CounterBalance Youth Capoeira Tournament

2027 Rules & Schedule

The CounterBalance Youth Capoeira Tournament is more than a competition—it is a celebration of Capoeira, culture, and community.

Our goal is to create an inspiring environment where young athletes can challenge themselves, build confidence, develop discipline and leadership, and strengthen their connection to the Afro-Brazilian art of Capoeira.

Competitors will be grouped as closely as possible by age and level of experience to create fair, challenging, and positive games. Tournament is open to athletes ages 8-17.

REGISTRATION

Early Bird Registration: $85
Available through November 15, 2026

Early Bird registration includes:

• Tournament participation
• Event T-shirt
• Workshops
• Rodas

After November 15, registration will be $105.

T-shirt personalization: Additional $10, personalization order form coming soon.

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

Times and event details may be adjusted as we get closer to the tournament.

Friday, February 12, 2027

6:00-7:30 PM
Welcome Workshop & Roda

Saturday, February 13, 2027

9:30 AM–4:00 PM

Tournament Competition:

• Round 1 — Paired Games by Age & Level
• Double Elimination / Second-Chance Roda
• Round 2 — Paired Games by Age & Level

Sunday, February 14, 2027

• Team Performances
• Solo Competition
• Finals Rodas — By Age & Level
• Awards

TOURNAMENT STRUCTURE

ROUND 1

Participants will be paired by lottery within their designated age and experience-level bracket.

Each pair will play two consecutive 45-second games with the same partner.

Judges will score each athlete using a 7–10 scoring system. Scores will be based on the athlete’s overall performance across both games.

Detailed judging criteria, expectations, and rules will be provided to participating teachers and coaches prior to the tournament.

DOUBLE ELIMINATION / SECOND-CHANCE RODA

The Double Elimination Roda gives athletes who do not advance from Round 1 a second opportunity to move forward in the tournament.

Athletes will play in a traditional roda format, with the referee signaling competitors to buy the game.

Each athlete will play at least two games against two different competitors within their age and level bracket who also did not advance from Round 1.

Judges will score athletes using the 7–10 scoring system.

Scores will be tallied and, depending on the size of each bracket, two to four athletes may advance to Round 2.

ROUND 2

Participants will again be paired by lottery within their age and experience-level bracket.

Each pair will play two consecutive 50-second games with the same partner.

Judges will score each athlete using the 7–10 scoring system, based on their overall performance across both games.

The winners of Round 2 will advance to the Finals Roda on Sunday.

FINALS RODA

Athletes who advance from Round 2 will compete together in the Finals Roda within their respective age and experience-level brackets.

The referee will signal athletes to buy the game, giving finalists the opportunity to play with multiple competitors within their bracket.

Judges will evaluate each athlete’s overall performance throughout the Finals Roda and select the top three competitors.

Each bracket will award:

1st Place
2nd Place
3rd Place

AGE BRACKETS & EXPERIENCE LEVELS

Final age brackets will be determined based on total tournament registration.

Whenever registration numbers allow, each age bracket will be divided into two experience levels:

• Beginner
• Intermediate / Advanced

Our goal is to create the fairest and most appropriate matchups possible. If there are not enough competitors within a particular age or experience-level group, brackets may be adjusted or combined.

Final brackets will be announced once registration numbers are confirmed.

Each competitive bracket will award 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

SOLO COMPETITION

Athletes may also participate in an optional 30-second Solo Competition.

Each participating Capoeira school will be responsible for selecting its top soloists to represent the school.

The number of soloists each school may enter will be based on the school’s total number of registered tournament competitors.

Soloists will compete against athletes within similar age groups.

The Solo Competition will take place on Sunday, February 14.

TEAM PERFORMANCES

Each visiting Capoeira school is invited to present a performance of up to five minutes.

Performances may include music, Capoeira, dance, or other elements that celebrate the culture and community surrounding Capoeira.

Team performances will take place on Sunday between Finals Rodas and Solo Competition rounds, giving every participating school an opportunity to share something with the larger tournament community.