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Rhythm attack

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From a slave game to cultural heritage, capoeira has endured the test of time to become a worldwide sport

In 16th century Brazil, slaves were used to process sugar cane. The lucky ones who escaped developed fighting tactics for surviving the hostile environment – moves that later turned into a dance of war accompanied by music.

And so the sport of capoeira was born. Capoeira blends attack and defence with dance-like movements, acrobatics, music, instruments and songs.

Today, capoeira is a recognised form of martial art which is practised all over the world. The sport is officially considered intangible to the cultural heritage of Brazil.

For people not familiar with the practice, it’s difficult to decipher whether it’s a sport, dance or martial art.

For Mestre Caxias, the founder of the Abu Dhabi-based organisation Capoeira Arte Brasil which teaches adult and children’s capoeira classes, it’s all of these and more.

He says, “Capoeira is a fusion of martial arts, dance, sport, exercise, singing and even ritual. For someone like me who’s been doing this every day for 30 years, this is my life.”

Push the tempo

Capoeira students mimic a fight according to the beat and rhythm of the berimbau – a single-stringed bow instrument – and atabaque, a tall hand drum.

The pace of the battle is determined by the tempo of the music and chants by other participants. During the course of the duel, participants can kick, jump, tumble and move their body for offensive and defensive purposes.

“We do various movements that teach coordination and timing, and improve reflexes;
you need to be alert to avoid getting hit,” explains Mestre.

Capoeira is performed in groups and Mestre explains that this helps bring the community together.

“I can’t play capoeira by myself. It requires a team because everyone feeds from the rhythm and energy of each other. Capoeira is intense but it’s a fun and social sport.”

Mestre even gives playful nicknames to his students based on his impression of them.

Longtime students Mubarak “Rambo” Almehairi and Leila “Alegria” Othman love the health and physical benefits of the sport.

Mubarak says, “I’ve done other sports but nothing beats capoeira for me. The intense and continuous movements mean I get an entire body workout.”

Leila adds, “The music adds an element of fun and energy – it motivates you to push forward despite the fatigue.”

For more information about Capoeira Arte Brasil and its class schedule, contact: 055 841 7843 or search for Capoeira Abu Dhabi Caxias on Facebook.

Ferdinand Godinez

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