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New Gameplan host Mara Lopez discovers a different kind of refuge from the hustle and bustle of city life through Capoeira
MANILA, Philippines – Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art that originated in Angola, incorporates complex fighting stances in a series of graceful, coordinated movements.
“You need to understand how your body works. Not just the technique, but how to apply those techniques with the weight of your body so that you can do it properly,” shared Gameplan host Mara Lopez who tried doing the sport for the first time.
Capoeira relies heavily on rhythm and music. Participants usually create music through drums, a native Brazilian single-string percussion instrument called the berimbau, and rhythmic chants to fuel the spirit of the game.
Joseph Pagulayan, country director of an international capoeira school named Kadara Capoeira, shared what these songs conveyed. “There’s this (Brazilian) Capoeira song that perfectly says it all. (In English), it just says that capoeira is the blood in my veins. Every time you hear the berimbau play, you feel a vibration in your body. And your legs want to start moving. It’s like your spirit is lifted,” he said.
Contrary to other martial art forms, Capoeira does not usually focus on knocking down one’s opponent. “When people do Capoeira, I don’t see a battle. I see partners flowing with each other’s movements. It was this whole very flowing and graceful thing and that’s how I would like to live my life. Reacting to what life throws at me in the most gracious manner possible,” shared Mara. – Rappler.com
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