Monday, March 1, 2010

Capoeira

Capoeira is a Brasilian martial art/ dance that is just incredible to watch. It is practiced between two "fighters" who maintain a constant rocking movement called the ginga while facing each other, and use a series of kicks, sweeps, and some fairly acrobatic moves like handstands and cartwheels. The focus is not so much on hurting the opponent, but rather on precise movements and skill. It is performed to music made primarily by a single-stringed instrument called a berimbau, along with other simple percussion instruments, hand clapping, and some singing. In Brasil you see a lot of groups of young people out on the street or in parks or plazas practicing Capoeira in a circle. It's really fun and impressive to watch.

I took a really fun video of an amazing Capoeira group while in Morro de Sao Paulo for you to enjoy, but I can't seem to get it to upload. For now, here is a picture, and I recommend checking out that wikipedia link I posted. And for the truly ambitious, I know there are Capoeira schools all over the place in the US-- try taking a class! Then you could have a body that looks like these boys. :-)

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