Capoeira and its benefits

What is Capoeira?
Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that mixes elements of dance, music, fight and acrobatics. It was created by the people from Angola in Brazil during slavery who were captured by the Portuguese and brought to Brazil to be slaves in the 1500s.
Like any martial art, Capoeira’s efficiency for self-defense depends on the skill level of the Capoeirista. When used well by an experienced player, Capoeira is extremely useful in a fight. Capoeira highly increases one’s ability to react quickly.
Capoeira is an art geared towards survival by any means possible.

These slaves created the earliest form of Capoeira to increase their chances of liberty and independence. They disguised the martial art and fighting techniques as a folk dance and when the slave masters were not looking, they would practice the self-defense aspect. When the slaves escaped, they fled to small villages which they formed called Quilombos (where escaped slaves go). Quilombos dos Palmares, was the most famous of the Quilomobos, which was lead by Zumbi.

On May 13th 1888 slavery was abolished in Brazil. The Brazilian government feared the ex-slaves would join forces and use Capoeira to revolt against the government therefore, a ban was put on Capoeira and anyone known practicing Capoeira would be sent to jail.

To keep the tradition of Capoeira alive, it needed to be practiced secretly and disguised as a dance. In their hidden places, they did their best to keep the tradition alive and by presenting it as an Art it became more accepted by society. Capoeiristas were known only by their nicknames, which made it more difficult for the police to identify and arrest them since their real identities were unknown.

Music is a very important element and it has helped to keep the practice of Capoeira alive. There are instruments such as the pandeiro, atabaque, agogo and the most important instrument ; the Berimbau.

There are two very important Capoeira Masters we pay tribute to. Mestre Pastinha and Mestre Bimba. Mestre Pastinha, whose real name is Vincente Ferreira, is known as the father of Capoeira Angola and for preserving that style. Where as Mestre Bimba is known for creating the Regional Style of Capoeira.

Capoiera is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance and music. It was developed in Brazil mainly by descendants of African slaves with native influences, probably beginning in the 16th century. It is known by quick and complex moves, using mainly power, speed, and leverage for leg sweeps.

Benefits of Capoeira:
⦁ Strength:
Capoeira involves a lot of both upper and lower body movements that engages your core muscles and adds resistance leading to strength.

⦁ Flexibility:
The exercises and routines will naturally lead to an increase in Flexibility. Just like with Yoga, you will get it even if you are not an expert.

⦁ Balance:
With learning moves like Handstands, Headstands and Flips you will gain an incredible ability of body balance (and mind)!

⦁ Coordination:
With Capoeira you get to learn so many movements that are connected; dances, kicks, escapes, acrobatics, and non-ending sequences!

⦁ Confidence:
Not only will you be able to gain confidence after learning daring moves, but you will get that boost outside of the Capoeira world, everywhere you go!