Capoeira

Capoeira is basically an African-Brazilian form of martial art that sources its movements from marital arts, dances and games. According to some, it is a mode of fighting that was brought to Brazil from Angola and was practiced and developed in the regions of Bahia, Rio de Janeiro, Pernambuco, Sao Paulo and Minas Gerais. The participants form a circle or a roda and take turns in playing musical instruments, singing or sparring in a ritualistic manner in pairs, at the center of the circle. The game of Capoeira is highlighted by the use of fluid acrobatic play, usage of sweeps, feints, head butts and kicks. Techniques used less frequently in the art form are slaps, punches, elbow strikes and body slams or body throws.

Where did Capoeira Originate?

The origin of Capoeira is one of serious debate, and not solid conclusions. While some people have the view that Capoeira is a unique form of Brazilian folk dance that has improvised fighting movements, others validate that it is a form of fighting technique that offers ready for battle offense that descends from ancient Africa.

What is the style of fighting involved?

Capoeira has its attacks concentrated on the use of kicks, elbow and head strikes. This follows from the common belief, according to some scholars, that hands were used for creativity and expression, while the feet were used for destruction and to strike things down.  Another popular explanation to this form of fighting where hands are used minimally is that since earlier Brazilians were all slaves, their hands were cuffed and hence their usage was limited and restricted. However, there is also the final view to the matter that sees hand strikes as an inelegant form of fighting that is basically disruptive to the entire sequence of fighting steps in the game. The use of elbow strikes is hence more common than the usage of hand strikes in Capoeira.

What makes Capoeira so deadly?

Head butts or “cabecadas” are the most common forms of strike deliver in Capoeira. Sometimes, Capoeira fighters even use knee strikes to fight.  Capoeira is an art form of elegance and supports high levels of movement. Capoeira allows the fighters to move in athletic and acrobatic swings and sways in order to maneuver themselves around their opponent. While Capoeira also incorporates head swings, handstands, head spins, hand spins, hand springs, turns, and flips, jumps, sitting movements and dodges, it depends more on the rhythm and the form involved.  Capoeira also involves fakes and feints to a large extent in deceiving the opponent, allowing him to make mistakes and then striking him down. Trap setting, illusory movements and the like are unforeseen by any opponent and make the fight even more deadly and hence, the fighters cautious and alert.

Does Capoeira have any specific functions?

Capoeira groups in Brazil often hold the Batizados or the baptisms of Capoeira. These functions usually involve the baptizing of new fighters that earn a belt and a Capoeira nickname. There are also the change-of-belt events wherein Capoeira fighters are awarded a different belt on account of their progression in training and marked improvement in skill. These functions, unlike karate and tae kwon do are never open to the public and are closed affairs that are very solemn to the participants.