BaxterS

I'm guilty of this too, (comparing moves from different styles) but Capoeira kicks are fairly unique. Some styles have some kicks that look sort of like it, but they aren't the same thing - notice how he places his hand on the ground when he throws the kick. This helps him keep control of it, as well as return to his stance, or instantly throw another kick, which is what he does. It's not hard to use this kick while keeping control of one's balance and not being too open, it's just hard to spar safely with it. If it misses, we still are in control of ourselves.

Like Darksoul said, it's not that our kicks and techniques are slow - in fact, Capoeiristas are known for speed and agility. It's that we can't really slow down our kicks while keeping them believable. It's either on or off, not much in-between.

My idea, to show my style in sparring, is to do almost roda-style sparring - extremely light or no contact, slowed down, with emphasis on technique. I get what you mean, though - light but full speed sparring doesn't work in Capoeira, because there's no way to safely spar using kicks like the Armada or Meia Lua de Compasso. But I'm determined to find a way XD

I did Taekwondo for a while, and you're right, it gets that sort of rap, really viewed as ineffective fighting - the trick is to do it right; I wasn't, so I wasn't really kicking hard, just fast, my kicks were basically slaps but then I started Muay Thai and Capoeira and my kicks are now insanely strong - easily my strongest suit in sparring. But my Taekwondo training really helped me build my kick foundation. I'm not sure why I typed all this - I guess I'm missing Taekwondo a little bit. One day I'll go back and get my black belt.

That's right - any time you can drop in during "beginner" hours, the Contra-Mestre will let you try a class for free

Well, if you're in the Montreal area, we could meet up at some point to compare styles and spar a little bit. Also, if you're thinking of trying a class, I'd recommend coming on Saturday rather than Friday, because on Saturday, the Contra-Mestre also has a 45-minute session after the class to introduce the art to beginners. Just something to keep in mind, but any day of the week would be good to come check it out.

In my opinion, you're right - people who think it's impractical either don't know it or don't do it right. I think people who say that either just see the roda, which isn't real combat, but at the same time, they teach fundamental principles of non-resistance and escaping attacks, as well as effective kicks, strikes and takedowns, but people only see the acrobatics and high "flashy" kicks, and make that judgement. I think any style can be practical if you know how to use it that way.

Great to see a Montrealer on here! My school is at Place Des Arts - look up Capoeiramontreal.com. Come drop in and try a class!

I've gotten several pages in to the "General Martial Arts" section, and had lots of interesting reading, but I'm hurt to see that my style, Capoeira, isn't featured anywhere! Let's get a thread going! Does anyone here do it? What style of Capoeira? Personally, I train Capoeira Regional with a Grupo Porto da Barra school in Montreal. I'd love to hear some other people's thoughts and experiences!