PCA taking steps to counter depression

Islamabad : Pakistan Capoeira Academy now starting to give free of cost classes to counter obesity and depression by using the art of Capoeira as therapy. Capoeira is a Brazilian traditional martial art, which combines the elements of acrobatics, music, dance like activity and combative tactics, says a press release.

Shayan Ali the founder of Pakistan Capoeira Academy (PCA) and national coach at Embassy of Brazil in Islamabad said: “I believe Capoeira is one of the best weight loss and anti-depression therapies and now in Pakistan the academy will start focusing on physical and mental health by using this unique approach.”

Capoeira martial art is relatively new in Pakistan and Embassy of Brazil introduced the art in 2015 by sending Shayan Ali to ABADA Capoeira in Brazil for advance training by Mestre Canguru and Mestre Camisa in Rio de Janeiro. Pakistan Capoeira Academy gives free Capoeira training inside the Embassy of Brazil in Islamabad but due to COVID-19 the classes are not taking place inside the Brazilian embassy.

Capoeira was recognised by Unesco (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) in 2014 as an Intangible Humanity Heritage and nowadays is practiced in more than 150 countries across five continents and by various social groups.

Obesity and depression are getting very common in society and people find it difficult to stick with anti-depression and weight loss therapies. One of the unique aspects of Capoeira is that it is entertaining, addictive and participants stick with it for long time. PCA is now focused on weight loss and anti-depression therapy by using Capoeira. The free classes will start in Rawalpindi and Islamabad first and later expand to other cities of Pakistan.