Capoeira

 Capoeira for fun and fitness

Looking for a fun unconventional way to have fun, burn the calories while learning a new art form? Capoeira to the rescue! I came across Capoeira last summer after meeting an instructor who invited me to the National Capoeira Conference May 2012 in New Haven, CT. I was out at dinner and met Kevin who told me he was a personal fitness trainer. I said, “At what gym?” He said no gym at a studio. I further questioned, “How so?” He said he helps people get in shape by combining dance and martial arts. I was intrigued and wanted to know more. He smiled and passes me a card. “Better yet, come check it out yourself. The National conference is taking place this Saturday at the Capoeira center I teach at here in New Haven.” I accepted the card and Saturday rolled around and decided to take him up on the offer. 

I’m glad I did! In a huge gymnasium, hundreds of spectators came to watch and witness the  poetic free physical form of bodily rhythm and flow accompanied by jungle drum beats, tambourines and flutes. Dressed in traditional Judo martial arts wear, moved some of the best  beautiful, acrobatic coordinated bodies I’ve ever seen. The event lasted 3 hrs. As several Capoeira dancers from all over the world wowed us with this cool and theatrical way of getting a full body, mind and spirit workout.

Below is brief history of Capoeira. Centers are springing up all over the world. Check local listings to find a center near you.

History of Capoeira

Capoeira (cap-oh-ay-ra) is a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance and music. It was developed in Brazil manly by descendants of African Slaves around the 16^th century. It is known by quick and complex moves, using mainly power, speed and leverage for leg sweeps.

During the 16^th century, Brazil was a major destination for African slaves. Slaves, living in inhumane and humiliating conditions, were forced to work hard and often suffered physical punishment for any small misbehavior. In this environment, Capoeira was born not as a fighting style, but as a hope of survival. A tool with which an escaped slave completely unequipped, could survive in the hostile, unknown land.

Soon several groups of slaves would gather and establish quilombos, settlements in far and hard to reach places. Everyday life in a quilombo offered freedom and the opportunity to revive traditional cultures away from the colonial oppression.  In this multi-ethnic community, constantly threatened by Portuguese colonial troops, Capoeira evolved from a survival tool to a martial art focused on war.

Capoeria Today

Capoeira, today, is not only a martial art form. Since the 70’s, Capoeira masters began to teach in other countries. Masters today often teach abroad or have established their own schools.

Capoeira presentations are normally theatrical, acrobatic and with little mortality. It is often known as a martial “game”; an attack can be disguised in a friendly gesture.

Symbolic to Brazilian culture, Capoeira represents resistance to oppression and a source of pride in Brazil.

Always. Peace. Love. Light.