Aritcle "Why We're Flipping Over Capoeria"

A while back I began to do research on a fun way to exercise that wouldn’t make me feel bogged down, or bored. I came up with the idea of dance first, and after a few weeks of dancing to the radio in my room this idea too became boring. Once again I was faced with the dilemma of a great exercise program that quickly became incredibly boring. That is when it occurred to me that I was looking for something that was designed to get my heart going, but I was leaving out my brain. It was then I went back to research. I wanted something that I could do and learn from at the same time. That is when I found Capoeira, the 400 year old African Brazilian martial art dance form.
Originally developed by slaves, Capoeira (cap-o-ei-ra) has recently gained popularity in pop culture as well as in your local neighborhood gym or fitness club. Capoeira is a fighting style based heavily on martial arts, dance, acrobatics, culture and music. The slaves were able to practiced Capoeira by convincing their masters that it was ritual tribal dancing. Yet in actuality they were cleverly disguised fighting moves that the slaves used against slaves catchers. Because of its underground beginnings Capoeira was outlawed for many years before being allowed back into society. It’s been building and gaining popularity until now it is nearly a household name.
Capoeira is typically taught with sweeping moves, kicks, and head strikes. Recently teaching punches and hand strikes have become the norm although it was not always that way. Some experts have hypothesized that this is because it was originally developed by slaves that were in handcuffs and fighting against their guards. Another possibility for the primary use of feet is the common West African belief that hands are for creation and feet for destruction. Capoeira is usually played in a circle or "roda" (ha-da). The roda is constructed with a circle of people within which Capoeira is played. Although Capoeira may have been meant for battle the way it is currently taught it does not focus on injuring the opponent. Instead, it emphasizes on the skill.
So now you know the background, why is it so good for you? Simply, Capoeira is guaranteed to give you not only a cardiovascular work out; but also work your mind and body. While you sweat, your mind will be focused on anticipating your opponent's next move. Although all of this sounds overwhelming, only you can get in the way of your progress. This sport will help you to be more creative with your moves to keep your opponents on their toes. What’s more you’ll spend so much time learning and perfecting your moves, you’ll hardly notice your thighs toning, your upper body strength improving, your vigor and stamina increasing. Essentially your entire body will become healthier. Most aerobic exercises only tend to focus exclusively on our physical being, Capoeira also helps us to train our mental being. Below are a few of the mental and physical benefits that Capoeira can offer.

Gain a singing voice
Enhanced Mobility
Spatial awareness
Increased Flexibility
Development of another language
Rhythm
Provides a personal creative outlet
Strength
Gain self-confidence
Endurance
Foster cultural identity
Cardio-vascular fitness

While this is a great way to get and stay in shape it should be noted that people thinking of beginning a life as a Capoeirist need to be certain of their flexibility as well as their strength. For more information on strength and flexibility please see: http://www.planetcapoeira.com/comments.php?id=12_0_1_0_C. This site beautifully describes flexibility, the types of flexibility and strength training one can begin to prepare one’s self for Capoeira. As always before starting any new exercise program you should always seek the advice of your health care professional. You should always ensure that you are training with a licensed fitness professional.

Copyright © 2006

The original article was posted on October 9th, 2006 on EDGE Boston.
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http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=health_fitness&sc=fitness&sc2=features&id=2884