Capoeira becoming too much of a martial art???

[username8517]

Found this interesting article Here

It appears that there are some people in Brazil who are rather dismayed at the popularity Capoeira is receiving in certain aspects of it's use (as a martial art, an exercise, etc). One of the main points is apparently there are some who feel that Capoeira is more about a cultural significance above all else. But as the article points out, this has happened to other cultural aspects after becoming popular--the Japanese samba for example.

So, what are your thoughts? Can a martial art be spiritual and cultural thing to one group of people and a practical and effective martial art to another? If so, is there some happy medium that needs to be met or is it all in the mind of the practioner?

[The BB of C]

Of course all that can happen. In my oppinion there is always a happy medium, finding it is the difficult part.

[classiccopy]

I just watched a show on TV today about this art form. It was on FIT TV and is a series called Deadly Arts. They feature different martial arts with each episode, great show. Anyway, from what I have seen previously along with this show would lead me to make an unintiated (never have taken a class) guess that it would not be a very effective self defense art form. Looks like a heck of a work out though. I have seen martial artists from this style try to compete in MMA fighting and it usually only lasts as long as it takes for the opponent to make some adjusts to this rather unorthodox style. I think it is an art form, an work out, a cultural treasure but for self defense I would recommend something, just about anything, else.

[jaymac]

I think it is a beautiful art and wish I had the opportunity to try it. I think it unfair though to say it is ineffective against a MMA. It probably is, along with many other MA styles. However, I bet it works against a would be attacker on the street. I know I did not join Shotokan to throw myself into an octagon cage and test my abilities against a Mixed Martial Artist. I do however, feel I have been greatly trained to defend myself on the street.

[bushido_man96]

Very interesting.

Each side in the article has made some good points. I had not realized that Caporiea had become so popular. If it was to make its way here, I would be willing to give it a try.

It sounds to me that there are some people who are trying to make changes to it, either to make it more practical, or to market it. There will always be things like this going on, and there is not much that can be done about it.

I think that there can be cultural, spiritual, and physical aspcects found in many activities, much like this one. I am not sure if the Brazilians are concerned because the rest of the world is going to take what is theirs, and make it unpure, or what. However, it has been exposed, and I think that Brazil needs to take an active role in laying out some standards if they don't want too many changes to take place.

[classiccopy]

I think it is a beautiful art and wish I had the opportunity to try it. I think it unfair though to say it is ineffective against a MMA. It probably is, along with many other MA styles. However, I bet it works against a would be attacker on the street. I know I did not join Shotokan to throw myself into an octagon cage and test my abilities against a Mixed Martial Artist. I do however, feel I have been greatly trained to defend myself on the street.

I was merely try to use MMA as somewhat of a comparison to real life. I know a cage match is not real life but in my opinion about as close as you can get without going at it for real. I have never taken the art and am merely stating my thoughts of it being of limited use. I respect the art and your opinion but still find it of dubious self defense use.

[bushido_man96]

I think it is a beautiful art and wish I had the opportunity to try it. I think it unfair though to say it is ineffective against a MMA. It probably is, along with many other MA styles. However, I bet it works against a would be attacker on the street. I know I did not join Shotokan to throw myself into an octagon cage and test my abilities against a Mixed Martial Artist. I do however, feel I have been greatly trained to defend myself on the street.

I was merely try to use MMA as somewhat of a comparison to real life. I know a cage match is not real life but in my opinion about as close as you can get without going at it for real. I have never taken the art and am merely stating my thoughts of it being of limited use. I respect the art and your opinion but still find it of dubious self defense use.

The more "tradtional" style, the Angola, is said to make use of headbutting, some punching, and elbows. It tends to not be as flashy as the Regional style, which is the style that seems to get more exposure. Regional would be style most likely used in the Olympics, if it ever gets there.

[learning kempo-karate]

Hello, It is wonderful to watch. On the streets for real fighting where there are NO rules, fast and furious, and anything goes.

Will Caporiea work? ....not sure... but they do learn how to kick and punche too. They have some nice techniques and moves!

It is hard to hit someone who is always moving like they do in Caporiea.

One thing for sure...they will have more endurance and strength than an everyday person.

We all enjoy the music and performance of Caporiea! That's for sure! .....Aloha

[bushido_man96]

Incidentally, has anyone seen the movie Only the Strong? I thought it was alright. And the Caporieaist that they have on The Quest was awesome to watch.

[KarateEd]

Here's an interesting Capoeira article.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capoeira

Ed