main and immersed myself in the local capoeira scene, learning from various groups and absorbing diverse styles and philosophies. By 2012, I felt ready to establish my own practice, Capoeira "Aruanda," here in Frankfurt. Over the years, I've taught capoeira at sports clubs, fitness studios, cultural centers, and the Volkshochschule Frankfurt, sharing my knowledge and passion with a wide range of students. My practice is uniquely influenced by contemporary movement culture, animal flow, and best-practices from the global capoeira community, ensuring a holistic and dynamic approach.
I am an active member of Xará Capoeira.
About my practice
My extensive studies in capoeira across Hamburg, Berlin, and Frankfurt, and my teaching experiences in Germany, Austria and other European countries, have shaped my understanding of this art form. With a background in cultural anthropology, I delve into the political and cultural roots of capoeira, aiming to impart these insights to my students. My goal is not just to teach the fundamentals but to inspire students to develop their own personal practice. I frequently collaborate with other teachers to create a rich, diverse learning environment that broadens our collective comprehension of capoeira.
While I respect the combative and physical aspects of capoeira, my focus lies in fostering connections between people and the dance elements of the practice. Emphasizing capoeira rituals, I strive to deepen my students' performative understanding of the art. Afro-Brazilian music holds a special place in my heart, and I believe it is essential to fully grasp the essence of capoeira. I've conducted music workshops across Germany and Austria, using my knowledge of music theory and an anthropological perspective to teach capoeira music. To me, music is a crucial element, intertwining with the movements and rhythms of capoeira, enriching the overall experience and understanding of this beautiful art form.