My Capoeira Weekend

I have some time to kill so I might as well tell you about my weekend.

I recently started taking Capoeira classes. Capoeira is "Capoeira (Portuguese pronunciation: [kapuˈejɾɐ]) is a Brazilian art form that combines elements of martial arts, sports, and music. It was created in Brazil mainly by descendants of African slaves with Brazilian native influences, probably beginning in the 16th century. It is known by quick and complex moves, using mainly power kicks and quick leg sweeps, with some ground and aerial acrobatics, knee strikes, take-downs, elbow strikes, punches and headbutts." You can find out more on wikipedia.

I've only been to three classes and it's been pretty inconsistent due to birthdays, neck injuries, last minute predeployment drives to WA, etc. None the less, I was excited to attend the Mestre Batata Capoeira Workshop this weekend. I definitely am one of the least experienced people there, but I've learned to just go with it and not care that I don't know what I'm doing and do my best and realize that the other people want to help me. 

The ground stuff in the beginning was not going well for me, I was confused most of the time and couldn't remember what anything was called. The second half was more about kicks. I did much better with this. My dance training helped a lot with all the spinning kicks! 

At the end everyone gets together in the Roda (pronounced hoda) and plays. Everyone around the Roda sings and claps to the instruments that are being played. It's all about the energy. It is described as a conversation with a statements and retorts. It's all in good fun and comradeship. In most cases except by the advanced students, no real contact is made. It's as much an art form and a dance as it is a style of fighting. 

Here is an example of some Capoeira (not this weekend) with Mestre Batata. I most definitely do not look like this when I do it. hahah