What is Capoeira?
Acrobatic Defense System Developed by African Slaves
Unbelievably fast and hypnotic, capoeira incorporates all kinds of stunning kicks with eye popping aerial maneuvers accompanied by music and songs. Centuries ago when Brazil was a slave state and sugar and tobacco were the main crops, African slaves came up with a way to free themselves from their violent overlords. What they did was disguise their movements without making direct physical contact or threatening gestures. Masters and students of capoeira prize trickery and cunning over strength and aggression. This art will teach you to move with the rhythm of the musical instruments and to improve your skill at dodging attacks. Injuring your opponent is not the main purpose of capoeira.
Basic Techniques of Capoeira
Cartwheels, backflips and spinning crescent moon kicks are the quintessential movements that all beginner students will learn in the first few classes. The basic stance is the ginga, a dance like motion in which the body sways to the left and right while the feet move forwards and backwards. The arms are held up and out to protect the torso and the student can lean in different directions to evade a kick. Deceitful tactics are also taught in capoeira schools. There are many ways to lure somebody into a trap.
Capoeira focuses on the feet. Students will not use many punches or body throws but some schools still teach them. One explanation is that the slaves who developed capoeira were shackled at the wrists and couldn't make use of their hands. Others argue that punches are inelegant and spoil the beauty of the competition. Headbutts are used and usually target an opponent's lower abdominal area.
Capoeira Kick Glossary
- Armada – This is a spinning roundhouse kick that strikes with the outside edge of the foot.
- Queixada – It's similar to the armada but there is no spin.
- Bêncão – This is a straight kick that takes some time to master. The knee is brought up to the chest and when the leg is extended you're supposed to lean back.
- Pontape Cruzado – This is a snap kick that looks simple but it requires good balance. You must turn your hips, snap the leg out and then bring it back down in the opposite motion of how it was lifted up.
Capoeira Music
Music is fundamentally integral to the sport of capoeira. Rich in history and tradition, the instruments played will set the beat and mood of the jogo, the game. Here is a list of the most important capoeira instruments.
- Berimbau – This is an instrument of African origin that resembles a fishing rod with a hollow gourd at one end for added resonance.
- Atabaque – This is a tall hand drum traditionally made of jacaranda wood.
- Pandeiro – It's a tambourine.
- Agogô – This double gong bell is sometimes considered as an optional instrument in a banteira, a Brazilian musical group.
Songs are sung to provide energy and encouragement. Others are about lost love and there are songs that have playful and lighthearted lyrics. Whatever the song may be, music is what drives capoeira.
Capoeira Then and Now
This fluid art was once illegal in Brazil but has now reached all corners of the globe and schools are not hard to find. Students who are just starting to learn capoeira will have to take it nice and slow to avoid pulled muscles and other injuries. Many of the flips and ground movements will require significant upper body strength. Anyone can come in for a class. Students will get into great shape because capoeira is especially demanding.
Stick with it and you'll be doing some these moves yourself. Not only will you be in fit, you'll have a better understanding of Brazilian culture and its connection to Africa.
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