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What is Capoeira?
Capoeira was created by African slaves, in Brazil, approximately 400 years ago as a martial art. Capoeira possesses a very unique style that brings together beauty and power, developing mental balance, physical conditioning, self-defence, music and a profound sense of art, all at once. |
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Capoeira can be done by anyone of any age or size. More than a martial art, Capoeira is also a social event filled with tradition and history.
The one thing that stands out for someone witnessing a Capoeira game for the first time is the music. The music and lyrics play a big part in the way the game or jogo will be conducted. Different rhythms call for a different speed and type of game. For example, the rhythm or song may call for the game to be slow and filled with trickery, fast and aggressive, or may call for the player to relax and show their best moves without fear of attack.
The lyrics which are traditionally in Brazilian Portuguese, also dictate game characteristics.
The next thing that strikes observers about Capoeira is that the movements of the players are very different from any other type of martial art. A circle or roda is formed with the musicians at the foot of it known as the pe da roda. This is where the players enter the roda with a cartwheel or some other type of circular movement.
Capoeira roda
Once in the roda the players or Capoeiristas move and interact with various combinations of acrobatic and poetic moves.
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