Capoeira Brazilian Martial Art Classes

Overview

Today, capoeira is fast becoming a popular way to keep fit, improve strength and co-ordination. But what is capoeira exactly? Capoeira is an art form, which combines martial arts, dance and music. It was first developed in Brazil by slaves brought from Africa some time after the 16th century, as a way for the captives to fight back against their exploiters. Characterised by powerful kicks, sweeps and acrobatics, but accompanied with instruments and songs, it disguised a deadly fighting style as something that looked like a dance. A capoeira ‘game’ is played in a circle (called a ‘roda’) by two people in the centre, with people around the circle clapping, singing to music, and creating a positive atmosphere where the two players can express their abilities. Capoeira practitioners develop a great sense of strength, flexibility, balance, self-esteem, discipline, resilience, as well as respect for themselves and others. These characteristics make it suitable and recommended for both adults and children.