Sheila Hanlen asked her 12-year-old son Josh what he'd like to do – continue taekwondo? Start boxing?
'He was playing PlayStation and he said he wanted to do what Eddy Gordo on Tekken does. I looked and honestly wondered: ‘I don't think that's a real thing son',” says Sheila.
But Sheila did her research and found ‘Eddy' does capoeira – a Brazilian martial art that combines the elements of dance, acrobatics and music.
'Then, by chance, I was at university a week later and there was a Capoeira Brasil poster on the wall. I called and the week later Josh was attending capoeira.”
One month on and Sheila joined in too and the mother-and-son duo have since been practising capoeira for 10 years.
'In 2009 we had the privilege of meeting and attending a workshop with the mestre, who is the PlayStation character Eddy Gordo,” says Sheila.
Tomorrow 22-year-old Josh will be holding a one-hour workshop encouraging audiences at the 17th Tauranga Multicultural Festival: Welcoming Diversity to participate in very basic defensive, offensive and acrobatic movements.
Audiences will also learn musical instruments, songs and a short roda, or game, for participants who want to try out their new skills.
Josh teaches capoeira classes in Mount Maunganui and Te Puke under the supervision of their Mestre Peixe in Sydney.
Regardless of age, fitness or body shape, capoeira has benefits for all, says Sheila. 'Capoeira encourages individuals to move in ways their bodies may not be accustomed to and challenges both the mental and physical boundaries we set ourselves thus building confidence with every little accomplishment. '
They're benefits that will be visible at the festival presentation at Historic Village tomorrow, March 19.
Organised on the closest Saturday to Race Relations Day on March 21, the Multicultural Festival is this year staying true to the motto ‘Welcoming Diversity'.
While the programme is still being fine-tuned, key acts include Tauranga band ‘The Whittakers', and a display by Parewhati Taikatowho will be exhibiting her weaving.
A Welcome to Tauranga Migrant Supporthub for migrants will have representatives of various organisations on-site to serve as a one-stop-shop for information.
Sheila and Josh Hanlen. Photo: Tracy Hardy.
National MP Melissa Lee will be speaking on behalf of Minister for Ethnic Communities Peseta Sam Lotu-liga about the value of retaining and celebrating our heritage languages to support links to our cultural identity and a sense of community belonging.
And one lucky visitor is going to leave the alcohol-free, smoke-free, green event with a $500 spot prize donated by ANZ Bank.
Festival director Ewa Fenn encourages visitors to take part in the Parade of Nations at noon. Multicultural Tauranga provides flags and country name signs, but people can also come with their own flag. 'And don't forget to bring something to sit on, a folding chair or a blanket to watch the stage programme,” says Ewa. Sunscreen, a hat or an umbrella are also recommended.
The annual festival is at Historic Village on Saturday, March 19, from 10am-4pm.
For more information, email enquiries@trmc.co.nz