Capoeira

What is Capoeira?

Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art developed in the 1500s by African and indigenous slaves in Brazil as a form of self-defense from their oppressors. It is marked by its agile and tricky movements that may be executed anywhere from an upside-down position, to a gravity-defying kick. It has a strong acrobatic component in some styles and is always played with music. The word Capoeira is an indigenous word                                                                        meaning ‘tall grass’.  If slaves managed to escape, they would often use                                                                    this grass to hide in and ambush their masters.

 Styles of Capoeira

There are two main styles of Capoeira, along with many other less distinct ones. One is called Angola, which is characterized by tricky, low play with particular attention to the rituals and tradition of Capoeira. This style is often described as slow. However, it may be just as fast as the next style, but with different rituals. The other style is Regional, known for its fluid acrobatic, high-flying kicks and powerful attacks.                                                             Speed and agility are common traits of this style. Both styles

                                                 of Capoeira are marked by counter attacks, feints, and use lot of ground

                                                 movements along with elbows,hands, kicks, head-butts, sweeps and                                                           other take-downs.

What is Capoeira not?

Capoeira is not easy. Nor is it “just for super-fit people.”

Capoeira is not “break-dance fighting.” Yes, we've seen that episode of Bob’s Burgers. Capoeira is not ineffective. If you hold such a belief we encourage you to come find out first hand.

Is Capoeira for regular people?

Yes. Anyone of any age, gender, or body type can be successful in                                                                       Capoeira. Once you know the basics you can mold the game to your                                                                   abilities and do things you never thought possible. 

What are the benefits of doing Capoeira?

In addition to the obvious increased cardio health, flexibility, balance, self-defense, and strength, we offer this expanded list of benefits:

Confidence booster

Active and healthy lifestyle

Building lifelong friendships

Stress relief

                                                                     Learn a new language

                                                                 Travel the world

                                                                      Learn to play instruments 

                                                                       Engage in Brazilian culture