Capoeira

Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art, developed in the 1500s by slaves, which is quite different from other types of martial arts in that it often played on the ground, or while the participants are upside-down. It has strong acrobatic components, and is always played with accompanying music. Breakdancing contains many elements and moves that are derived from Capoeira.

There are two main types of Capoeira, and they are very dissimilar from each other. The first, called Angola, is characterized by slow, low play with careful attention to the rituals and tradition of Capoeira. The other style, called Regional, is known for its fluid, acrobactic play in which technique and strategy are the key points. Both styles primarily attack with kicks and sweeps. Some schools teach punches and hand strikes, but they are not as common. Cartwheels, handstands, head- and hand-spins, sitting movements, turns, jumps, flips, and large dodges are all very common in capoeira.

Music is an integral part of Capoeira. It sets the tempo and determines the style of game that is to be played. The music contains both instruments and singing, and the tempos range from very slow to very fast. Capoeiristas sing about a wide variety of subjects- everything from the history of capoeira, life, or lost loves. Some songs are sung to inspire practitioners to play better. Some are sung just to be silly or lighthearted. Whatever the lyrics, it is the music that drives the play of capoeira.

The Roda is the circle of people within which Capoeira is played. The people who make up the roda's circular shape clap and sing along to the music being played for the two players engaged in a capoeira match or game. Some schools allow audience members to jump in and challenge one of the players to begin a game with them.

During a game, stikes usually aren't made but feigned or just shown. The players often turn away from each other's hits just to throw their own. Slow games are often seen as games of finesse, and are often less impressive for the casual viewer. Faster music allows for more circular momentum which leads to larger, more grandiose movements. Capoeiristas can take up a lot of space while playing, so the roda is usually quite big, especially if the players are playing quickly. Sometimes actual hits are registered, but only between higher-level competing Capoeiristras.