Capoeira
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For those who are interested to learn more about martial arts, but are not sure which particular style to choose, it is certainly worth considering Capoeira, whose Brazilian origins are still shrouded in mystery. As with all styles, before investing any time or money, it is worth gaining as much information about the specifics of the martial art by way of books and of course through information which is readily available on the internet. Having a good instructor however, is invaluable if deciding to take up Capoeira as not only will they give you invaluable guidance to the movements which are an integral part of the martial art as it stands today, but they may have some interesting information regarding the history too.
Capoeira is not simply a martial art but is also a dance. It was practised in Brazil originally by those Africans who were enslaved and because they were forbidden to fight at all by those in power, these early Capoeirists hid the sheer power of this style through dance. Slaveholders did not feel that the Capoeira was a threat though as the ‘dance’ was accompanied by the berimbau, a unique percussion instrument and the atabaques (drums) and appeared to be non-aggressive. Even in today’s modern society, music is still very central to the art and it generally occurs within a circle with singers and musicians accompanying them.
The movement is considered rhythmic with the two players (they are not called martial artists) attacking and counter-attacking without ever striking the other.
The first Capoeira academy was opened in 1932 after efforts by the government were increased to promote it as a Brazilian sport. The style was changed significantly at that time and the more’ ritualistic’ aspects of Capoeira were dropped for a more aggressive fighting style. The new style was called ‘Capoeira Regional’.
Nine years later in 1941, Mestre Pastinha opened his own school and this school then began to teach the more traditional style renamed as ‘Capoeira Angola’. Nowadays, students all over the world can either study ‘Regional’ or ‘Angola’ styles or sometimes a combination of both.
Because Capoeira combines martial arts with the rhythmic fluid motion of dance, it makes it an excellent choice for those who like variety and are drawn to dance movements coupled with martial arts technique.
<< Previous Aikido | Back to Martial Arts - Glima, Judo, Jujutsu, Sambo, Shuai jiao, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Hapkido | Next >> Hapkido
Capoeira is not simply a martial art but is also a dance. It was practised in Brazil originally by those Africans who were enslaved and because they were forbidden to fight at all by those in power, these early Capoeirists hid the sheer power of this style through dance. Slaveholders did not feel that the Capoeira was a threat though as the ‘dance’ was accompanied by the berimbau, a unique percussion instrument and the atabaques (drums) and appeared to be non-aggressive. Even in today’s modern society, music is still very central to the art and it generally occurs within a circle with singers and musicians accompanying them.
The movement is considered rhythmic with the two players (they are not called martial artists) attacking and counter-attacking without ever striking the other.
The first Capoeira academy was opened in 1932 after efforts by the government were increased to promote it as a Brazilian sport. The style was changed significantly at that time and the more’ ritualistic’ aspects of Capoeira were dropped for a more aggressive fighting style. The new style was called ‘Capoeira Regional’.
Nine years later in 1941, Mestre Pastinha opened his own school and this school then began to teach the more traditional style renamed as ‘Capoeira Angola’. Nowadays, students all over the world can either study ‘Regional’ or ‘Angola’ styles or sometimes a combination of both.
Because Capoeira combines martial arts with the rhythmic fluid motion of dance, it makes it an excellent choice for those who like variety and are drawn to dance movements coupled with martial arts technique.
<< Previous Aikido | Back to Martial Arts - Glima, Judo, Jujutsu, Sambo, Shuai jiao, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Hapkido | Next >> Hapkido