Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art, merges history, culture, art, music and self-defense techniques into a form that strengthens the body and nurtures the spirit and soul. It is not solely a fighting form — it’s an avenue for self-expression and discovery, say experts. And that spirit is evident in the way a typical capoeira training session begins — with a convergence, both literal and symbolic, signifying the merging of spirit, energy, martial prowess and intent of the practitioners.
This synchronous build-up is palpable if you step into a practice session at Capoeira Academy India in Bengaluru. The members move to the center of their training hall, forming the circle of roda, the ring where the art is practiced. The leader begins singing, while the others join in, with some adding rhythm and music with instruments such as the berimbau, the pandeiro, and the atabaque.
After a few songs, with the beats setting the tempo, two from the group move into the circle. As one makes a move, the other responds with a countermove. This exchange of kicks, flips, sweeps, and evasive ducks and sidesteps continues for a while. It seamlessly blends physical prowess into the rhythm provided by the music. The fighting form metamorphoses into a mesmerizing dance, even as the kicks and lunges remind onlookers that the dance is indeed martial and deceptively effective for both attack and defense. Other pairs follow one by one, executing their moves, playing the capoeira game, honing their skill, physical endurance and abilities in the process.
The martial art emphasizes the exchange of moves rather than a fight. This makes it more engaging for the participants as well as the viewers. The same aspect of capoeira fascinated Yamini Gowda, a 27-year-old from Bengaluru who is the founder/owner of Hoopinkai’s Farm Retreat, a farm stay on the outskirts of Bengaluru. Bogged down by the different forms of body shaming she faced since childhood for her thin physique and constantly fighting the perception that she was weak, Gowda was searching for an engaging path to fitness and strength. She found sports, yoga, and conventional gyms monotonous and unengaging. But then she chanced upon capoeira, and her life changed. This practice not only helped her achieve her fitness goals but also opened a new realm for self-discovery and expression.
Four years down the road, Gowda, who is an active member of Capoeira Academy India, says, “My stamina increased, my muscles developed, and my body transformed in a way that allowed me to perform multiple power moves, which are considered to be only performed by physically fit and strong individuals,” says Gowda. “All of it happened organically, while I was playing with capoeira moves and having fun. It is not that I am consciously pushing myself or going on an intense diet.” She also believes capoeira has a significant impact on her identity and how she sees herself.
What is capoeira?
Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art form, whose history is rooted in the African diaspora. It developed when enslaved Africans in Brazil blended their traditional dance and combat techniques with elements of Brazilian culture. Masking it as a dance to avoid the attention of the colonial masters, capoeira developed as a means of resistance against oppression and ultimately gained popularity as a martial art around the world.
While most martial arts follow a fight-based approach, capoeira provides a distinct perspective by combining the elements of dance, acrobatics, music, and spirituality. “Even though it is a martial art and can be used for self-defense, those practicing it often have varied goals. Some enjoy the engagement it provides and learn more about its various aspects,” says Ravi Suchak, instructor and co-founder of Capoeira Academy India. “For example, music is an important element of capoeira, so practitioners can learn to play various instruments. Moreover, the songs and names of movements are in Portuguese, so it helps you learn a new language and culture.”
The martial techniques used in capoeira are highly effective, shares Suchak. “I have seen mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters learn capoeira to adapt certain moves to knock out their opponent.”
Conversational approach of capoeira
In contrast to martial arts styles such as karate or kung fu, where one makes physical contact with the opponent while defending or attacking, capoeira employs an escape strategy depending on the opponent’s move and countermove. “It is like having a conversation through movements,” explains Suchak. “If someone is kicking you, you respond with an escape move.”
The objective of capoeira is to determine how long you can survive in the game. “This makes capoeira a stamina-oriented form. Strength and flexibility will naturally develop if you practice consistently,” says Suchak.
Capoeira and music
In capoeira, music serves as both a means of communication among practitioners and a way to set the tempo and energy. “The music in capoeira helped me get over the initial apprehensiveness of joining the session,” says Gowda. “Our instructor always reminds us not to worry about how we sound while practicing, he just tells us to ensure we all sing our hearts out. That has a significant impact on our ability to express ourselves freely.”
Advice for beginners
People of all ages and fitness levels can learn capoeira. Suchak advises newcomers to opt for one or two trial sessions to discover what they are getting into and what to expect.
It is also crucial to let the instructor know about previous injuries and health concerns to reduce the likelihood of accidents or other issues. The rest is a journey that offers space for everyone to come in and explore, says Gowda.
Capoeira does not follow a rigid format; it allows practitioners to bring their essence into the art, which can be engaging for those seeking something new and refreshing. Gowda explains, “It is not as strict as tai chi or karate. It is all about what you want to bring in. You can pick any character style you wish while practicing capoeira; it can be goofy or playful, or you can even enact someone who is small and moves only on the floor.”
Takeaways
- Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art combining dance, acrobatics, music, and spirituality.
- It harps on an escape strategy based on the opponent’s move and countermove, in contrast to other martial arts forms.
- In capoeira, music is used to set the pace and intensity as well as to facilitate communication among practitioners.
