Greetings, everyone! Today, we're diving into the vibrant world of Capoeira, a unique martial art that beautifully blends dance, music, and combat. After diving into the world of "Only the Strong," I thought it would be fitting to take a closer look at this incredible style.
The Roots of Capoeira
Capoeira is a unique and captivating martial art that originated in Brazil. Its history is deeply intertwined with the country’s colonial past, where enslaved Africans developed this art form as a means of self-defense disguised as a dance. The rhythmic movements, acrobatics, and music are all integral parts of Capoeira, making it not just a martial art, but a vibrant cultural expression.
One of the things that makes Capoeira so fascinating is its blend of martial arts, dance, and music. Each Capoeira session, known as a "roda," (pronounced "hoh-dah" is accompanied by traditional instruments like the berimbau, atabaque, and pandeiro. The practitioners, called "capoeiristas," move in a fluid and acrobatic style, creating a mesmerizing display of agility and strength.
Capoeira in Pop Culture
"Only the Strong" was a pioneering force in bringing Capoeira to the global stage in 1993, but it’s not the only time Capoeira has dazzled audiences. From video games like Tekken, featuring the character Eddy Gordo (1997), to movies like "Ocean's Twelve" (2004) and "The Protector" (2005), Capoeira has made its mark in various forms of entertainment. The art's unique and visually stunning moves have captured the imaginations of audiences around the world.
Honorable mention to the movie "The Mighty Quinn" (1989) featuring Denzel Washington in one of his earlier roles fighting in a Capoeira battle, though it's not a focus of the movie.
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| Denzel says "What the f***" after a surprise knockdown, before turning the tables. |
Training in Capoeira
If "Only the Strong" has sparked your interest in learning Capoeira, you're not alone! Many people find themselves drawn to this dynamic martial art. Capoeira schools can be found worldwide, and they offer classes that teach both the physical techniques and the cultural aspects of this fascinating discipline.
It was actually one of my Eagle Claw instructors who first introduced me to Capoeira. For some quick background, my Eagle Claw instructor, Lily Lau, is the head of our lineage. Her reputation attracts students from around the world who wish to train under her and potentially open their own branch kung fu schools. One such individual was Sifu Jay Lima, who I also came to know as Mestre Faisca.
Sifu Jay Lima grew up learning Capoeira as a young boy in his hometown. His Capoeira nickname, "Faisca," which means "spark" in Portuguese, was given to him by his mestre to reflect his quick and agile movements. In Capoeira, nicknames, or "apelidos," are traditional and are often given to practitioners based on their personality, physical traits, or something memorable from their training. These nicknames become an integral part of their Capoeira identity.
When I later attended San Francisco State University, I discovered they offered a Capoeira class taught by a very skilled Capoeira instructor, Mestre Preguiça. Often, the first day of a college course is almost a formality, especially for a "fun" P.E. elective. Students usually expect to hear about the schedule, teaching structure, grading requirements, and other administrative details.
However, this was not the case for Mestre Preguiça's class. On the first day, instead of going over the syllabus, we were told to put aside our bags, take off our shoes, and run barefoot through the entire SFSU campus. This included running across asphalt, around the track, and up and down the bleachers—for a full hour! Needless to say, a lot of students dropped the class after that first session. But those who stayed quickly realized they were in for a serious martial arts course with a solid foundation in Capoeira. I also recommend the book "Capoeira: Art of Survival" (by Mestre Preguica) as a great resource, if you are able to find it. I still have my copy from his classes at SFSU and refer to it on occasion.
Final Thoughts
Beyond the physical benefits, Capoeira teaches important values such as respect, discipline, and community. It’s a martial art that encourages cooperation and mutual support through the very way it is practiced, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie among practitioners.
In addition, its rich cultural heritage has influenced many aspects of modern entertainment and continues to inspire people worldwide. Whether you're a martial arts enthusiast or someone who enjoys learning about different cultures, Capoeira has something to offer.
I hope this exploration of Capoeira has given you a deeper appreciation for the art form behind "Only the Strong." Stay tuned for more posts on martial arts, movies, and everything in between!
Until next time, keep kicking, punching, and embracing the martial arts spirit!
~T
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