The Sport of Capoeira

One type of sports that is famous among the young people of today is martial arts. Just like all types of sports events, every martial art has been revised from its root teachings to become venues where an individual learns core values like humility, discipline and, of course, sportsmanship.

One martial art is Capoeira. This is a martial art that is thought to be African in origin, but was developed and perfected in the country of Brazil by African slaves imported there during the 16th century. Some claim however that, though black people from Africa created the art, it is purely Brazilian by birth.

Capoeira is distinct for its frequent use of musical rhythms and beats from which the practitioner takes his moves. Capoeira is also easily noticeable for its heavy use of the feet instead of the hands, reflecting on a historical fact that African slaves were shackled at the hands and were unable to use them to defend themselves. Any observer will readily spot a Capoeira practitioner because he or she is constantly moving, unlike other martial arts where the fighter may pause and wait for the opponent to attack.

When practicing Capoeira, a practitioner - called a capoeirista in the art's lingo - gains several valuable skills like flexibility. They have to be very flexible enough to be able to execute the handstands, somersaults, rolls and many other acrobatics that are associated with the art of Capoeira. They also get to develop strength in the arms and legs, as well as learning to shift balance to the left and right.