The objective of GarifunaRobics is to infuse culture and fitness to today's society; showcasing the Garifuna culture through something almost anyone can relate to, which is a workout. The music that is being played during the class is strictly Garifuna, with different genres of Garifuna music such as, Punta, Punta Rock, Gunchey (Goon-Chay), Wanaragua (Wah-Nah-Ra-Gwah), Hungu Hungu (Hoon-Goo Hoon Goo) and Parranda (Pah-Ran-Da). The class is a mixture of dance and fitness, so that you get your ultimate workout, and also learn some new moves. These classes are a barefooted experience, primarily because we want to stick to the traditions of our dances being done barefooted. You don't have to be a pro at what you are doing. You just have to be in it to win it, be prepared to burn some calories, and most importantly HAVE FUN!
The Garifuna (Gah-Ri-Fu-nah) culture is a mixture of Arawak Indians, and West Africans that was formed in the island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. After vigorously fighting for their land, they were exiled in 1797, and arrived to the coasts of Honduras. From there, they migrated to Guatemala, Belize, Nicaragua, and the U.S. Through all of this, the Garifuna people were able to maintain their culture alive through their language, drums, dances, foods, and spirituality.
The colors of the Garifuna flag are Yellow, White in Black;
Yellow representing the Arawak Indian tribe, hope and liberation.
White, representing purity
Black, representing the death and suffering, also our African tribes.
Arnol Guity-Martinez is a proud Garifuna-American, born in the Bronx NY. His parents Enriqueta Martinez, and Ciriaco Guity are both from Honduras, and migrated to the United States for a better living in the 1980s. They have always instilled the Garifuna culture and what is their traditions as much as they could to their family. Since little, Arnol has always been fascinated with the Garifuna culture, although he was born in the U.S.
At the age of 12, Arnol started his journey as a Garifuna dancer, hungry to learn more about his culture and dances. He started off in a dance company called Hamalali Wayunagu (Voices of our Ancestors) [HAA-MAA-LA-LEE WAH-U-NAA-GOO]. From there, he transited to another dance group (Chief Joseph Chatoyer Garifuna Folkloric Ballet of NY), which his is presently in and holds 8+ years in the dance company. Aside from that, he has partnered up with different Garifuna Artist, and organizations to perform and help preserve the Garifuna culture.
In 2015, Arnol received the Garifuna Youth leadership award by the City Council of NY and New York State Senate for his outstanding contributions and work with the Garifuna Culture. Arnol is the creator of the "Garifuna style workout", fusing the Garifuna culture with fitness and finding a fun way to burn calories.
Arnol aspires to keep striving to put the Garifuna culture on the map, and show the universe how beautiful and rich the Garifuna culture is.
Wishing you all a HAPPY HOLIDAYS and a PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!
The next In-Person class will be Saturday, January 8th at 12:00 pm in The Bronx, NY. visit www.vipsocio.com/event/garifunarobicsbronx for tickets!