Capoeira Dos Alpes

The first classes began in 1996 at the old football field in Venthône. After several years of informal classes, the group was structured into an association thanks to a group of motivated young people at the shore of Lake Géronde in the year 2000. Since then, with about forty members, Capoeira dos Alpes has spread its classes to more than 1,200 children, teenagers and adults (workshops, training, extracurricular classes and in schools…). The Capoeira dos Alpes group has managed to bring a bit of Brazilian culture to the heart of the Alps and to introduce this art to the people of Valais. The group's objective is to promote capoeira within our Valais culture! Our group is an active part of the cantonal community landscape and regularly performs at events in both upper and lower Valais: Foire du Valais - Slow Up – Open Air Gampel festival - Caprices festival – Fête des cinq continents – Feu au Lac de Géronde – Oberwaliser sport award – Montreux Jazz Festival etc… We offer institutions and different schools in the canton the opportunity to discover our values.

Our capoeira teacher was born in 1976 in Venthône, Switzerland. Since childhood, he has always been very active in sports, both in individual and team disciplines. During his adolescence, Gérard Chardon practiced Karate and Kickboxing. He was the Romand Kickboxing Champion in 1994, and that same year, he won the prestigious Post Tenebra Cup in Geneva in the light full-contact category. During this successful year, while traveling in Brazil, Gérard discovered Capoeira. This physical activity captivated him. He then approached the "capoeiristas," staying regularly in Brazil (1994-2000) where he attended Capoeira Academies. Contacts with several great masters, including Nestor Capoeira, allowed him to practice and study the various facets of this sport. Upon returning home, he decided to form a group of "capoeiristas" with the aim of introducing and practicing this activity in Valais. Gérard, known as Gerralino, has over 20 years of experience in the art of Capoeira.