Can you guys pls tell me the reasons for you taking capoeira lessons? I am not sure whether to take capoeira or not. So i need help. And could you also tell me some of the moves you learn? Is capoeira worth my time?
2007-12-30 17:48:55 · 8 answers · asked by Nero 007 2 in Sports ➔ Martial Arts
What's your goal is exactly? People don't take martial arts for the same reasons. It can be fun, fitness, self-defense, self-confidence, a combination of that, and more. We can't know if it's worth your time if we don't know why you want to do it.
I took Capoeira because I thought it was a wonderful martial art, it's history is unique (At the time, I didn't know of any Afro-Brazilian martial arts, let alone African or even Brazilian [Back then I didn't know about BJJ... :p]), it's arguably one of the most physical martial arts out there (It will make you incredibly fit, and your reflexes will improve drastically due to the need to dodge with implied blocking), and it added to my fighting/self-defense game.
There's three styles: Angola, Regional, and "Contempronea."
Angola is the original style, that was formed by Mestre Pastinha. It has some African arts and dances included, and the play is marked by more ritual and stamina, than the other two. There's not very many high-flying moves in Angola, because Angola isn't really about that.
Regional is probably what you've seen. It was made by Mestre Bimba, and his style added a bunch of new techniques, a new wave on the ginga (It's the base move that you see before they attack or anything: The way you've see it might be drastic from Angola), new music speed, new instruments included, and more. Regional has strikes, elbows, knees, sweeps, takedowns, and more when it comes to fighting techniques. The Acrobacias that are taught vary depending on school, and they may or may not teach you (Some of) the following*:
Cartwheels (Au), aerials (Au sem mao), gainers (Folha Seca), 540s, Capoeira's famous doubleleg (Armada Dupla), Relogio (Spinning on hand as you've seen from breakdancing: It's considered ground acrobatics), Chuta Na Lua ("Kick the moon," which is usually a cheat gainer-hook kick out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jugR6fO-Wz4&feature=related)
, Backflips/frontlips (Salto/Salto mortal), and more. It depends on the school though: Remember that.
Contempronea is the newest style, and it's suppose to be a blend of Angola and Regional. Some schools also added techniques from other arts including Boxing, BJJ, and more (Usually it's one of the first two however).
What people fail to realize is that the average person isn't going to be doing all acrobacias/floreios in a fight. Capoeira basics are very much similar to other arts, and this is why the majority of people that say it's worthless for fighting are making baseless assumptions. Some of the basics are the front kick, side kick, spin side kick, crescent (Outside/inside, and spinning), hook kick, straight punch, various elbow strikes, various sweeps, knee smash, some throws, and about 20 or so takedowns.
Watch this video on some of the techniques you would use:
http://www.fighter-arts.net/portal/index.php?id=11&L=0&backBlog=id=100%A7L=0&contr=m@28
Then watch this roda:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hS38bKr6vYE
Drastically different right? That's the beauty of it. Grupo Axe Capoeira has a couple people that do MMA, but the only thing they crosstrain in is BJJ for grappling. A lot of people of Brazil do the same.
It's essential that you cover any fighting ranges that aren't covered in the art you take. Capoeira is a striking art, so you should definitely consider taking a grappling art such as judo, wrestling, jujutsu, bjj, et cetera to round yourself out if you plan on fighting, or even more important defending yourself.
It takes a long time to get good at it. Capoeira usually only has a promotions once or twice a year, and it can literally take a decade to be consider proficient at it.
Good luck with your decision.
*It's 5:50 AM, so I'm sorry I'm not using any accent marks. I'm aware that a lot of the words have them. :p
2007-12-30 22:58:42 · answer #1 · answered by Kenshiro 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
i am not all that experienced with capoeira. i play basketball at my school gym, and they have capoeira classes going on. for the most part it seems pretty interesting and will get a person in shape/spiritual side.
2007-12-30 17:55:00 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It looks like fun, they have music, it is very acrobatic so those guys are in good shape. Not sure about its martial aspects, I'd imagine someone who was really good could be effective.
2007-12-30 21:58:43 · answer #3 · answered by annalisa 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Capoeira is a great martial art. I've only been to a few lessons but couldn't continue because the school was too far. The main reason why I like Capoeira is because of its culture. Like all martial arts, Capoeira has a very interesting history, and the culture of Brazil is deeply involved. The sparring for Capoeira is called a jogo, or the game. It is two Capoeiristas aiming strikes and blocks at each other, but without touching. Even though it is no contact, a jogo can be very thrilling and exciting. During a jogo, instruments are also played to create a rhythm.
It is also believed to have influenced the beginning of breakdancing/bboying. You can see many similarities with moves and the emphasis on rhythm.
Here is a wikilist of moves in capoeira. Probably the most famous ones are the ginga, au batido, and armada.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_capoeira_techniques
I think capoeira is an awesome martial art and if you have the time, money, and oppurtunity, you should take it.
2007-12-30 19:48:58 · answer #4 · answered by BruceNasty 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
if you would like to defend yourself its probably not the best martial art but it does develop excellent balance and core strength that would be able to help you out in any other sport
2007-12-30 18:16:09 · answer #5 · answered by bossslimthug 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's worth your time if you're looking for some cultural dancing and a good workout.
If that is not your goal, don't do it.
2007-12-30 17:55:26 · answer #6 · answered by Moo 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Nope. Absolutely useless fighting style. You'd get pwned in the mouth or maybe a broken joint from a lock. Try typing class or maybe sewing.
2007-12-30 17:53:12 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 5⤋
its the music,dance and the fighting skills all together
2007-12-30 18:20:12 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋