FITNESS INFORMATION ARTICLES

Capoeira

Written by: ggeneroso

Capoeira involves avoiding the opponent's attack through gravity-defying moves like swinging, jumping, turning, and flipping.

What makes this sport unique is the music. The music plays an essential part in Capoeira. It controls the speed and timing of the players. It sets the energy of the game. It can not be just any song. It must be accompanied with percussion instruments like tambourine (pandeiro), bells (agogo), and berimbau, a one-stringed instrument from Africa.

History
Originally practiced in Africa, Capoeira was brought to Brazil by the African slaves during the colonial period. Capoeira then was practiced by the slaves to defend themselves from their master. Since they were not allowed to show aggression or any kind of opposing moves towards their master, Capoeira was practiced and developed as a way to avoid the threatening movements of the opponent.

To make their practice of self-defense discreet and unnoticeable, they had to disguise it as recreational song and dance. They hid their martial art practice and traditions into this form of dance. Capoeira was not only developed to resist oppression but also for the survival of the culture.

Capoeira by nature is a non-aggressive practice or form of self-defense. However, street gangs used it as a violent weapon. In 1888, slaves in Brazil were freed but they became jobless and hopeless. They resorted into forming Capoeira gangs and took it to crime. Because of this, Capoeira was outlawed in 1892.

Capoeira was still practiced secretly by some people. It was not until 1918 that it was legalized and in 1937, a Capoeira school was established. After seeing the art, Nationalistic President Getulio Varga even wished for Capoeira to be a Brazilian sport, which happened later on.

Brazilian Sport
Capoeira is getting popular worldwide. More and more people are getting involved in the sport. Capoeira has developed a lot, with the addition of styles and blends. It became a Brazilian pride and a way of life for enthusiasts all over the world.

The roda, pronounced as "hoda", is the human circle in which Capoeira’s rich history and skillful moves are done. Players will stay inside the roda while the other participants will stand on the edge of the circle, taking turns in playing the instruments. Everyone will sing in Portuguese mainly in a call-and-response style and awaits a chance to jump into the roda.

Cartwheels, handstands, head spins, hand spins, hand springs, jumps, and flips are some of the moves that are done inside the roda. There is no need for a scorekeeper. When the game starts, the players go through a series of dance floor moves.

Capoeira Dance as Workout
Capoeira offers a lot of health benefits. Like any other sport, it develops sense of hearing, timing, flexibility, endurance, and focus. Capoeira is a tough workout, but doing it is a worthwhile experience.

Practicing Capoeira is the safest way to deal with an opponent. Try this activity - it might be a way to a better you.

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