After getting my black belt in Tae Kwon Do, I never thought I would find anything that I could be so passionate about until Capoeira. It’s great because I love martial arts and I love dance, and it fulfills both areas for me. I’m not going to lie, it’s difficult. Sometimes I’m sore for 4 or 5 days, and have bruises from getting kicked by my classmates, but overall it’s worth it because the fun outweighs all of that. I use my mind to overcome being tired before, during and after class as well as the shaking that comes from doing 500 kick for a warmup. I figure I have to work up to a point of not being sore or tired. Will that day ever come?
Most people don’t know that this “dance” – is more a martial art, and was “invented” by the slaves brought to Brazil by the Portuguese. It’s quite impressive to see once you get to a certain level.
I’ve only been at it for a little over a year, and I’m just now starting to get the hang of it. I felt like an uncoordinated monkey at first. I’d never done a cartwheel or handstand before taking this on. Now I can do 10 cartwheels in a row on one side, then turn to the other side and do the same, repeat 8 times, with no problem! Okay, maybe I’m a little dizzy afterward, but the point is, that at 35, I feel incredibly strong to be able to do this.Â
Capoeira was a type of African fight brought to Brazil by the slaves. This clip has a sound along with it because the “Berimbau”, a musical instrument that is played while the movements are performed and actually gives it its rhythm, has a fantastic swing that makes us want to move along. This practice was forbidden for many years for it was considered ” subversive”.

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Maybe Capoeira isn’t for you. If not; I encourage you to find some activity you’re passionate about. If you love dance or martial arts however, give it a try! You may love it as much as I do.
