Testimonials
Amir Solsky (Contra Mestre Parafina): http://www.facebook.com/amir.solsky
Shira gives a great constructed class, with lots of individual attention, all of her students are looking great and have wonderful uniformity in their technique. Shira is very enthusiastic and supporting, and has students ranging from little kids to people in their sixties that are all achieving unbelievable results. I highly recommend checking out this class!
Casey Rendon: http://www.facebook.com/lilbirdy
Since you've found this website, you probably already know what Capoeira is. Before I started training, I did the same thing - I went online to look for Capoeira schools in the San Fernando Valley. I found Capoeira in the Valley, and decided to try a class. There were students of all skill levels and ages there, so I didn't feel out of place. The instructor Shira was very welcoming and walked me through the basics. After a few classes, I signed up for the entire month and have been doing so every month for the past year. Only recently did I find out how lucky I was to have started at this particular school.
Capoeira in the Valley teaches a specialized form of Capoeira, focusing on the "beauty" of the movements, stressing form and control. There are many other schools that are overly aggressive, allowing full-force takedowns and focusing on only how fast movements can be done. This can lead to injuries and very poor executions of Capoeira movements. The aesthetics and discipline of Shira's movements are definitely something to aspire to, something she imparts very well onto her students.
Our school has gone through many changes since it opened in the summer of 2010, but one thing that has not changed is how wonderful the people are. If you do decide to start taking classes, be prepared to meet many wonderful new friends.
Jamie Ann Burke: http://www.facebook.com/jamieann.act
Shira is not only a great teacher but a great friend who really cares about Capoeira! She makes Capoeira accessible to everyone, young, old, fit and out of shape. We all get a good workout. Never a dull moment, everyone in the class has a great attitude and are very welcoming!
Christine Seaton: http://www.facebook.com/OneLuckyGirl972?sk=wall
The class was a great learning experience and lots of fun! It's very obvious how much Shira loves Capoeira by how much energy and enthusiasm she puts into sharing her techniques with the class. She kept me motivated with fun moves and great live music (she's great at singing those Brazilian songs!) My favorite part was the roda at the end...it was really fun to put what I'd learned into action! All the people there were friendly and willing to try something new, and the advanced students were a great example of the exciting things to come for those who keep coming back. I highly recommend giving it a try!
Kristen Wall: http://www.facebook.com/RaboDArraia
Shira Winitzky is one amazing teacher!! I come as often as I can to her classes and love every minute of it! All of her classes are beginner level, and even after being considered an advanced student, she is still able to push me to my full potential. She is highly knowledgeable in all areas of capoeira including instruments and singing in portuguese. She even comes early to class sometimes to have jam sessions on the instruments for extra practice. She is humble beyond words and explains things very well. Many capoeira instructors have an ego about them which makes them unapproachable and it feels intimidating to ask them questions about the material being learned, but with Shira you will immediately feel at ease as she is a very easy going and flexible individual. She has a few locations throughout the area which makes it easier to join her for classes! She is also great with kids and they take to her personality and energy easily. Not only is it fun but she offers a great workout and I am always sore the next day! Thanks Shira for kicking my butt!!Ayaboe Edoh: http://www.facebook.com/acedoh
Shira is an amazing instructor! She has always tailored drills to each person's level and encourages you to push and mature in the game of Capoeira, whether that is through acrobatics, flexibility, and even singing and playing the instruments! We have all grown close and class is always a fun time.
Ali Taheri: http://www.facebook.com/ali.taheri2
Shira has helped me so much on my kicks and getting the little things right. She also makes the class very fun and it's a good work out. Time flies in her class, and at the end of the day you have learned a lot.
Leslie Weinberg: http://www.facebook.com/leslieannweinberg
Inspiring for all; great energy; you can't help but loving the class!
Peter Kelsey: http://www.facebook.com/piquet49
Having not done martial arts for several years I came across Shira's capoeira class and decided to give it a try. I love the combination of dance, music and workout I get with her. She always has a smile on her face and encourages me to stretch myself. I now find I can do a cartwheel, which I never did before. I am 62 years young and learning to stand on my hands. Excellent workout. Highly recommended!
Karen Mead: http://www.facebook.com/karen.mead1
Shira has always been passionate about Capoeira since the day she started 7 years ago. Everytime we come to her events she has such energy and fun that it is a pleasure to watch and join in! You definitely want to try her class out if you want to work out and have fun.
Robert Mead: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1650159165
I have known Shira for a long time and she has always loved all martial arts. But with Capoeira she seemed the happiest and I enjoy coming to her class from time to time to see her progress both as a student and now as an Instructor. She breaks things down for all levels and makes those moves seem reachable and fun. I highly recommend you try her class and meet her wonderful group who are all warm, friendly, and inviting.
Katherine D Angel Europa:
I had a great time and I think I will be back in the near future. I like the fact that capoeira is viewed as a game instead of a fight because I am not an agressive person. All the advanced students that came in were very nice and helpful.
Michael Ko:
Shira focuses alot on flexibility... when it comes to martial art, flexibility takes almost 75 to 80% of the movements. Shira helped me on my flexibility and also carefully helped me rehabilitate my injuries from my accident through stretching and capoeira. Capoeira is a sport and martial art that can be enjoyed of all ages...Unlike other intence martial arts, in capoeira you laugh and have fun...There's even music...If your interested in starting this martial art, Shira is the one you want to start with...
I have improved so much after my accident...Shira helped me alot with my muscle and joints injuries through stretchings. Her master Amir is THE MAN!!! who teaches Capoeira, acrobatics, and etc. People are so friendly, kind, and also willing to help you out. If you are interested in learning Capoeira and not just Capoeira but acrobatics and strengthening your whole body? Then contact Shira, she will hook you up like there's no tomorrow!! ;) I'm planning on going back if I my time and money allows me to... =(
