About us
“Harakati za Waasi” is Swahili for “Movement of Rebels”. It represents the tradition of resistance that is embedded in the history of Capoeira and other African Diasporic combat arts. These arts were used in the people’s resistance to oppression throughout the Americas. Harakati za Waasi seeks to honor these traditions by seeking to engage in the rigorous study and practice of the theoretical and technical applications of African combat systems. Additionally, we seek to broadly disseminate these arts within the African community for the sake facilitating cultural transformation.
Instructor
Kamau Rashid has taught martial arts since 2001, and studied martial arts since 1994. His training has included Wing Chun Kung Fu, Choy Lay Fut, Capoeira, 52 Blocks, mixed-martial arts, and more. He is the director of the Chicago African Martial Arts Institute, a workshop series that seeks to promote African and African diasporic martial traditions. He is also the head instructor of Harakati za Waasi Martial Arts, where he teaches Capoeria Angola de Sao Bento Grande (via Chicago Malandros de Mestre Touro) and other African Diasporan combat arts.
Kamau’s approach to teaching emphasizes simplicity and practicality. He seeks to insure that students are able to internalize what they learn and apply this knowledge in a range of contexts. He also seeks to inculcate an awareness of the ways in which martial arts can be transformative, both socially and personally. To this end, he endeavors to demonstrate the importance of traditional martial arts for building and transforming community.
Kamau studies Capoeira Angola de São Bento Grande under Mestre Preto Velho of Os Malandros de Mestre Touro, 52 Blocks under Prof. Mo of the 52 Blocks Federation, and Cocobable under Maestro Miguel Quijano of Raices Profundas Americas. He has also studied Esgrima con Machete and Naboot. He also holds a Black sash in Choy Lay Fut from Kung Fu for Holistic Health, under Sifu Santanu Rahman.
