Association Filhos de Bimba – Lebanon (FBL) is a non-profit NGO initiated in 2010 by a collective of students and teachers with the aim of promoting peace and non-violence within distressed communities through the African-Brazilian artform, Capoeira.

Both a fight and a dance, the nature of Capoeira promotes mutual respect and social cohesion. A circle of singing, chanting, clapping players with unique percussion instruments surround the two players in a circle called a “roda.” 

Capoeira movements require great bodily dexterity, focus, and respect for the movement and the opponent.  

In Lebanon, many children and youth grow up in a climate of distrust and fear that affects their mental health and wellbeing.

Activities of therapeutic value (such as sports or art) can play a big role in enriching psychosocial well-being. They can also promote health, boost peaceful coexistence, deconstruct gender stereotypes, and encourage positive values such as teamwork, self-confidence, and respect for the community.

The nature and essence of Capoeira allows children to LEARN and PLAY in a SAFE environment where they can BE agents of change for their own personal development and within their communities. 

Our activities are also accessible to all populations and we have worked with refugees, visually impaired and blind groups, prisoners, and more. 

We believe it is important to spread the impact of Capoeira among children and youth to eventually indirectly affect the entire community.