After an exotic way to tone your body for summer? Capoeira (Ca-po-ei-ra) may just be the hippest solution around. Hailed one of the most comprehensive forms of exercise, this traditional Brazilian martial art form is taking off around the globe. Not ones to be left out, Australians have embraced the trend: most weekends over summer, demonstrations take place at Manly or Bondi Beach in Sydney. Keep your eyes peeled – watching Capoeira is an exercise in captivation.
How it is done?
Typically, the jogo (game) consists of two participants who engage in a mock fight, exchanging attacks and evasive moves in a sequence that mimics playful conversation. Standard moves include cartwheels, kicks, sweeps, jumps and handsprings. Capoeiristas compete within a Roda (circle) of other players who provide song and percussion to fuel the game. The key to success is a player's athletic prowess and ability to anticipate the their opponent's next move. Blows are not exchanged. As one Capoerista explains, ‘The Capoeira player is an artist, an athlete, a player and a poet".
What are its roots?
Capoeira was originally developed by African slaves made to work in Brazil's sugar plantations during the colonial period. Capoeira offered them a way to practice self-defence, maintain physical strength and lift the spirits. As fighting was banned by Portuguese oppressors, they added music to disguise Capoeira as a dance, throwing approaching officers off the trail.
What makes it ‘one of a kind'?
This combination of music, dance, fighting and acrobatics gives Capoeira its edge. Many manoeuvres practiced today reflect the plight of the slaves at the time of the sport's genesis. The hands, for example, do not play a role in the fighting. This can be attributed to the fact that slaves were handcuffed, as well as the African belief that the hands are to be used for creation.
Where has it come?
Long considered a dirty word in Brazil, Capoeira was associated with slums, practiced by criminal gangs on the streets, and up until around 1930, illegal. Today Capoeira features in movies like The Matrix, Oceans 12 and Catwoman and musicians like Ben Harper and Sepultura have used traditional Capoeira music in some of their latest tracks.
Why is it good for me?
Capoeira strengthens and tones the whole body through its combination of high intensity interval and resistance training. Other health benefits include improved cardiovascular fitness, flexibility and strong core muscles.
References available on request