Code of Conduct

The Shanghai Center for Capoeira (TSC4C)

Fundamental principles

  • Respect the dignity and spirit of all capoeiristas, including children and young adults.
  • Treat all capoeiristas fairly.
  • Establish supportive, positive environments to encourage healthy competition, skill development, fun and achievement.
  • Avoid contact or conduct that may be interpreted as having sexual connotations or which capoeira deems as inappropriate.
  • Do not take part in or tolerate behavior that frightens, embarrasses or demoralizes capoeiristas or that negatively affects their self-esteem.
  • Do not tolerate acts of aggression.
  • Work towards eliminating harassment and abuse from capoeira environments.
  • Be prepared to intervene if a child or young person under 18 is being abused or neglected (See Child Protection Policy).
  • Practice fair play both during and outside of all sports activities. ‘Fair play’ is defined as showing considerate regard for capoeiristas, staff, parents, and spectators; abiding by the rules and etiquette of capoeira.
  • Adhere to the policies of TSC4C.

Foreword

Whereas the African-Brazilian arts have survived all manners of adversity and stress and have evolved within manifold social, political, and cultural contexts;

Whereas capoeira, TSC4C‘s central focus among those arts, has historically served as a means of resistance against racial and cultural oppression and is universally regarded as a tool of personal transformation;

Whereas all capoeiristas—men, women, children, masters, and beginners—have stepped onto a shared path that may become a lifelong journey;

Whereas the bonds uniting the capoeira community are secured by a common love of the art, pursuit of enrichment, and appreciation of communion;

Whereas the capoeira community is composed of individuals possessing diverse strengths, weaknesses, and complexities and expressing diverse emotions, personal narratives, and unique perspectives;

Whereas that diversity is a principle source of strength and growth for the capoeira community;

Whereas it is essential to sustaining individual contributions, developing cohesion within the community, and promoting the art form that the inherent dignity and unique identity of all members of the capoeira family are recognized, honored, and protected by mutual resolution;

Therefore, TSC4C proclaims this Code of Conduct as a common standard of behavior for all members, associates, house teachers, staff, guest teachers, and visitors.

Article 1. Personal and Professional Integrity

All staff, and volunteers of TSC4C shall act with honesty, integrity and openness in all their dealings as representatives of the organization. The organization promotes a working environment that values respect, fairness and integrity.

Article 2. Respect

All capoeiristas shall strive to honor their own self worth, to treat one another with equal dignity and respect, and to nurture a consciousness of fellowship. Respect extends to the academia—the sacred terreiro de treinamento—where we shall do our part to keep the space clean and vibrant, to maintain our instruments in good order, and to further our school’s mission. More broadly, capoeiristas shall respect capoeira history, traditions, rituals, and its role as an educational discipline.

Article 3. Equal Opportunity

TSC4C is committed to providing an environment in which people are treated as equals regardless of color, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, physical appearance, body type, religion (or lack thereof), political views, or economic conditions. Everyone has the opportunity to progress in all aspects of capoeira in order to reach higher levels of competence and to assume roles of greater responsibility within the community.

Article 4. Boundaries

As expressed in our membership and event waivers, the practice of capoeira, like other physical activities, involves inherent risk. While some degree of physical and psychological challenge can promote the growth of a capoeirista, excessive aggression is neither appropriate nor acceptable. Likewise, other types of intimidation that threaten the well-being of another are inappropriate. Respect the physical and emotional integrity of self and others.

Article 5. Harassment

It is essential to provide a culture that does not tolerate harassment of any kind, sexual, physical or emotional. In capoeira, as in many community-oriented activities, behaviors can be misinterpreted and misrepresented.

Harassment undermines the foundations of dignity and respect, betrays an atmosphere of safety, is contrary to the spirit of this resolution, and, as such, will not be tolerated at any time in our organization and in related situations. Substantiated offenses, including retaliation, will be addressed on a rigorous case by case basis in accordance with our Grievance Procedure which further defines harassment and can be found on our website, and in the office.

Article 6. Perpetual Oath

As the heirs to, and custodians of, a grand history, it is necessary that we, the capoeiristas of today, do our part to honor, preserve, and advance the traditions of that history with awareness and integrity. Capoeira has evolved throughout time, and now through our actions, as we are nourished by its roots, we reflect values that are consistent with today’s humanitarian attitudes and mores. In conjunction with the intent of this resolution, we remember that capoeira is an art of survival and a weapon of resistance, and we aspire to embody that legacy by being proactive on our own, or another’s behalf in any living moment or difficult situation. As teachers and students, we shall strive to lead by positive example, to maintain a constructive attitude, and to inspire the best from each other. We shall all assume the responsibility of considering how our behavior impacts others. By the contribution of every voice, may the promise of harmony persevere and the spirit of capoeira thrive.