Capoeira Transforms Lives for Parkinson's Patients

Nilma Teles de Freitas is a teacher. She is 80 years old and has Parkinson's. She used to fall down a lot before starting classes.

She now takes a capoeira class in Rio. The class is for people with her illness. Capoeira is from Brazil and mixes fighting and dancing.

Capoeira helps her body and mind. She feels more free and balanced now. This old practice is popular in Brazil and the world.

Rosimeire Peixoto started the special class in 2018. She knew capoeira could help people. Parkinson's makes it hard to move and balance well.

Capoeira helps with balance and strength. It also makes people feel happy and social. Nilma loves the class and her new friends there.