hobbies

dance

For more than 6 years one of my main hobbies has been dance. Among the wide variety of rhythms I enjoy dancing, which include Samba de Gafieira, Tango, West Coast Swing, Bolero, Merengue, Bachata, Salsa, Contact Improvisation (which is not a partner dance like the others), my favourite is Zouk.

Zouk, often called brazilian zouk or zouk-lambada, is a brazilian partner dance whose origins date back to the late 80s-early 90s. It is characterised by head movements, body waves, back arching, and other unique features, among other techniques absorbed from other dances. All these elements combined make Zouk one of the most singular dance styles. Recently it has been incorporating elements of hip-hop, contemporary dance, and of course, other partner dances.

 

martial arts

For over a decade I have practised Karate-do. I started practising Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do at age 13, particularly the style of Sensei Yoshide Shinzato, Shin Shu Kan Shorin-Ryu. For 4 years between 2006 and 2009 my practise was intermittent, and then I resumed it, but in a new style, Shotokan. I currently hold a black belt (shodan).

I am interested in other martial arts – I refer to martial arts as opposed to fighting styles – including Jiu-Jitsu, Kendo, Judo, and Aikido. I have recently started learning Aikido.