Capoeira: A First Look
This form of martial art began its life in Brazil over four hundred years ago. African slaves that were in Brazil originally practiced it. This martial art is very unique among all the martial arts in the world. It is a combination of beauty, power, music and a sprinkling of art and grace.
This martial art is easily practiced by anyone no matter his or her size or age. It is a martial art that is so much more. It is an event when it is practiced and resembles a dance of incredible grace and power. It has even been used as a game.
The music is the first thing that is noticed about this martial art. It is a huge part of the Capoeira game. There are different speeds that are determined by the rhythm of the music. It is very spectacular to watch the game performed. The jogo, or game, is played in a circle with musicians at the end and the players in the middle.
Players enter into the circle at the beginning of the game with a cartwheel move or spring. It must be something that is visually awesome to the spectators. The players compete with combinations of movements and displays of spectacular stunts. It will take a player many years to become adept at this game. The game requires the players to use speed, precision and flawless moves.
When these movements are used in an attack they are very difficult to defend against. They are very spontaneous and seem to come from thin air. The attacker in the situation can never know what to expect from the student of capoiera. The dancing movements are used as a defensive position.
This martial art is very popular in Brazil. There are hundreds of students who are learning the art every day. It has not gained popularity in the United States yet. It is offered to be taught in the U.S. The South American culture uses this game as a way of life. Usually you will see the games played every day. Some students don’t want to learn capoeira because the moves can be very risky.
During the last few decades the art of capoeira has grown quite a bit. It became the national sport for Brazil in 1974. Over time you will find that there are more and more instructors available and it will continue to grow in popularity.
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