Charleston’s only Capoeira group demonstrated and taught the basic techniques of this dancelike Brazilian martial art to the College Feb. 26.
The art of Capoeira is based in Afro-Brazilian culture and has elements of fight, play, ritual and music.
“Capoeira is a game,” said Jesse Colon, a master of the art.
African slaves first created Capoeira in Brazil. They would play the game in secret, gathering in a circle or roda and take turns to play instruments or pair off in the center and have one-on-one sparring or joda (playing in the roda) matches. The sparring consists of fighting techniques and self-defense movements in a free form dance-off.
More than 50 students and participants came to the Capoeira demonstration presented by the College of Charleston’s Portuguese club.
Before the Capoeira group began, Colon invited the students to form a tight circle with the group, and everyone waited for the music.
“In Capoeira, the music sets the rhythm, the style and energy of the play,” Colon said.
One of the significant instruments played during Capoeira is the berimbau. The berimbau, a one-stringed instrument originating in Africa, starts the pace of the music. Whoever plays the berimbau controls the pace of the game. In earlier forms of Capoeira, the berimbau was used in rituals in Africa and signified a spiritual force that gave life to man, animal and spirit. Other instruments follow the berimbau’s beat during a game. The basic instruments used in Capoeira are the atabaque (large drum), the pandeiro (tambourine) and the a go-go (bell).
Next Colon encouraged the students to sing. “Capoeira is the only martial art that involves singing,” said Colon. “The singing is significant because it keeps the energy strong.”
The Capoeira songs are all sung in Portuguese. The lyrics date back hundreds of years and often tell stories. As the students sang and clapped, Colon and the Capoeira group began the game.
Portuguse Club president, senior Dorothy Hanrahan, said the demonstration fascinated her.
“What I enjoyed most about the Capoeira demonstration on Friday was how captivating it is to watch due to the beautiful fluidity of the movements. Capoeira is also a very inclusive spectator martial art, as the people who gather around to watch are encouraged to participate in singing, clapping and going with the beat of the artists’ movements,” Hanrahan said.
During the demonstration, Colon invited all participants to step in the center of the circle and play. More than 10 students participated in sparring that lasted over an hour.
Over the last 10 years, Capoeira has traveled from its native land in Brazil, conquering the minds and hearts of people all over the world. The Capoeira group practices at the James Island Recreation Complex, 1088 Quail Drive. Classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m.
