Capoeira
Capoeira is usually described as Brazilian combat dance, which tends not to describe it at all really, unless you've seen it in action. Which most people have by now!
So anyway, Capoeira combines combat (kicks etc.) with acrobatics (somersaults, etc.) and singing (yodle yodle ah hah - except in Portguese) and music (drums, tambourines, etc.). This not unexpectedly makes Capoeira quite unusual in the martial arts world. When you become a Capoeirista, you can decide for yourself whether to approach Capoeira more from a fighting angle or more from a dancy, acrobaticy angle. Up to you entirely. This might explain why Capoeira is exceedingly popular with women. That and all the half-clothed male Capoeiristas running around the place! So anyway, Capoeira is designed to create one heck of a party atmosphere. Think carnival in Rio (and pronounce that Hee-oh whilst you're about it). As you can imagine, Capoeira is also very popular with our vertically challenged citizens (children).
But seriously folks: Capoeira is music, self defence, acrobatics, dance and joie de vivre. It is an internationally recognised martial art from Brazil which has existed for over 300 hundred years. As slaves were brought from different parts of Africa to Brazil, their cultures (i.e. their songs, music, rituals, dances and fighting techniques) were swapped and combined. For the slaves, Capoeira became a continuation of their African roots as well as a form of resistance. It is said that the slaves used music and song as a cover for their martial art. Today, Capoeira encapsulates the zest for life and variety that is Brazil.
For way way more information about Capoeira visit Wikipedia.
What do you do exactly in Capoeira?
The roda (pronounced "ho-dah") is when Capoeiristas form a circle and sing, clap and make music using a variety of instruments. Two Capoeiristas then play in the middle of the circle, inspired and fed by the energy of the musicians and singers. The berimbau player controls the roda because he decides which songs and therefore which type of Capoeira will be played.
Roughly once a year a Batizado (baptism) is held. This is a traditional ceremony whereby new students are offically welcomed into the world of Capoeira. They are given their Capoeira nickname (appellido), a corda and get to play with a Mestre and Professor. Other students may also change their corda (belt) for a higher one (the colours depend on your Capoeira affiliation). This is called the Troca de Cordas. The Batizado is not a competition or a show - it is a happy gathering of Capoeiristas in which members of the public are allowed to participate.
What should I wear for Capoeira-Training?
Loose sweatpants (shorts are not very practical unless you like letting it all hang out!), t-shirt, no shoes! If you know you are going to stick with it, you should get a pair of white Capoeira trousers. Men traditionally do Capoeira topless.
Will I need any sort of equipment?
Nope unless you include plasters and bandaids as equipment. Be warned: You will probably have blisters on your feet after your first training!
What if I'm less than 1,40 m?
Children!! Capoeira could have been invented for children! If experts had sat down and brainstormed a new activity for children, it could well have looked like this:
- Portugese to exercise the brain's speech centre- Singing for the brain's singing centre
- Drumming and making music for the brain's drumming and music centres
- Acrobatics for coordination
- Cooperation (playing with a partner) for...hmmm...fun and oh yes social behaviour
- Strenuous physical activitiy for strength, stamina, flexibility
(and to give you a good night's sleep!)
- Variety to stop the little darlings getting bored and to inspire them
to come back for more
So you see - children are ideally suited to Capoeira. Or was that the other way around?
Currently we have no separate Capoeira class for children. They can join the adult classes if the times are suitable.
When can I try Capoeira?
- Monday from 18:00 until 19:30 Uhr
- Thursday from 18:00 until 19:30 Uhr
If you or your child would like to have a free tryout (or two or three) simply fill in this form and bring it along with you to BODYSHOCK.
See our full class schedule here.