Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that combines fight moves, dance, acrobatics, music and Afro-Brazilian culture. It was developed by African slave who were brought to Brazil. Forbidden to practice martial arts, the slave disguises their trainings with dance and music, eventually using it to rise against their lords and run to freedom, thus creating to basic concept of Capoeira. Capoeira has evolved through the years, and turned from street fight into a beautiful and exciting martial art, which still grows in popularity all around the world.
Unlike many martial arts, where the goal is to subdue your opponent, in Capoeira there are no winners or losers. There are no points or referees. By definition, Capoeira is played, not fought or danced. This is a game with no rules, where the players’ goal is to ‘talk’ to each other with their movements, asking questions with kicks and answering with dodges, creating new interactions each game. Sometime the game is slow and friendly, sometimes fast and dangerous, but always respectful and with no intention to hurt your partner. The players are constantly cheered on by the other Capoeiristats who are forming the ‘Roda’ (the Capoeira circle), encouraging them to perform more spectacular moves and push themselves further. The game ends with a handshake, showing your appreciation for the fellow Capoeira player. |
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