The movement of Capoeira

Here about Capoeira movement.

-Cocorinha: A crouching position.
-Ponte: Backbend or low backbend (arms and legs bent but back isn't touching the ground)
-Resistencia: Like cocorinha, but one leg can be forward, you lean back as you escape. You use reistencia to go to a low ponte, rolé or rasteira to the side.
-Entrada: A sidestep dodge, also a step forward. The entrada step is also what leads into spinning moves like the Armada, Mei Lua de Compasso, and Meia Lua Solta
-Balanço: An evasive maneuver to the side with legs spread, you use the momentum to bounce back into other moves.
-Rolé: A way of moving low to the ground, legs sweeping short in front of you.

-Escala: Defensive move where you fall back onto one leg. From here usually you spring forward to attack, a sweep or Chapeu de Couro

-Reverse Planche (left) and Manna (right): These strength holds are sometimes seen in the roda by very strong capoeiristas. Just thought I'd throw them in.

-Vingativa: A counter that uses your weight and leverage to topple an opponent.
-Cruz: A counter that ‘uproots’ the opponent.
-Boca de Calca: A simple takedown where you grab the opponent's ankles and yank.
-Arrastão: Takedown where you move in close, shoulder to the opponent's chest, grab their thighs and heave their skull to the ground.
-Acoite de Braco: A body slam or throw or takedown. Grab one arm, put your other arm between his legs, heave him up onto and over your shoulders and plunk him on the ground.
-Cintura Desprezada: A series of 4 acrobatic partner exercises developed by Mestre Bimba to teach students how to land on their feet. This training helped students learn moves like backflips, forward flips & au sem mao. I don't know what these are and I've never done them before, so don't bother asking.
-Arpão: Spinning handslaps.
-Giro: To spin on your heels, like faking a kick
-Asfixiante: Forward punch.
-Godeme: A backhand elbow, backhand or overhead strike.
-Galopante: A swinging palm strike.
-Cutelo: Any hit with the outer edge of your stiff hand, like a chop
-Dedeira: Eye gouge
-Telefone: Smacking both sides of the head with your hands
-Cutevelada: Any elbow strike.

Au (ah-ooh) movement

Above about capoeira movement.

In capoeira the aú is basically a cartwheel. It differs from a normal cartwheel in that the player looks at their opponent instead of the ground when performing it. The aú is useful for maneuvering around the roda and setting up for other movements.

General rules of Capoeira

Here are general rules of Capoeira.

• In Capoeira you don't try to beat the shit out of your opponent. The other one is not your enemy, he is your friend, and both of you try to keep the game going. Therefore no bleeding noses please.
• No active blocking in Capoeira; instead try to be evasive. When the pace of the game increases, get some distance between yourself and your fellow (at least in Regional).
• Don't be predictable. That may sound hackneyed, but since Malandragem (dirty tricks) is accepted and widely welcomed among Capoeiristas, you can easily get tricked into some serious trouble. Be creative and let the music take controhoholl.

Ginga Capoeira technique

Above about Ginga in Capoeira.

This movement, pronounced 'jinga', is probably the most important part of Capoeira. From this dance like movement the capoeirista is in constant movement and can flow from attack to defense with little thought. The ginga controls the capoeiristas' movement and timing. Only through practice can one truely master the ginga. The ginga differs slightly according to whether you are playing Angola or Regional. In Angola the ginga is very free and upto the individual, where as in Regional the movement is much more structured. 

Strategy add kicks to defenses in Capoeira

Here are tip to defenses in Capoeira.

1. Step 1

   Set yourself in an opening stance. Place your legs shoulder-width apart with one in front of the other.

2. Step 2

   Perform an Armada or standard kick. Quickly spin your body around 360 degrees while lifting your back leg and extending it for the kick. Shift your weight as you turn. Keep your front foot on the floor. Continue the rotation and then place your back foot on the floor. You land sideways with your feet shoulder-width apart.

3. Step 3

   Use the Meia Lua de Frente as a defensive attack. Lift your back leg waist-high. Swing it around 180 degrees. Hold your arms out to balance yourself during the move. Pull your leg back in to get into position.

4. Step 4

   Do a straight kick or Bênção. Bend your knees and lift your front leg waist-high. Lean forward with both hands and grab the opponent. Straighten your lifted leg out slowly and firmly kick the opponent.

5. Step 5

   Utilize the Meia Lua de Compasso or Rabo de Arraia in a defensive attack. Start in a basic stance. Step back with one foot. Bend forward and place your hands on the floor. Push off with your back leg. Kick that leg to waist-height. Spin your body around with the kick and land on your back foot.

6. Step 6

   Perform the Negativa or takedown. Allow your partner to kick low. Lift your knee up to your waist. Extend your lifted leg. When your partner kicks, defend yourself with a kick to her chest. This knocks her down and gives you the advantage.

Capoeira all in one

Above about Capoeira.

Capoeira, pronounced “cap-o-era,” is a fitness art form from Brazil that is becoming increasingly popular in the United States and the rest of the world, especially Japan. Instructors, called mestre capoeiristas, began teaching in America in the 1970s. Groups can be spotted in parks or on beaches practicing the high kicks and dance-like movements of capoeira. Dustin Hoffman even did it in the movie Meet the Fockers, and Halle Berry practiced capoeira to prepare for her role in Catwoman.

“Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian cultural art,” said instructor Akinlana Lowman. “It is a martial art, it is also a dance and also a game. It’s a lot of things in one, and it’s very hard to kind of classify it as one thing.”

Lowman has been practicing capoeira since 1995 when his mother signed him up for a class. He is now an instructor at Prophecy School of the Arts.

Capoeira has an extensive and controversial history, dating back to when African slaves were first imported to Brazil in the 16th century. Africans, especially those from Angola, brought their traditional style of fighting with them to Brazil. There, with the influence of Brazilian folk dance, capoeira evolved. The name “capoeira” is derived from Portuguese terms referring to chicken fights.

“In the beginning of slavery, Africans were encouraged to keep practicing the forms of fighting they had in Africa for the purpose of keeping the rivalries between different tribes,” said Lowman. “They wanted to keep these rivalries so that people couldn’t band together against slavery.”

In 1888, capoeira was declared illegal and went underground. Capoeira gangs formed, particularly in Rio de Janeiro. Those caught practicing capoeira received harsh punishments.

“Sometimes if you were found practicing capoeira your feet and hands would be tied to the back of a horse and they would drag you to the jailhouse,” said Lowman.

Despite this, one capoeira master named Mestre Bimba created a new style called “Capoeira Regional” and was able to get it legalized in the 1930s. He is known as the “father of modern capoeira” and started a school to teach the art form in Brazil.

“That started the academy period where capoeira was supposed to be practiced inside,” said Lowman. “It was only supposed to be practiced inside places registered with the government.”

From that time on, instructors started to travel to Europe to teach capoeira. Its style evolved to seem more like a martial art in that cords are awarded to signify ranks. The ranks are student, graduated, formed, teacher and master. The game of capoeira begins with the “roda,” which is the circle of people in which it is played. Those sitting around the circle play instruments or clap and sing along with the music. The two players in the middle of the circle spar, using head butts, acrobatic kicks, feints and sweeps. Their movements are fluid and go along with the beat of the music.

“When you’re playing the game you’re trying to show the person where their openings are and kind of making each other more on guard,” said Lowman. “That kind of translates to life and living your life, being able to have your eyes open and be on guard.”

The object of the game is not to hurt the opponent, but to demonstrate skill. There is minimal bodily contact, and capoeira is more theatrical and meant to teach how to protect oneself and manipulate situations to one’s benefit. It’s all about learning and realizing that there is always something new to learn.

“Capoeira is a liberating art on different levels,” said Lowman. “It liberated people from slavery, but it’s also something that liberates your soul.”

Those who practice this fitness art form learn strength, flexibility and concentration. It is possible to practice the moves of capoeira alone, but it’s a more communal type of fitness.

Two players are needed for the game. Currently there are five to seven students that regularly attend Lowman’s class at Prophecy School of the Arts. People at any skill level are encouraged to come and can join at any point. The classes have no “beginning,” so even coming a month before the classes end is acceptable.

“It’s a way to stay fit and practice a martial art and at the same time be involved in something that is functional and cultural,” said Lowman.

In the class, students are taught about the history and philosophy of capoeira as well as the moves. Also, traditional instruments are provided for people to learn the music that goes along with capoeira. The songs are sung in Portuguese, so it’s an opportunity to learn a bit of a foreign language.

“(Capoeira) is a very physical art,” said Lowman. “It keeps you very physically fit, and you gain strength from it, but it’s also something you can use to learn about life. There’s a lot of life-learning and philosophy to capoeira.”

Capoeira is an art form

Here’s about Capoeira art form.

Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian art form that combines elements of martial arts, games, music, and dance. It was created in Brazil by slaves brought from Africa, especially from present day Angola some time after the 16th century. It was developed in the regions known as Bahia, Pernambuco and Rio de Janeiro. Participants form a roda, or circle, and take turns either playing musical instruments (such as the Berimbau), singing, or ritually sparring in pairs in the center of the circle. The sparring is marked by fluid acrobatic play, feints, and extensive use of sweeps, kicks, and headbutts. Less frequently used techniques include elbow strikes, slaps, punches, and body throws. Its origins and purpose are a matter of debate, with theories ranging from views of Capoeira as a uniquely Brazilian folk dance with improvised fighting movements to claims that it is a battle-ready fighting form directly descended from ancient African techniques.
Historians are divided between those who believe it is a direct descendant of African fighting styles and those who believe it is a uniquely Brazilian dance form distilled from various African and Brazilian influences. One popular explanation holds that it is an African fighting style that was developed in Brazil, as expressed by a proponent named Salvano, who said, "Capoeira cannot exist without black men but its birthplace is Brazil".
Even the etymology of the word capoeira is debated. The Portuguese word capão means "capon", or a castrated rooster, and could mean that the style appears similar to two roosters fighting. Kongo scholar K. Kia Bunseki Fu-Kiau also suggested capoeira could be derived from the Kikongo word kipura, which describes a rooster's movements in a fight.[citation needed]Afro-Brazilian scholar Carlos Eugenio has suggested that the sport took its name from a large round basket called a "capa" commonly worn on the head by urban slaves. Others claim the term derives from the Tupi-Guarani words kaá ("leaf", "plant") and puéra (past aspect marker), meaning "formerly a forest". Another claim is that given that capoeira in Portuguese literally means "chicken coop", it could simply be a derisive term used by slave owners to refer to the displays as chicken fights.

Mean of striking

Above about striking.

Striking is offensive attack with a part of the body intended to effect or do harm to an opponent.

Striking can come in various forms:

• Punching – hitting with a closed fist
• Slapping – hitting with an open palm
• Kicking – hitting with the foot or shin
• Elbows – hitting with the elbow
• Knees – hitting with the knee
• Other Strikes – Knife hand, ridge hand, spear hand, hammerfist, extended knuckes

Punching is largely associated with Boxing, Kicking with Capoeira, Savate and Taekwondo, the other strikes with Muay Thai, Karate and Kung Fu.

Promote art form of Capoeira

Here’s about Capoeira artist seeks to promote art form.

On a warm Monday evening, students sweat it out indoors as they rock their bodies back and forth, swaying from side to side as they alternately step back with the left and right foot.

To the sound of upbeat Afro-Brazilian music, the movements are smooth and coordinated as students watch Capoeira instructor Alex Patz demonstrate basic movements of the Afro-Brazilian art form. They applaud as Patz performs a few acrobatic moves.

"It's not just a martial arts form, it's an art form," Patz told his students. "It has a lot of dance elements to it."

Actually, it's a combination of those things.

Patz was introduced to Capoeira years ago when he and his Concord High School friends watched Capoeira moves in the movie "Only the Strong."

"We were breakdancers trying to copy Capoeira moves," remembered Patz, now 31 and a Walnut Creek resident.

So he and his friends looked up Capoeira in the phone book and found the name of a renowned instructor Mestre Acordeon. They soon enrolled in classes at the Capoeira Arts Café in Berkeley.

Patz has trained in Capoeira for nine years and has taught for four years. He also taught Capoeira to local children and teens in Iraq while serving in the military in 2005.

"It was a fun experience, a way for me to learn about their culture," said Patz, a Walnut Creek resident.

He has taught Capoeira for teens in after school programs in Richmond and, most recently, for the Mt. Diablo Unified School District.

To further promote the culture and physical benefits of Capoeira, Patz established Escola de Balanca, a network of classes for children, teens and adults currently held in Walnut Creek's Civic Park Community Center and at the Veterans Hall in Concord.

Patz said that as even as he teaches Capoeira, the learning aspect for him is ongoing. In addition to continuing his training in Berkeley, Patz has been mastering the Portuguese language.

"Music is really important to language learning and understanding the songs," he said. "The songs communicate to players what they should be thinking about when they're in a circle."

Classes usually begin with a warm-up of stretching and basic Capoeira movements, such as the ginga, a back-and-forth movement, before moving on to more physical sequences and acrobatics. Toward the end of class, the students form a road, or circle, and spar in pairs while the other students clap or sing to music. Patz's instruction includes learning songs and the history of Capoeira.

Patz said he strives to teach a well-rounded approach to Capoeira.

"I hope students broaden their understanding of the art form because it's a lot more complex than they think," Patz said.

Carlo Cuevas said he tried a Capoeira class at a gym but enjoys Patz's style of teaching.

"I'm becoming more flexible and getting cardio for exercise," Cuevas said.

"I've seen this style at Brazilian festivals and have always had an interest in this style of martial arts," said student Lauri Seman of Pleasant Hill, who attends the Brazilian festival Carnaval every year. "I love the fact that you can combine dance with martial arts. Fitness is an important aspect but so is learning about the Brazilian arts and culture."

Facts about Capoeira

Above about what is Capoeira mean.

Capoeira was created because the slaves wanted freedom, but they didn´t have weapons to fight. So, based on animals movements and games from Africa born the Capoeira. We can say that Capoeira is The Brazilian child of African parents. But Capoeira is not just a fight, is a dance, is culture, is a way of life.
When you train Capoeira, you don´t learn only body movements, you learn music too. The capoeira´s music brings energy and you can do things that you never thought.

Afro-Brazilian Martial Art

Here’s about history of Capoeira.

Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art now spreading over the rest of the world, and is the only sport from Brazil that seeks Olympic recognition. Originally the preserve of the underclasses in Brazilian society, capoeira is now practised amongst the middle-classes, and even taught as a sport in schools. The author explores the history of capoeira and explores the conflict between traditionalists, who view capoeira as their heritage descended from the maroons, a weapon to be used against injustice and repression; reforme, who wish to see the spread of the sport internationally; and academics, who are attempting to discover the true history of capoeira as opposed to the myth.

About Floreio movement

Above about Floreio movement

Floreio is a movement modality that involves high end development of:
- joint mobility
-strength
-endurance
- control
-balance
-quality of movement
- flexibility
-and dominance of one's body all blended into a flowing, beautiful art.

Capoeira dance of freedom

Here's about capoeira of freedom.

THEY STOOD together in the circle, rhythmically clapping and singing, their instructor's words pelting them harder than the rain.

"You need energy, guys," Eddie Jimenez barked. "Capoeira - energy, energy. If you're not going to have the energy to sing, you're not going to have the energy to [do cartwheels] or do backflips."

Here, Jimenez is known as "Tucano," professor of Capoeira, the Brazilian exercise that combines martial arts, dance, music and acrobatics in a unique display that makes improvised fights look as choreographed as ballet.

The students will do all of it at this free class, held at noon Saturdays, through Sept. 19, in Long Island City's Socrates Sculpture Park.

And they might have to do one more thing.

"You've got to feel Capoeira," said Allan Montalvao, who's known as "Professor Abara." "Mostly, the music and the feeling of freedom Capoeira gives you."

Montalvao started the park program and has taught Capoeira for several years at Club Fitness, an Astoria gym.

The collection of 20-something and 30-something students who braved the rain on a recent Saturday said they enjoy the liberating feeling of a unique workout.

But there's something more.

"It's almost spiritual," newcomer Erin Johnson said.

Capoeira's feeling of freedom may have once taken a more literal form. The dance aspect of Capoeira, which begins with a simple ginga, or swing, movement, has been traced to African slaves' attempts to find a stealth training form to overcome their Brazilian captors. While historians debate this origin, the awarding of cords for progress - like belts in karate - honors the notion.

"We wear the cords because the slaves once were bound by them," Jimenez said. "It symbolizes freedom."

The two-hour class at Socrates Sculpture Park ends with the students forming a roda, or wheel, and preparing to show what they've learned by entering the circle. Beginners practice their dodges and circular kicks to emulate their teachers' fluid movements as Jimenez grabs the berimbau - a Brazilian instrument that looks like a bow without the arrow - and sings about his culture and Capoeira's history.

"It's very unique," Montalvao said. "It starts as a sport. Later, it becomes a philosophy of life."

Festival of Capoeira

Above about Capoeira Festival.

If yoga’s downward dog has gotten a bit old and you are in the mood to try some alternative martial arts—specifically Brazilian self-defense hidden in dance—check out two open workshops at the opening night of Afro Brazil Arts’ 20th annual Capoeira Festival (Clemente Soto Vélez Arts & Cultural Center, 107 Suffolk St between Rivington and Stanton Sts; 212-677-2203, afrobrazilarts.org. 6:15 and 7:30pm, $15).

“[Join us for] a week of eye-popping acrobatics, beautiful dances, soaring songs, delicious food, and, of course, dance parties,” says Mestre Ombrinho (Michael Goldstein), the first non-Brazilian American capoeira master.

The festival runs through Sunday 19, so check the website for a schedule of classes, events and photos. We’re particularly partial to the Saturday lineup: DJ Chocolate will be spinning samba rhythms until the early hours, followed by the grand finale performance on Sunday featuring international masters from as far as Senegal, from 2 to 4pm.—Sophie Gore Browne

Brazilian moves learn by cape kids

Here's about Brzilian moves.

With the Brazilian national football team having shown off their skill on the Confederations Cup stage, Cape Town township kids are learning the moves of the South American country - and at the same time staying out of trouble. The Brazilian sport of capoeira - which was introduced by African slaves to Brazil in the 16th century and is a mixture of dance, music and martial arts — is being taught to children aged 6-12 years from townships such as Delft, Langa, Manenberg and Bonteheuwel.

Classes, which take place every day after school hours, were started by Beleza Lopez, an Angolan born capoeira teacher and founder of the non-profit organisation the Capoeira Educational Youth Association (CEYA).

Lopez, who started the township classes in 2006, said he was impressed at the amount of children that were eager to learn about capoeira, which he said was fun, safe, and developed high self-esteem.

“Children have the potential to do whatever they want, but due to a lack of resources many dreams are shattered.”

He said by providing free classes he was bringing children together to interact and in so doing using capoeira as a tool for child and youth development.

Classes involve a series of warm-up exercises, the practicing of body moves, rolls and jumps. Singing and music is integrated into the lessons. Overall, the impression is of a mix of karate, judo, ballet and dance.

Shannon Senter, 11, a Grade 4 learner at Boundary Primary School in Bonteheuwel said she had started classes in February and now all her other school mates wanted to join.

“I am the best and I am not going to stop playing,” she said.

Diana van Neel, the mother of nine-year-old Nadine, who attends classes every day at Bluegum community center in Bonteheuwel, said at first she had been worried about her daughter attending such a “strange” class.

But van Neel said she was now happy her child was attending the classes as she was no longer on the streets and was better focused on her school work.