Capoeira

[DD]

Besides the history, what can you tell me about capoeira? I don't think there are any capoeira schools near me so I may buy some instructional videos. Do you think it's a solid style or mainly for fun and show. And if I do learn some of those more advanced techniques from videos, do you think they could be incorporated into sparring (and I do mean sparring, not a real street fight)? Thanks

[Jbone1]

Look in pages back in this section and you'll find some in depth threads about Capoeira. Go to Capoeira cafe or other sites about it and get on the message boards.

 

It's an awesome style and I don't have a school close to me either. though I can do some moves I learned from websites I'm by no means a Capoeirista.

[Shane]

I think that you might be able to pick up some of the techniques from video, as long as your have a good amount of training under your belt prior to trying to learn from the videos. I think grasping some of the true concepts of the art from the videos will be difficult, I have heard that it can be pretty brutal, but I dont know if you will find videos teaching the indepthness of the techniques to be applied in those ways, I saw some videos on this art and they showed the techniques but not the true concepts that you would get from an instructor and training with others who train the style, but its worth a shot and you will probably be able to develop your own concepts of the techniques by using your previous training and experiences.

[DD]

Thanks for the replies so far. I have another question though. I think the first video (in a series of Capoeira videos I saw) covers things called "ginga" and "esquivas". Could you tell me what these things are? Thanks

[siufeifei]

The ginga is the basic stepping.

 

The esquiva is the normal or simple or basic way of dodging by moving your body and head sideways that you do whilst doing the ginga.

 

I wouldn't recommend trying to learn capeoria from videos without an instructor because part of the basic training involves doing some fixed routines against a partner. There's also the fact that the instructor in a capoeria class isn't there just to teach, he's also there to make sure that you don't fall and if you do, you don't hurt yourself.

 

Finally, if you do decide to find and join a class, be prepared for the workout of your life. Capoeria isn't an easy thing to learn and will work muscles in places you never knew had muscles.

[Edgard]

Thanks for the replies so far. I have another question though. I think the first video (in a series of Capoeira videos I saw) covers things called "ginga" and "esquivas". Could you tell me what these things are? Thanks

 

siufeifei covered basicly all of it, I just would like to add something for curiosity.

 

"Esquiva" literely translates to dadge

 

"Ginga" is slang but in english it would be kinda like "feet movement"

 

Ginga is the "stance" sort to say, notice capoeira fighters never stand still they are always coming back and forth, that's the ginga

 

siufeifei is also right in his/her advise, you really shoulden't try to learn it own your like any martial art. I don't think any video can do what a teacher does to you...

 

Are you still interessed in it's history? If so I could post or pm a resumed version of it.

[DD]

I have another question. Do capoeiraists have an official uniform like karate or kung fu. If so, can you give me a link to where I can see a picture of it? thanks

[Maddwraph]

http://www.capoeira.com/planetcapoeira/

 

there used to be my capoiera mestre on there. you can probably find him, his anme is Bom Jesus.

 

anyways, there are 3 different types of Esquivas. Esquiva di tras, Esquiva do lado and and Esquiva di frente. Capoeira requires a lot of conditioning and if not taught properly by an instructor (stretching, certain moves especially if its the aerobic moves). so i personally dont think its a good idea to try it out without a instructor.

 

im still a begginer and dont know too much about it, but have learned many things during my 8 month period there. if you have any questions, or would like to know anything, i would be happy to and try my best to answer any question you may have. if you want, you can find me on msn messenger or aol instant messenger. my name is maddwraph on both. that goes to anyone that would want to talk about capoiera or anything else. take care

[Edgard]

I have another question. Do capoeiraists have an official uniform like karate or kung fu. If so, can you give me a link to where I can see a picture of it? thanks

 

I can't say if it's official, but usually it's practiced shirtless and with a white pant.

 

But Maddwraph probably knows more about the fight than I do.

[DD]

Hey Maddwraph,

 

Could you explain to me the differences in the esquivas you named? Also, what is the most difficult thing you have to do in that style whether it's a certain technique or something mental? What is the coolest technique you've learned so far? I'd also like to know some other unique aspects of capoeira. Thanks