ONE of the world’s top instructors in Capoeira - a Brazilian martial art - has launched a £5,000 fundraising drive so he can continue providing free sessions to underprivileged children in York.

Jerri Da Silva has been running the York Capoeira Muzena project to help youngsters in Foxwood improve their fitness, teamwork and focus.

Jerri, 35, of Fulford, said he started doing Capoeira in 1987 in Brazil and, following the deaths through gang violence of his brothers, who were also heavily involved in the art, he was now devoted to promoting it across the world.

He said the two York community sessions, held for four to eight-year-olds and nine to 16-year-olds at Foxwood Community Centre, now helped about 37 youngsters who might otherwise be unable to afford to take part.

He said he worked as a restaurant chef by day, and was currently meeting the costs of the project out of his own pocket but this was not sustainable. He needed to raise funds to help meet room hire costs, clothing and equipment, and also the cost of an event in July at which the children would receive their first Capoeira belts.

He said he was named World Champion Capoeira Instructor in 2015 and said it was a martial art that combined elements of fight, acrobatics, music, dance and rituals in a very elegant and magnetic way, which had gained respect throughout the world.

“Performed by two people, it is often called “Capoeira game” that is played, not a fight,” he said.”

He added that it helped people approach conflict, fear and uncertainty with greater confidence, determination and humour, and was always played with a smile on the face.

*To back the appeal, go to www.crowdfunder.co.uk/capoeira-martial-arts-for-kids