What martial art has high kicks, backflips, music, speed and big muscles? Capoeira does. This Brazillian martial art is unlike any other. For the first time you will be able to harmonize muscle building, fighting ability and pure grace into one martial art.

So what is Capoeira?

Capoeira is difficult to put into one basket. Some people like to consider it a dance. Other people like to use it for lethal force. Others see it as a physical means to express themselves. I am not sure what I see it as. I know it is beautiful but I also know it can be ugly. One thing I really do understand, however, is that it is not a form of art that is simple to mentally or physically grasp.

To put it crudely Capoeira is a martial art that was developed by African slaves in Brazil. It was “hidden” as a dance so that their captors would not realize what they were training but in essence they were training deadly moves. As smooth and harmless as some of Capoeira might seem it also has a dark side.

The Roda - the backbone of Capoeira

Capoeira is centered around a “sparring session” called a roda (pron. hodda). In this roda the students gather in a circle and play musical instruments to a very infectious beat. The students then enter the circle two at a time and “play” out their moves together. Sometimes the “playing” students will be kind and help each other with their moves; each making room for the others kicks and acrobatics. Other times the playing will turn nasty and the students will vent their anger by trying to take down their opponent in a show of seeming arrogance.

The playing always ends in a laugh and a handshake, however, which makes it so much more difficult to understand. Sometimes when I watch a roda I think that it is a microcosm for life. The players enter the roda with different moods, motivations and scars and as such mood of the roda is influenced. If someone cannot master his own moves he might seek to bring the other persons down by restricting him or attempting to degrade him.

However, the purpose of the roda escapes me. It could be viewed as a meer sparring session where one puts the training into practice. But, like many things in life, it seems that there is something deeper. A hug with your mother is more than a hug. A kiss from your lover is more than a kiss. A kick in a roda is more than a kick.

Capoeira for developing muscles and fitness

On a more simple level Capoeira is wonderful for developing some fantastic fitness. The art involves lots of handstands, high kicks and acrobatics and as such you get to develop core strength and aerobic endurance while you pump these moves out over and over again.

The movements in Capoeira force you to use your body in ways you never have before and as such your muscles are shocked into a new state of growth. Weedy guys grow muscles in weeks. Fat guys lose weight faster than they have before. It really is fantastic for keeping fit and healthy.

Is Capoeira for me?

A word of warning; Capoeira is not for everyone. It is a very high impact art and puts a lot of stress on your joints and tendons. If you are healthy and you approach the art in a slow and concentrated manner you will probably strengthen these parts of your body but if you have pre existing health concerns you should probably stay clear.

Soul Capoeira for more on all things Capoeira

A dear friend of mine runs the premier Capoeira Blog called Soul Capoeira. Go over and subscribe to his feed to get a real insight into the heart of this most wonderful art. It is a must read for any martial artist seeking his/her way on the warriors path.

Related Posts

• Real Gear for Real Fighters: Mixed Martial Arts Equipment
• Kettlebell Strength: Basic Exercises and Workouts for the Kettlebells
• Do Martial Arts Foster Anger or Spirituality?
• What Bruce Lee Can Teach You About Your Workout
• How to Balance Martial Arts Training With Other Types of Exercise