Capoeira…it’s an art form of self-expression, a dance-like fight, a martial art, an art of freedom. A playful and dangerous game of skills, strategy and trickery.
Capoeira is History, Culture, Folklore, Philosophy, Expression, Transformation, Movement, Lifestyle.
It is Health, Physical, Psychological, Emotional, Spiritual, Complete, Music, Playing, Singing, Intelligence, Alertness, Manha, Malicia, Mandinga, Happiness, Confidence, Togetherness, Friendship, Travelling, Transformational. It touches so many aspects of one’s life that it becomes Infinite…
It connects dots from all corners becoming a Universe in itself!
Capoeira is a flow of energy, a conversation/dialogue between two players. This happens within a circle, called “Roda”. During the game the two Capoeiristas are constantly and happily challenging themselves, their alertness, reactions, intelligence, cunningness. They are in a constant analysis of their own and each other’s strengths and weaknesses as well as in overcoming them and search for self-improvement.
The game is not only dependant on the energy and input of the two players in action. The main energy is built from the music and rhythm played, the songs sang and the people who are present creating the circle, singing along and clapping.
When a roda is happening it is a very special moment. A moment where all differences and problems are forgotten and everyone joins together to celebrate their common passion. A temporary autonomous zone is created.
On a game, in a roda you don’t speak with your mouth, using words…You express what you feel, your frequency, you send out your own alchemized energy from what is absorbed from your surroundings.
It is an exchange, a tide, a transmutation, a descent and an elevation, an internalisation and a transcendence…
“A maré que vai, a maré que vem…”
“A maré subiu, sobe maré…A maré desceu, desce maré…”
In English:
“The tide that goes, the tide that returns…”
“The tide went up, rise tide…The tide went down, go down tide…”
As two great masters said and very well:
“(…) seu princípio não tem método e seu fim é inconcebível até ao mais sábio Capoeirista.” – Mestre Pastinha
“Capoeira é tudo o que a boca come” – Mestre Pastinha
“Capoeira é Capoeira, para entendê-la melhor, você tem que vivê-la.” – Mestre Burguês
In English:
“(…) it’s beginning has no method and it’s end is inconceivable even to the wisest Capoeirista.” -Mestre Pastinha
“Capoeira is everything the mouth eats.” – Mestre Pastinha
“Capoeira is Capoeira. So that you can understand it better, you must live it.” – Mestre Burguês