Capoeira is an African-Brazilian cultural expression of resistance that combines martial arts with music
Capoeira was originally developed by enslaved Africans in Brazil as a way to defend themselves from their oppressors. It was disguised as a dance to avoid detection by slave owners and authorities, and over time, it evolved into a complex martial art. Capoeira techniques are designed to be both defensive and offensive, with a heavy emphasis on evasion and trickery. The unique combination of kicks, sweeps, takedowns, and acrobatics makes Capoeira an amazingly fun art to learn.
Music plays an important role in capoeira, with practitioners and musicians playing instruments like the berimbau, pandeiro, and atabaque or conga to set the rhythm and pace of the movements. Capoeira also has its own language, with songs often being sung in portuguese to guide the flow of the game. There are many unique rhythms of music that are played between the instruments to help the musicians communicate with the combatants.
Practicing capoeira will help you build a respectable combination of strength, flexibility, endurance, and agility, making it a great full-body workout. Acrobatics build a great deal of strength and core stability. The kicks, sweeps, and takedowns will also build strength, particularly in the quads, glutes, and core. Learning to stay in fluid motion will improve your endurance, stamina, and overall cardiovascular health. Lastly, playing the instruments will keep your reflexes, mental focus and concentration sharp.
Join the Roda
