What is Capoeira ?
When Marcos and I were at the park for our run there was a group of Brazilian's participating in this Capoeira gathering. Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of aerobics, dance, and music and is sometimes referred to as a game. This martial art is known for its quick kicks, spins, and high mobile techniques. The focus on Capoeira is not to knock the other person down, but to emphasize on the Capoeira Skill.
Where did it come from?
Capoeira dates back to the 16th century and was originally developed be Western African decedents with Native Brazilian influences in mind. The origin of the word Capoeira comes from Tupi meaning ka'a ("jungle") e pûer ("it was") . This refers to the area of low vegetation in Brazil where fugitive slaves hid. West African slaves had been exported to Brazil, because Brazil lacked enough people in order to colonize it. The African slaves often used Capoeira as a means to protect themselves in times of war. Practitioners of the art are called capoeiristas.
Roda Capoeira
Roda Capoeira is when there is a group of people in a circle watching "the game". Everyone in the circle is generally singing along and clapping their hands as you saw in the video above. The way for the capoeiristas to end "the game" is when one of the musicians holds up a berimbau (a single string percussion instrument, musical bow from Brazil) or when one of the capoeiristas decide they want to end the game then another capoeiristas enters into the game.
Fun Fact: On November 26, 2014 the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) granted Capoeria a special protected status as "intangible cultural heritage." The UNESCO contributes to"peace and security by promoting international collaboration through education, science, and culture to further universal respect for justice, the rule of law, and human rights along with fundamental freedom proclaimed in the United Nations Charter."
Fun Fact: On November 26, 2014 the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) granted Capoeria a special protected status as "intangible cultural heritage." The UNESCO contributes to"peace and security by promoting international collaboration through education, science, and culture to further universal respect for justice, the rule of law, and human rights along with fundamental freedom proclaimed in the United Nations Charter."