Capoeira

I went to my first Capoeira class on Monday. It was amazing. Capoeira (for those of you who dont know), is a sort of Afro-Brazilian Martial Art. Without contact, two players fight in a a circle. They keep eye contact and flip and twist and duck and kick in a completely spontaneous ritualistic sort of dance. Meanwhile the onlookers are playing African instruments (the Birimbau, and the drums) and others are singing call and response chants and clapping their hands.

Doing capoeira gives you such a feeling of respect, strength, and control for yourself and others. Needless to say, I was ungraceful and quiet timid. But, in the class there are everyone from beginners to masters and all are welcome. For the first hour of class the 30 of us students (in remarkable silence) follow the maestro in stretches/strengthening exercises. He, himself, is a remarkable and laconic man. Everything was learnt by watching, and when he came over to correct your stance, he would silently but forcefully angle your foot in the right direction or push your arm up to proper form. Within five minutes we were all sweating profusely.

The second hour of class we play/fight (in portuguese you say you jogo capoeira `I play capoeira´) in the circle with the music. Our teacher began by fighting his very best students. The teacher is such a boss. I mean like in all meanings of the word (Boss: (noun) A highly respected, known person. Top of the line whoruns things around his hood). Though the sport is non violent he would punish his players if they ever took their eyes off him for a split second by tripping them, or pushing them to the ground. The whole fight reminded me of an animalistic dance to show alpha male dominance in a pack. You could not help but look up in awe at this teacher.

Two days later, I am a little sore (especially in my back muscles) and am excited to go again.