Born from oppression, Capoeira was cloaked with trickery and cunning. African slaves combined mixed martial arts, spiritual recognition, defense, music and song all into one. The desire for freedom developed a culture and a game that helped many escape from oppressors.
Capoeira is played in a circle that is called a Roda (pronounced hoda). This is a sacred space and is a symbol of unity and represents the world. In my experience with each Capoeira interaction the focus is on Axé “ah-SHEH” or “ah-shay” (which means energy). Two opponents enter the Roda to improvise a give and take of Axé through movements of kicks, headstands, cartwheels – escapes and attacks. While the rest of the surrounding circle sing and play instruments or clap adding their energy to the game.
The berimbau (a single-stringed bow attached to a gourd is played with a stick and stone) player utilizes his instrument to set the pace of the game. Toques are the rhythms of music that will alert the players on how they should play the game. Slow music means more ground play while faster music would mean high game (more kicks and less ground work). There are also certain Toques that signaled danger – someone is coming so get out of here fast because at one point Capoeira was banned and declared illegal.
Objective of the game
To gracefully knock down or trick your opponent into submission.
Sometimes just to show skill 😉
It is all about fun, trickery and play. Capoeira of course, like any martial art can be a deadly way to defend yourself if need be. But not when I am playing it with my friends. 🙂 The best part is your friends or other capoeiristas point out what you need to work on. There are many different ways to play Capoeira but they all branch from two styles. I focused mainly on Capoeira de Angola. With Angola the movements are slower, focusing a lot on a low game (ground movement) while other style Regional, is known for its fluid acrobatic powerful attacks and high-flying kicks. All styles of Capoeira are absolutely amazing to watch.
Now just because I said Angola is slower it still can get pretty flashy – Extreme amount of skill and time are involved crafting moves and reacting to your tricky opponents. Only your head, hands, and feet are supposed to touch the floor. There have been many times I have been lifted up or swept gracefully on the ground without even knowing. Everyone is smiling at that point, including me.
In life you fall down. How you get up and learn from each fall is up to you. The Roda is the same way. Each time I have come to play Capoeira it is with a positive mindset and love for spreading good energy.
And it is so much fun.
Here is a great example of Capoeira fun, music and game
Axé
Katerehanna 