Why do Capoeira?
Capoeira includes many disciplines and attracts dancers, musicians, actors, artists, ethnic historians, sportsmen and woman and is also open to everyone at all levels and ages including beginners.
Capoeira is a compulsory discipline in many Brazilian schools, developing students intellectually as well as physically. Benefits include increased agility, improved balance, coordination, flexibility and mobility, as well as muscular strength and physical resistance.
The game ...
Capoeira is called a game "jogo" in Portuguese. This game is played in a circle of participants, the "roda". Two capoeiristas crouch beneath the Berimbau (a one stringed musical bow) where they shake hands, pay their respects and touch the ground.
Experience and guile is used to try and outwit the opponent in a friendly game that calls upon agility, quick reflexes and good humour. Toques (berimbau rhythms), singing and clapping create energy and influence the style of play, which starts tentatively, then increases in tempo with more risks taken. Only the feet, hands and head may touch the floor. There are no winners except when set in an official competition.
It takes 3 months of regular training to start feeling comfortable with your game and to understand the fundaments of the roda. Beginner's course.
The music ...
Music has always been an integral part of Capoeira and involves the whole group. Traditional songs tell stories passed down by Capoeiristas, some are made up on the spot and comment on the game taking place. The type and number of instruments played varies, at Capoeira Canal we use eight instruments 3 Berimbaus, 2 Pandeiros (tambourine), 1 Agogo (Cowbell), 1 Reco reco (Bamboo scraper) and 1 Atabaque (the floor drum). The Berimbau is held at the head of the arrangement.