Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that has enjoyed enduring popularity around the world for years. What exactly does it consist in? How does this type of duel look like? What effects can be expected when regularly training capoeira?
Capoeira is a duel of competitors called capoeiristas. In contrast to popular martial arts, the aim here is not to strike the opponent. Instead, we focus on getting him off balance and cutting him down. The key here is cleverness and a well-developed strategy. The training takes place in a circle, called a “roda”. Participants line up in a circle, singing, dancing and pounding out a rhythm. The key element of the circle is the orchestra, the so-called battery. Fighting in capoeira is referred to as “jogo”. Instead of direct physical contact, there is avoidance of blows. Kicks are stopped.
Capoeira – advantages and disadvantages
Advantages and disadvantages of capoeira depend on what effects a trainee wants to achieve. If…
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One of the key terms is “roda”, which is the circle in which a duel between 2 players takes place, referred to as “jogo”. “Malicia” on the other hand is cleverness which is a guarantee of success in capoeira. ” Ginga” is a basic movement in this martial art.
Capoeira Regional – its creator is Mestra Bimba. The key issue here is the technique. Dynamics and fluidity of movements are characteristic for this capoeira technique. Duel lasts here about 2 – 3 minutes,
Capoeira Contemporanea – it was created in the sixties of the twentieth century in Rio de Janeiro. It is often called modern capoeira. Very much importance is attached here to technique. Duration of a fight is about 1 minute,
Capoeira Angola – what distinguishes it is that it takes place at different pace and the competitors are in a small distance from each other. The most important thing here is strategy and cleverness. Dueling in this technique lasts about 10 minutes,
Capoeira Carioca – a style that we do not have to deal with anymore, which is associated with the fact that it was characterized by a very high brutality of blows to the stomach and face.
How does the development of skills in capoeira look like step by step? The first stage is a ceremony called “batizado”, during which the participants receive a rope – “corda” and have a duel with their master. They are also given a Portuguese nickname – “apelido”. This tradition comes from the beginnings of capoeira, when slaves were forced to hide their training. When one of them was caught, he was not able to betray his companions, due to the fact that he did not know their real names. A very important event in capoeira is also the “troca de cordas” – the changing of the cords. When a student manages to pass the exam to move up one level, he receives a cord which is a symbol of his progress. Capoeira has 6 levels for students, 9 for instructors and 5 for children.
We are slowly approaching the most important event in the Capoeira world which is the annual workshop combined with the ceremony…
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What effects can be expected by practicing capoeira? It is an excellent workout for the whole body. This type of exercise positively influences motor skills, improves muscle tone and makes the body more flexible. It is possible thanks to properly matched stretching and breathing exercises. Capoeira has a positive effect on increasing the mobility of joints. This translates into loss of unnecessary kilograms. However, this is not the end of the advantages of this Brazilian martial art. It can also reduce cholesterol levels, improve the functioning of the circulatory system and the secretion of endorphins. It is impossible not to mention here also the improvement of fitness and concentration.
Photo highlight: Marie-Lan Nguyen / Wikipedia
