...And love it!

It really was an easy read, in that I felt it was taking me through a subject that I had no idea about, and opening it gradually for me to take in. I can really see now that if I want to go ahead with capoeira, I want to go Angola style, the original way. All the history, the people and the original spirit of things is what I want to get into.

I've started a routine on my general fitness and flexibility. It feels great!
My body is so fragile these days, I need to get some serious strength back in there.

I'll post up more on the routine soon....

Its times like this that I'm glad I have my own personal trainer at home.

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Where: It's heart is in Bahia, Brazil but practiced in various forms throughout South America and West Africa.
What's it about: Fusing west Africa tribal beliefs with Brazilian Indian witch doctors in receiving ancient spirits from both cultures
History: African slaves find afinity with Indian beliefs, shrouding their religion in Catholic imagery to save face with Portuguese masters.


At night, in the towns and villages dotting the bay of Salvador, people worship an ancient African religion called Candomble. Brought to Brazil by the slaves and banned until as recently as 1970, Candomble is one of the fastest growing and most popular cults in Brazil. Ceremonies are conducted in the Yoruba language of West Africa and differ only slightly from those held in Africa today.

History

Brazil was the last country in the world to abolish slavery of the 3.6 million Africans shipped there. The first arrivals from 1570 came from the Congo, Angola and Mozambique and these people worshiped ancestral spirits. Some slaves managed to escape and form their own communities. They came into contact with native Brazilian Indian elders and witch doctors where they took part in joint sessions, receiving both Indian and African spirits and shared each others myths and knowledge of medicinal herbs. In the 18th century because of a small pox plague in Angola, shaves from Nigeria, Benin and Togo were brought into Brazil adding more African cultures to the mixing pot of Brazil.

Beliefs

Practitioners of Candomble believe in one all powerful god, Olodumare who is served by deities who visit earth and communicate with earthlings through Exu, a messenger god. These are similar to the Christian God and Catholic saints of the Portuguese colonizers. The Brazilian slaves recognised these similarities and identified their deities with the Catholic saints. For instance Omulu, the god of smallpox was very similar to Saint Lazarus the leper. This allowed followers of Candomble to worship their deities in secrete behind the guise of the white man's Saints.

A devotee of Candomble belongs to many deities, or "orixas" which control his destiny and act as his protector. The devotees daily actions, from the food he eats, the clothes he wears and his actions is heavily influenced by his orixas, which are associated with days of the week, food, animals and colours. Like the signs of the zodiac, followers of each orixas will exhibit specific characteristics, like devotees of Xango, the god of thunder, will be proud, aggressive and stubborn. The spiritual force known as axe sustains Candombles. Axe is improved through rites and ceremonies re-enacting the common mythology of the orixas, when devotees can become possessed by the spirit of their orixa. A Candomble priest or priestess uses cowry shells to read your orixas; to show the path of your life, your guiding deities and what ancestor guides your action.

Sacred Space

The first Candomble temple was founding at the start of the 19th century in Salvador, Bahia by Iya Nasso, half Nigerian, half Brazilian. The sacred space is carefully observed by the followers of the Candomble. The world of work, their personal space, their locality is considered profane, and the terreiro or temple is known as the sacred space. A terreiro encompasses indoor and outdoor space, with sanctuaries for the orixas. Traditionally the leader of the group is a black woman who will use divination to communicate with the spirits. Some followers will attend a terreiro only for a consultation of the cowry shells, others will stay for many months and become inducted into a spiritual rebirth and possession by their orixa. Parts of the temple are open to visitors, others are not. When you enter the Terreiro you must rest your body, and splash water to cool the entrance and release the negativity of the world outside. You must use the Motumba salute to embrace every part of the terreiro. Respect for elders and the rituals of the sacred space is fundamental to the functions of the terreiro.

There are three threads to the candomble religion, each associated with different nations. The Gege-Nago Cadomble is based on Yoruband and Fon tradition, whereas Angola-Congo and Caboclo forms of Candomble are based on diverse Bantu and Brazilian sources. The state of Bahia is the centre of Candomble in Brazil. The worship was suppressed in the 19th century and terreiros were raided, and it wasn't until the 1970's when followers worshiped openly. Now it is a hotly contested debate amongst the candomble church as to whether to de-syncretize the Catholic shrouded imagery within candomble or for it remain in its current form fusing the two religions. In Brazilian Candomble, only 16 of around 200 of the African entities are worshipped. The religion has since been exploited for tourism and achieved international fame, performing folk shows in terreiros.

Rituals

Literally speaking, Candomble means a dance in honour of the gods. Food is passed out as the dance usually continues all night. Candomble is a call to the spirits and as the spirit enters the body it falls into a state of trance. After several hours, a change of clothes represents a connection with the spirits. The dancers return to dance to even more complex and symbolic rhythms.


MORE INFO:

ORIGINS
Capoeira And Candomble: Conformity And Resistance Through Afro-Brazilian Experience (book)

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YAY, a week off work and I'm plotting my workout routine.

I *think* I am quite fllexible for a person who has not trained for it. I *think* my body reacts very quickly to exercise and in no time I will regain some muscle definition.

I had a few emails today from various capoeira schools -both in private and group classes. My instinct is telling me that I want to start private lessons first and then get into the dynamics with a group.

Still colecting info on my training.... the plan is slowly forming.
Going for a jog tonight, eating lighter and healthier.
Back to doing some yoga.

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FLEXIBILITY LINKS:

BECOME HEALTHY NOW.COM PROGRAM <=== so much great info here!
CHANGING SHAPE PROGRAM
ANOTHER PROGRAM

STRENGTH TRAINING:

STRENGTH TRAINING PROGRAM

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Big smiles this morning to find snow outside and my book came...

I never know what to expect when I am expecting something ...And the results almost always are either really good -- or really bad. No inbetweens with me.

My first impressions of the book: Really good, a good read, gets to the point and covers the ground works. OK, so I flicked it so far and haven't had the time to get stuck in, so maybe I will change my mind later. But I'm never usually wrong with book impressions.

The back has a whole range of techniques and names. The type of thing I look forward to going over after a training session.

As for now, I just want to get my fitness back -start a routine, build strength and look for the right school to learn.

My friend is now sitting in a small place in Brazil right now, lucky devil! It was just yesterday that I got her email saying that she has moved there for a few months to teach English. Oh well, one day maybe I'll get the chance too. Insanely jealous!

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ok, just when I thought I was going to stick with Angola capoeira....I find this:



Abadá History
It is only recently that a new generation of capoeiristas sought to combine Capoeira Regional and Capoeira Angola to develop a new style which embraces the modernizing innovations of the legendary Mestre Bimba without losing sight of the guiding principles and values which are embedded in the history and philosophy of the art. Standing at the forefront of this contemporary movement is Abada Capoeira.

The main focus of the Abada-Capoeira philosophy is to be found in both Mestre Bimba's Capoeira Regional style and the lessons of Capoeira Angola. It is at this junction where the evolution of capoeira lies, and where its future is discovered hidden in its past.

Philosophy
Abada Capoeira incorporates a multi - leveled philosophy for the development of capoeira. The philosophy includes the relentless pursuit of the technical mastery of capoeira, on both student and teaching levels; the utilization of the art of capoeira as a valuab le pedagogic tool, as well as an artistic and cultural resource; and the transformation of student into teacher through the enlightenment and transfer from the student to the teacher, thus keeping the original value systems of the early capoeira masters, their culture and their life experiences.


Abada Capoeira seeks to promote cultural and human values based on respect, socialization and freedom. It hopes to accomplish these goals by spreading the art of capoeira in and through universities, schools, clubs, associations and diverse communities. It also hopes to emphasize the lessons inherent in its Brazilian cultural and historic roots, and by doing so,promoting social integration between people of different backgrounds and classes. While keeping sight of its social goals, Abada Capoeira also seeks to instill good character, dignity and strong personal values in its students.

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Mestre Bola Sete (José Luiz Oliveira Cruz) trained with Mestre Pessoa Bababá, who was a student of Mestre Pastinha. His own academy, the Centro de Cultura da Capoeira Tradicional Bahiana (Center for Traditional Bahian Capoeira Culture), was founded in 1980. Today, he is the president of the Council of Mestres of the Associação Brasileira de Capoeira Angola (Brazilian Capoeira Angola Association).

Here I have translated the final chapter of his book A Capoeira Angola Na Bahia.

Observations that we must follow in order to acquire a good use of the practice of capoeira



1) Respect and make respected the norms, rituals, and traditions of capoeira Angola.

2) Respect all the mestres of capoeira.

3) Do not apply aggressive hits with players who are more experienced than you, linked kicks and kicks below the waist of your partner, while playing capoeira.

4) When you crouch at the pé do berimbau to play, concentrate, relax the body, and, from the moment you enter the game, do not let your attention deviate from your partner. However, while you are playing, direct your gaze to the front or to the sides, appearing not to pay attention, without staring at your partner, because this will reveal your intentions. Your gaze must never fix itself on anything, although your field of vision should be the most ample possible.

5) Only enter a roda when you are already completely prepared for capoeira.

6) In street rodas, only go to the jogo de dentro at the exact moment of the movement done by your partner, while simultaneously applying a counterattack. Avoid descending when his movement passes at a distance, or when your adversary only feints a movement.

7) When you are playing the jogo de dentro and your partner approaches rapidly to give a kick to the face, not allowing you the opportunity to leave in a rolé or give him a hit, try to get up together with him, putting yourself in the position to apply various hits.

8) Aim to learn the ginga well. Remember that it is the main movement of capoeira, the first to be taught and, consequently, its base.

9) Ginga constantly, aiming to always feint.

10) Every good capoeirista, besides playing capoeira, must know how to play the berimbau and sing. Learn these.

11) Don’t praise yourself to gain respect in the roda. If you are really a good capoeirista, you will be known as such.

12) Don’t demonstrate what you know outside the roda. Only when it is necessary.

13) Observe your more experienced training partners. If you do this, you will learn better.

14) Try to imagine yourself in any difficult situation, seeking the best method to free yourself. When in reality you find yourself in such a situation, you will have a better chance of success.

15) When a chamada is called, approach very carefully because, in the norms of capoeira, the capoeirista that calls the chamada can apply any hit he desires if the other approaches without the necessary caution.

16) When you are playing, only execute capoeira movements of which you have complete control.

17) When you play with a stranger, don’t show all of your game, saving your best hits for the decisive hour, if necessary.

18) Don’t play in a street roda or place with which you are not familiar, without first having observed the environment sufficiently.

19) Pay lots of attention when you get up. This is when the jogo de dentro turns into the jogo de fora.

20) The graduated capoeirista who still finds difficulty in learning a certain capoeira movement must stop doing it, trying instead to perfect himself in the movements that he has already learned.

21) Try to play without touching the body to the ground. Only the hands and the feet must touch the ground. The best capoeiristas used to play in white clothes without soiling them.

22) Only after acquiring good technique through the execution of offensive movements in a slow and progressive manner should the capoeirista worry himself with speed and, consequently, with the power of hits.

23) When practicing capoeira, keep your hands relaxed. If you make a fist for a brief instant, relax it immediately. The closed fist is completely foreign to capoeira’s characteristics, which consist of relaxed movements that allow the free circulation of the blood, and thus the execution of more spontaneous and agile movements.

24) In the beginning of the capoeira game, try to execute slow, circular movements in the jogo de dentro, with the goal of warming up the muscles, so that later you can progress into the jogo de fora, in which the rhythm may stay slow or become faster, depending on the toque played by the berimbau-mestre.

25) During the practice of capoeira, try to avoid the utilization of muscular force. The whole body must be stretched/extended; thus there is no place for this type of force, which is nothing more than superficial energy.

26) Do not consider very important the ability to do flips, complicated movements, and series of extremely rapid hits that, fatally, bring the capoeirista to exhaustion, occurring much in the practice of modern capoeira. In traditional capoeira angola, we direct movements calmly.

27) Capoeira angola is essentially defensive. The capoeirista must try to guide his opponent’s attack in his favor, attracting him with movements of the body, putting him in an unfavorable position.

28) The capoeirista in the beginning of his learning should try to show the hits, to stretch the muscles. When he obtains a certain expertise, the movements can become more closed.

29) Wherever the capoeirista is, capoeira must accompany him. The body and the spirit must be prepared for any situation.

30) When you turn a corner late at night, drag your foot and take the direction of the street, returning to the path later.

31) When you are in any room, never sit with your back towards the entrance, unless in front of you is a mirror or other object that fully reflects the entrance.

32) When you pass through a dark street, always walk in the middle, never on the sides.

33) Never enter a dark corridor.

34) Don’t let yourself be embraced by a stranger as a greeting.

35) Don’t attack. The violence of capoeira is contained in the innermost part of the capoeirista, only manifesting itself at the opportune moment.

36) Never hit your partner when his back is towards you.

37) Be loyal to your friends in the fight.

38) Try to avoid fights. Only fight when you are 100% correct.

39) If you are unable to avoid a fight, try to defend yourself. Stay calm. Don’t rush to apply a hit; give it when the probability of fault is the lowest possible. Try to take advantage of everything the environment can provide. Remember that malícia is essential to the capoeirista and through it you can decide a fight in a question of seconds.

40) The good capoeirista has the obligation to cry at the feet of the adversary. He is crying, but the eyes and the spirit are active.

41) Have faith in what you learned.

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I'm glad to see that there are quite a few video clips out on the net that show the different moves and stuff...

I would try any of them until I get physically in shape which is a while yet to go... And I was told that there is no way of learning capoeira on your own, it should always be learnt through classes and the right instructor.

Here's a video link with clips of moves

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Warming Up

• Cooling Down: (next section)
• How to Stretch: (beginning of chapter)

Stretching is not warming up! It is, however, a very important part of warming up. Warming up is quite literally the process of "warming up" (i.e., raising your core body temperature). A proper warm-up should raise your body temperature by one or two degrees Celsius (1.4 to 2.8 degrees Fahrenheit) and is divided into three phases:

1. general warm-up
2. stretching
3. sport-specific activity

It is very important that you perform the general warm-up before you stretch. It is not a good idea to attempt to stretch before your muscles are warm (something which the general warm-up accomplishes).

Warming up can do more than just loosen stiff muscles; when done properly, it can actually improve performance. On the other hand, an improper warm-up, or no warm-up at all, can greatly increase your risk of injury from engaging in athletic activities.

It is important to note that active stretches and isometric stretches should not be part of your warm-up because they are often counterproductive. The goals of the warm-up are (according to Kurz): "an increased awareness, improved coordination, improved elasticity and contractibility of muscles, and a greater efficiency of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems." Active stretches and isometric stretches do not help achieve these goals because they are likely to cause the stretched muscles to be too tired to properly perform the athletic activity for which you are preparing your body.

• General Warm-Up
• Warm-Up Stretching
• Sport-Specific Activity

General Warm-Up

• Warm-Up Stretching: (next subsection)
• Warming Up: (beginning of section)

The general warm-up is divided into two parts:

1. joint rotations
2. aerobic activity

These two activities should be performed in the order specified above.

• Joint Rotations
• Aerobic Activity

Joint Rotations

• Aerobic Activity: (next subsubsection)
• General Warm-Up: (beginning of subsection)

The general warm-up should begin with joint-rotations, starting either from your toes and working your way up, or from your fingers and working your way down. This facilitates joint motion by lubricating the entire joint with synovial fluid. Such lubrication permits your joints to function more easily when called upon to participate in your athletic activity. You should perform slow circular movements, both clockwise and counter-clockwise, until the joint seems to move smoothly. You should rotate the following (in the order given, or in the reverse order):

1. fingers and knuckles
2. wrists
3. elbows
4. shoulders
5. neck
6. trunk/waist
7. hips
8. legs
9. knees
10. ankles
11. toes

Aerobic Activity

• Joint Rotations: (previous subsubsection)
• General Warm-Up: (beginning of subsection)

After you have performed the joint rotations, you should engage in at least five minutes of aerobic activity such as jogging, jumping rope, or any other activity that will cause a similar increase in your cardiovascular output (i.e., get your blood pumping). The purpose of this is to raise your core body temperature and get your blood flowing. Increased blood flow in the muscles improves muscle performance and flexibility and reduces the likelihood of injury.

Warm-Up Stretching

• Sport-Specific Activity: (next subsection)
• General Warm-Up: (previous subsection)
• Warming Up: (beginning of section)

The stretching phase of your warmup should consist of two parts:

1. static stretching
2. dynamic stretching

It is important that static stretches be performed before any dynamic stretches in your warm-up. Dynamic stretching can often result in overstretching, which damages the muscles (see section Overstretching). Performing static stretches first will help reduce this risk of injury.

• Static Warm-Up Stretching
• Dynamic Warm-Up Stretching

Static Warm-Up Stretching

• Dynamic Warm-Up Stretching: (next subsubsection)
• Warm-Up Stretching: (beginning of subsection)

Once the general warm-up has been completed, the muscles are warmer and more elastic. Immediately following your general warm-up, you should engage in some slow, relaxed, static stretching (see section Static Stretching). You should start with your back, followed by your upper body and lower body, stretching your muscles in the following order (see section Exercise Order):

1. back
2. sides (external obliques)
3. neck
4. forearms and wrists
5. triceps
6. chest
7. buttocks
8. groin (adductors)
9. thighs (quadriceps and abductors)
10. calves
11. shins
12. hamstrings
13. instep

Some good static stretches for these various muscles may be found in most books about stretching. See section References on Stretching. Unfortunately, not everyone has the time to stretch all these muscles before a workout. If you are one such person, you should at least take the time to stretch all the muscles that will be heavily used during your workout.

Dynamic Warm-Up Stretching

• Static Warm-Up Stretching: (previous subsubsection)
• Warm-Up Stretching: (beginning of subsection)

Once you have performed your static stretches, you should engage in some light dynamic stretching: leg-raises, and arm-swings in all directions (see section Dynamic Stretching). According to Kurz, you should do "as many sets as it takes to reach your maximum range of motion in any given direction", but do not work your muscles to the point of fatigue. Remember -- this is just a warm-up, the real workout comes later.

Some people are surprised to find that dynamic stretching has a place in the warm-up. But think about it: you are "warming up" for a workout that is (usually) going to involve a lot of dynamic activity. It makes sense that you should perform some dynamic exercises to increase your dynamic flexibility.

Sport-Specific Activity

• Warm-Up Stretching: (previous subsection)
• Warming Up: (beginning of section)

The last part of your warm-up should be devoted to performing movements that are a "watered-down" version of the movements that you will be performing during your athletic activity. HFLTA says that the last phase of a warm-up should consist of the same movements that will be used during the athletic event but at a reduced intensity. Such sport-specific activity is beneficial because it improves coordination, balance, strength, and response time, and may reduce the risk of injury.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction
Disclaimer
Acknowledgements
About the Author
Physiology of Stretching
The Musculoskeletal System
Muscle Composition
How Muscles Contract
Fast and Slow Muscle Fibers
Connective Tissue
Cooperating Muscle Groups
Types of Muscle Contractions
What Happens When You Stretch
Proprioceptors
The Stretch Reflex
Components of the Stretch Reflex
The Lengthening Reaction
Reciprocal Inhibition
Flexibility
Types of Flexibility
Factors Limiting Flexibility
How Connective Tissue Affects Flexibility
How Aging Affects Flexibility
Strength and Flexibility
Why Bodybuilders Should Stretch
Why Contortionists Should Strengthen
Overflexibility
Types of Stretching
Ballistic Stretching
Dynamic Stretching
Active Stretching
Passive Stretching
Static Stretching
Isometric Stretching
How Isometric Stretching Works
PNF Stretching
How PNF Stretching Works
How to Stretch
Warming Up
General Warm-Up
Joint Rotations
Aerobic Activity
Warm-Up Stretching
Static Warm-Up Stretching
Dynamic Warm-Up Stretching
Sport-Specific Activity
Cooling Down
Massage
Elements of a Good Stretch
Isolation
Leverage
Risk
Some Risky Stretches
Duration, Counting, and Repetition
Breathing During Stretching
Exercise Order
When to Stretch
Early-Morning Stretching
Stretching With a Partner
Stretching to Increase Flexibility
Pain and Discomfort
Common Causes of Muscular Soreness
Stretching with Pain
Overstretching
Performing Splits
Common Problems When Performing Splits
The Front Split
The Side Split
Split-Stretching Machines
References on Stretching
Recommendations
Additional Comments
Working Toward the Splits
lower back stretches
lying buttock stretch
groin and inner-thigh stretch
seated leg stretches
seated calf stretch
seated hamstring stretch
seated inner-thigh stretch
psoas stretch
quadricep stretch
lying `V' stretch
Normal Ranges of Joint Motion
Neck
Lumbar Spine
Shoulder
Elbow
Wrist
Hip
Knee
Ankle
Index

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Program Fundamentals

Prior to creating a program or choosing one from my selection, you will need to read this material to grasp a greater understanding of what should be included in your custom program and what to expect from mine.

Every program I offer to you on this site has a basic structure. When creating your own you should have this structure or something similiar:

Goal: _______
Program type: _______
Time it will take: _______
How many days a week you will be doing this: _______
* A small list of warm-up exercises *
* A small list of other fun things to do when stretching * (Optional)
* The actual program itself * (List of flexibility exercises)
Goal: This is what you wish to achieve. Higher kicks, splits, or both? Since I expect you have read the principles of flexibility section and the other previous sections I discussed the 3 types of flexibility in, you should know what you need to do to meet your goal.

Program type: What type of program is this? What is the name of it? The program you choose or create will correspond to your goal. If you wanted higher kicks for instance you would have a dynamic flexibility increase program. If you wanted to obtain the splits, you would create a static flexibility increase program.

Time it will take: Time yourself the first time you go through your program and round it up to an even number. Take that number and add 7-10 minutes or more for a warmup. The sum of these two amounts will be your minimum program time.

Example

49 minutes 21 seconds was the time it took you to finish your program for the first time. You also did an 8 minute warm up. Round it up : 50 minutes program time and 8 minutes worth of warm up = 58 minutes. Round up one more time : 1 hour program. Timing yourself helps give you an idea how much time you will be spending on the program. This makes it easier to incorporate into your schedule and motivate you if you suddenly feel like stopping. I highly recommend timing yourself in the manner I described. How many days a week: Improving flexibility requires lots of time and commitment. You should decide how many days a week you think you will need to do this to meet your goal (Or if it's a program I made then follow how many days I described in it).

Warm-up exercise list: If you are doing this seperate from your training sessions then you are going to need a warm up. Often you may run out of warm up ideas, so writing down a list of exercises will help you add some variety to your warm ups.

Entertainment: The whole point of following a stretching program is to increase your flexibility, but you can make it more enjoyable by doing other things at the same time. Reading a book, watching TV, listening to music, or doing homework are just a few things you can do to making stretching more interesting. Be sure this does not distract you though. Keep aware of what you are doing and focus on the stretching above all.

The Program: The most important part of the program is the program itself! You will need to find some stretches and write down which muscle groups you are working on. We will cover what exactly will be included in your program in the next few sections.

I have actually made a program for myself and wrote it down on paper. This is an example of what one of mine would look like if I made one.



Here is a program written in a good ole' notebook!
(Note: It's spiral bound :)

I have the goal, program type, time it will take, and days of the week all set up (the stuff highlighted in orange). Check out the lightning bug I drew in the upper left!

A closer look...

I love Fiji water! And yes, I am a hotdog! Oh... Who said you can't decorate it a bit if you're really bored haha?
Below in the blue highlight I have the warm up exercise list (mine is short, just three exercises) and some entertainment ideas.

Here is the actual program and the list of stretches.

Warm up for 8 minutes here, then it lists some stretches and a bit more.



The second half of my program.

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Lurking in forums, making notes, getting a feel for the subject...


1) Listen to the music more

2) Play slower....SLOWER!!! Music in capoeria doesn't have much variation of tempo.....so play evenly, someone mentioned/suggested that you might be being too closed; is this because of all your transition movements eg. you say your Au's are 'rapid' whilst your kicks are slow??? play more evenly.

3) Playful attitude (ultra important!!) smile, relax, chill a bit, try not to think of set combinations and execute them, ginga a bit more, throw in the odd seemingly non-martial movement (like a giro say). Let movements come to you at the time you need them as opposed to forcing them out.

4) Try to get kicked (sounds like madness, but this will teach you loads) like how to escape and counter in one movement etc.

5) Try to kick them!! Now your playing slower it won't matter so much if you occasionally hit them ;-) More than this though, it actually helps in develop the game, rather than them just being able to move back, escape etc. trade movements more.

6) Play closer, risky when playing fast, learn loads playing slower. Also, you can do less at a closer range and still be threatening or dangerous if the need arises.

7)Mirror: One of the first things that we are taught in capoeira! And then all promptly forget!!! Works both ways; you say you favour 'fulid circles' for attacking kicks, this is fine for an aggresive game, can the person your playing with respond with several fluid esquivas???

8) is a game as they say in the olde pool halls!

________________________

You all should slow down and watch what the other person is doing. Learn to interact and read your friend.

Theres plenty of time later for "macho chest beating", and at this point what do you really learn if I came in and jacked you up, or each other??.
I can bet that if i were to stop the games and ask what the last three movements your "opponent" was doing, 90% of you wouldnt have a clue.

________________________

There are times when fast games are appropriate, and there are people who you can/should play that way with. I don't pound of kids on their first day of class. I pull my kicks and wait for their esquiva.

More on topic with the original post, I feel there is an art to blending the dance/fight. If you can switch back and forth easily and fluidly you can keep your opponent off guard, be more creative, and move in ways that wouldn't have been possible or apparent if it was solely a fight. To have people think that you're always looking forwhen to throw that martelo at their head means that they won't open up thier game to you. This in turn will limit your game, and prevent certain types of games from occurring. From a training point, slower games are where you learn to dodge, control your kicks, and work on movement and blending new moves into your game.

________________________

A perfect game of Regional will be a mixture of ground and acrobatic moves that are well tuned to attack and defence conversations between the two players. What a lot of people forget when training regional is that it is possibly better to practice slowly ( a little more like Angola) but get the moves tight and perfected than to straight away try an armada with the fastest kick you can for instance.
________________________

Capoeira is also powerful medecine. If you feel something coming on or you feel exhausted, push yourself to go and prepare to feel cleansed in a couple of hours.

________________________
I'm not exactly traditional capoeira but Ill try to help. In my own experiance here is what I know. Capoeira is exausting(though I still get a feeling of exhileration at the same time) but it's not hard if you have a good teacher that lets you go at your own pace. Capoeira will build your arm and leg strength like nothing else while cutting fat. (because your on your hands more than your on your feet it gives you arm muscle and it takes stomach muscles to do stuff like handstands).

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* How hard is it for a beginner?

-I prefer the word "challenging" rather than "hard". Any time you start something new, it's always going to be a challenge, especially on the body and on coordination. The "ginga" stance (the basic movement of Capoeira) usually takes a couple classes to get (a lot of people won't have their hands guarding their face, or have their arms swinging in the wrong direction), but just remember, when you first started Kung-Fu, it took a while to get going too.

There are many, many advanced movements that take weeks, months, or years to master, so understandably, no one's going to expect you to pick them up right away.

* Are there 'Forms' and 'Kadas' like in Kung-fu?

It depends from group to group, although we prefer the term "sequencias" (sequences). Most of these are practiced with a partner and with most sequences, each person is doing something different. The late Mestre Bimba had a series of these (read "The Little Capoeira Book" by Nestor Capoeira for more details) and whatever instructor you sign up with will have his or her own as well.

One sequencia might go as follows ...

Person A Person B
Ginga (basic stance) Ginga
Galopante (open palm slap) Catula Alta (palm block)
Ponteiro (straight kick) Trava de Mao (low block)
Quiexada (step in circle kick) esquiva->cabecada (defensive dodge->headbutt)

* I am 15. How many kids my age are in Capoeira?

In my academy, there is a large range of age. The youngest are about five, oldest about mid-40s. The concentration would be people in their 20s, although there are a fair amount of teenagers in the group.

* I am looking to loose a little weight and build some muscle...is Capoeira good for that?

Hell yeah. Expect to go through several t-shirts over the course of your Capoeira career. Some guys who sweat a lot end up going through a few shirts a year. Your body will feel pretty tender the first few weeks as your muscles adjust, but they're going to get a great workout.

Being that it's specific training, don't expect to build muscle mass, but you will get very toned.

* How much equipment should I expect to buy?

Price of a standard uniform varies from academy to academy,,,abadas (pants) can be made out of really bizarre fabric and may be imported by your academy (read: expect to pay $30-60) while t-shirts are usually pretty cheap (under $20). Outside of that, you're pretty much ready to go.

Optional equipment can include martial arts shoes (just cheap lightweight canvas shoes with non-marking soles are sufficient, although you can go to Chinatown and get actual martial arts shoes) or tape (as it is, most people train barefoot, which really toughens up their feet).

Really nice to have is a berimbau, the Brazillian instrument which is the basis for Capoeira music and rhythm. These can wildly vary in price (really cheap if you're in Brazil, very expensive to import), although you're probably going to want to buy it through your academy.

* How much time should I expect to practice at home?

As much as humanly possible. Realistically, about an hour a day. Sadly, I don't have time (or, I don't make enough time) to do this myself.

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- i am almost 27. am I old for Capoeira?

No. Very simple :)
I'm 25, started 2 years ago, and while I am a little older than average, it's only a little, and there are people who start after 35.

- i have never ever trained myself into any kind of gymnastic or sport, but i have made this decision... to start urgently something... can this be capoeira or should i have some qualifications? (i know ... i used to be a very lazy person, but this will change soon!)

The only qualification you'll need is the courage to actually go to a class, and the motivation to endure some muscle soreness the first few trainings. It's like any new sport, you'll use all kinds of muscles you haven't used in ages...

But since Capoeira is so rewarding, I'm pretty optimistic that you won't want to quit after the first few trainings anyway :)

- are the schools/seminars expensive? A general answer would be fine. You know here in Greece when ever something "sells" the law of offer and demand is highly followed!!!!!

About as expensive as another martial art, at least here in switzerland. Which means, no, it's not cheap, but no, it's not terribly expensive either. I pay rather much, 280.- swiss francs per 3 months, which is about 200$. Plus a few pairs of abadas and some T-shirts.

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capoeira keeps you looking young.
it's the fountain of youth!
(there's two women in one of the classes i go to that are 32 and 37 respectively and i wouldn't have put them a day over 26)
go for it!

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after reading all of that, i have to say something. Some Good Advice Is Too Run. Running (Or Jogging) Will Keep Your Stamina Up So You Can Play In The Roda Longer, And Just Make You Last Longer Over All In Your Training. It Will Build Your Lungs Up Making Them Bigger So You Can Take In More Air. More Air, More Playing/Training, Less Recovery Time,And Over All... More Fun.

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Regarding that running advice - I know of two people who actually have back problems because they were running (too?) often. And I know of two people who are really really healthy because they are running every day. So, it really depends on your technique, if you run, make sure you do it properly and do some research about running technique and proper shoes and all first. I don't like running at all, so I can't give you any personal advice, and these are just my observations...

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btw upper body strength isnt really that important. I have none and i can do things that much strgoner ppl find very difficult or impossible. Its more about just practicing; your muscles dont get 'stronger' as such, they get better. For me anyway. Although you will get stronger...
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I agree, partially. I think it's mainly a weight thing. If you have no upper body strength, but very little mass, you have to move less body weight with your muscles. If you're stronger, there's more body weight to lug around.

I am sometimes really jealous when weaker (and skinnier) Capoeiristas just jump around as if there was nothing to it :-)
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You will develop as you go, don't worry about it. At first the cardio is hard, you're often out of breath and it's a little frustrating, so if you want to start to work on that it might be a good idea. And don't worry about how hard it is. You do what you can, and progressively grow. It's not like you're going to be a full capoeirista on the first class! Relax, there's nothing to worry about.

dont worry about how in shape you are now, muscle helps but strong or not your still going to get sore legs from ginga, and blisters on your feet aswell as wake up without being able to bend your back or shrug yoru shoulders..... after 4-6 months or so of capoeira depending on how often you train youll probably start to notice all these odd little things that have changed in the body, shoulders popping, jumping higher.. etc etc..

capoeira movements are often very physicaly demanding but is no more demanding than you are of yourself by the end of class.

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Capoeira is practice.

Once you start, you dont want to stop anymore.
If you are fat , you will sudden become thin.
If you are weak you will become strong.
If you are ugly, sorry ...maybe in another life... who knows...

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is it hard to start?? no - it's hard to stop :)
probably when you go to first training you will be confused ... people doing incredible stuff, strange commands, mysterius music... maby your body will dissapoint you, wou won't be able to repeat difficult sequences because your kneees will not hold your body anymore ... and the next day - you won't be able to move a muscle, but ... you will never be more agitated in you entire life!!!! you will go to another trening, and another... and before you realise what has happened - you are addicted, but in a good way :) you can't sleep, you eat more than usualy, you dream about it, talk about it ... and that how it goes:) To start capoeira you must find yourself a group, a trainer, some comfortable clothes, free time and offcours a courage to go to first training. When I started capoeira I was 19.I was starting my studies on Uniwersity and I've moved to a city from small village. I had a year gap in my phisical education so I was in a terrible shape. But then I had the oppotunity to start capoeira, so I found myself a group. First I went just to look, then the next day i came for a training. I also ceme the next day, to strech my hurting muscles, and the next day... and next day ... it was crazy and I felt every bone, muscle and string in my body ... but it was wonderfull!!! :)
My advice - and I think just not only mine - go and feel what it mean to train capoeira :) discover it by yourself because none of us can describe everything what is happening in our body and mind while we play in roda and train till we fall flat on the ground
I wish you luck and send a lot of possitive energy to all capoeristas :)

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I have often wondered if babies think to themselves: "How will I learn to walk?" or maybe: "Is it hard to learn to eat by myself with a fork and knife?"

The point is, yes. Everything is a new experience the first time you try it. If it is difficult or what have you, is purely subjective. What I might have thought very difficult and someone else picked it right up. Cada um é cada um.
"Each one is each one."

Can you dig it?

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OK OK! Enough for tonight! I'm just loving all the info.....

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This last week, I have decided to take my first step into ggetting fit and learning capoeira.

I need something to focus on, a challenge, bring my senses back to my body-mind connection.

And this is it. So I looked through ebay for a good deal and found a copy of the book everyone tells me to get: THE LITTLE CAPOEIRA BOOK - GOOD READ!

Looking through a few websites, putting some info together, slowly building up a plan to get back into shape. It was when I came across this website when I really began to smile. From what I have read so far, I prefer to stick to the more traditional Angola style, stick with traditions and see how it goes...

So many forums, so many good websites from all around the world, so many facts to absorb, so much knowledge about the artform itself, I haven't even started getting into the moves and things...

I do know that this will take a long time to get into, mainly because I haven't been physically active since I gave up track sports in 1998... good thing I still have time on my side. But then again, I noticed that the sport (if you can call it a sport) is not about how high you can jump and kick, it isn't about competing with ego on your physical aspects, it goes so much more deeper --a personal challenge.

This is what I really liked about it. I can't wait to get my book this wekk and read more about it, get started on my fitness program and contact a few capoeira groups in the area.

Its a good start. My aim: By December, I hope to be a little descent in my attempts of grasping the vast moves and information.

They say you never really get out of the beginner stage until year 5....
Thats good. I'll just get started up now.

I think I should include a good link for every post I make, my choice is this website for all the good downloadable videos and tips on stretching and improvng flexibility. Some of the videos made me smile, a little humour to it, I like. Good website!

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