Capoeira

Capoeira

By Sana Vasi and Cesar Martinez

Capoeira is an art form that combines elements of dance and martial arts in order to form a rhythmic conversation between two people. Although its precise origins are unclear, capoeira was developed in Brazil by African slaves, and is thought to be the hybrid of the different cultures Brazil hosts. According to legend, it was disguised as an indigenous dance to prevent slaves from being punished for learning how to fight and defend themselves. it is also hypothesized that capoeira might have also been a method of communication amongst Africans, a way to ensure the continuation of their culture, or a means of empowerment and liberation.

For the longest time, capoeira was perceived as nothing more than common street fighting, and capoeiristas (their preferred nomenclature) were dismissed as either ‘hooligans’ or ‘thugs.’ However, the art started to become more socially acceptable during the late 1920’s when Mestre Bimba developed a new practice style known as Capoeira Regional. Mestre Bimba believed that capoeira had become too old-fashioned, and sought to recreate the art form in order to attract new members. While this move was successful, Capoeira Regional also angered the more traditional capoeiristas who thought Mestre Bimba was appropriating a very important part of their culture. To some, the eventual commercialization of capoeira was seen as an insult to the struggles that their ancestors once faced in Brazil, but to others, it was seen as an exportation of Brazilian culture to the rest of the world.

Nevertheless, capoeira has lost much of its stigma since it was established during the Brazilian slave trade. Whether or not people agree with the outcome, the art has become a way of life to many capoeiristas—and is now practiced around the world.

Seeing the students of CSP 2 participate in a Capoeira was a fun, goofy, and ultimately transformative experience. While many of us were uncoordinated and falling during the initial exercise of the jimba, a back and forth rhythmic movement that involves moving one leg back and one arm forward, some of us were naturals at the discipline. Unfortunately, Professors Reddy and Gasper did not join in on the cardiovascular exercise filled fun. This simple introduction to capoeira was enough to draw the interests of many different students who are now hoping to attend capoeira classes at the CrossFit gym in Eagle Rock and the free sessions at the Highland Park Recreation Center on York and Figueroa. The capoeira mestres (professors) were made up of a diverse group of individuals who had all been touched by the art of capoeira in significant ways. Some practiced capoeira to reconnect to their Brazilian roots, while others immersed themselves in the discipline to exercise and tone their muscles.

One of the most exciting moments of the entire capoeira lesson was when the mestres created a circle to envelop us in a capoeira exercise. The two opposite ends of the circle would encounter each other, send in a pair, and perform a capoeira fight. We practiced the kicks and jimba we learned earlier during the lesson and put our knowledge to the test. While some kicks were misfired and some people got hit in the head, it was still fun and nobody was seriously injured. At the end of the circle exercise, all of us were happy and encouraged to continue our capoeira endeavours through some of the different resources our mestres provided us with. I, (Cesar Martinez) like many of the students in CSP 2, hope to fulfill my capoeira curiosities and attend some of the free lessons in Highland Park.