Capoeira in Brazil

Today, after 3 days of following my nose exploring through the streets of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, I started my volunteer program with a Capoeira school.  The name of the school is Kunta Kinte under Mestre (Master) João Kano who is completely blind and speaks no English.  Mestre and the students were all very welcoming to me.  I was introduced to the young kids from 5-12 year olds.  They had their class as I watched.  Then they all swarmed to me to ask if I could train them Muay Thai Kickboxing and Jiu Jitsu.  I showed them the basic 1-2-3-4 combo (jab-cross-hook-uppercut) and rear leg kick while trying to implement English lesson through slow and deliberate emphasis on techniques and body parts, and obviously numbers.  They were so excited to learn the new moves that I taught them and are eager to learn more when I go to the favela to do capoeira with them and the adults/teenagers tomorrow.  Then I did a hour plus with the adult/teenager group where I learned the basic capoeira movements. I was then thrown into the circle to go against another opponent in the dance fighting ritual as the rest of the class clapped and chanted and the master beat the drums.  It was very exciting and I am enthusiastic about learning more myself and teaching these great kids martial arts/self defense and English so that they can live better lives and protect themselves if attacked.  

 

Capoeira: Fly Away Beetle Trailer from bluedot productions on Vimeo.

Capoeira (Portuguese pronunciation: [kapuˈejɾɐ]) is a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance and music. It was created in Brazil mainly by descendants of African slaves with Brazilian native influences^{[citation needed]}, probably beginning in the 16th century. It is known by quick and complex moves, using mainly power, speed, and leverage for leg sweeps. 

Capoeira is a fast and versatile martial art which is historically focused on fighting outnumbered or in technological disadvantage.

See also: List of capoeira techniques

Simple animation depicting part of the ginga

The ginga (literally: rocking back and forth; to swing) is the fundamental movement in capoeira, important both for attack and defense purposes. It has two main objectives. One is to keep the capoeirista in a state of constant motion, preventing him or her from being a still and easy target. The other, using also fakes and feints, is to mislead, fool, trick the opponent, leaving them open for an attack or a counter-attack.
The attacks in the Capoeira should be done when opportunity arises and must be decisive, like a direct kick in the face or a vital body part, or a strong takedown. Most Capoeira attacks are made with the legs, like direct or swirling kicks, rasteiras (leg sweeps), tesouras or knee strikes. The head strike is a very important counter-attack move. Elbow strikes, punches and other forms of takedowns complete the main list.
The defense is based on the principle of non-resistance, meaning avoiding an attack using evasive moves instead of blocking it. Avoids are called esquivas, which depend on the direction of the attack and intention of the defender, and can be done standing or with a hand leaning on the floor. A block should only be made when the esquiva is not possible. This fighting strategy allows quick and unpredictable counter attacks, the ability to focus on more than one adversary and to face empty-handed an armed adversary. Acrobatics (like the Cartwheels called aú) allows the capoeirista to quickly overcome a takedown or a loss of balance, and to position themselves around the aggressor in order to lay up for an attack. It is this combination of attacks, defense and mobility which gives Capoeira its perceived 'fluidity' and choreography-like style.

Capoeira in a real Mixed Martial Arts Fight! WARNING!

   

Monday

Stair Climb Ascent in Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro x 1 in 59 seconds

Handstand Push-ups for 12 total reps

One Arm Push-ups for 16 total reps

Tuesday

Pull-ups for 5 x 10 

Plyometric Dips for 5 x 10

Hanging Leg Raises for 3 x 10

Pistol Box Jumps for 3 x 3 (per side)

Capoeira Training for 1 hour