CAPOEIRA (info, video, etc.)

[CowboyPete]

yeah, that sounds to me as the biggest problem with Capoeira. That the kicks that they use, seems to be so "telegraphed" and easily avoided.

Have you ever seen full contact, serious capoeira? The majority of the capoeira you'll see is the equivalent of half-speed, light or no contact sparring in any other art. The moves are quite obviously telegraphed because you're not supposed to hit your opponent but instead give them time to react appropriately.

As far as capoeira's validity as a martial art, it is a battle tested art that's proved itself effective. Most incarnations you'll find now-a-days are watered down and for recreation (like any MA that looks really cool) but it still exists as a hardcore thing. It's the most physically demanding martial art I've ever seen in terms of dynamic balance and bodily awareness (I've seen two Capoeiristas duking it out in a square that was something like 2x2ft... simply amazing). The kicks can be extremely powerful, extremely fast and extremely effective.

 

[SpecialSauce]

I'm 6'7" 265 lbs ... been doing capoeira for 5 years and started a website about capoeira
http://www.capoeirista.com

What's over looked about capoeira is that it teaches you to MOVE ... to avoid getting hit.

I've done a lot of different styles I don't think there are any that forces a bog guy like me to move my body as much as capoeira.

Though when I fight MMA I fight more kickboxing the capoeira has definitely improved my agility and my ability not to be hit.

 

[Duende]

I really wish I could find a decent place to do a bit of Capo training myself here in Oregon. I find it fascinating. Hope there isn't a rule about jumping up old threads, I just thought this was a great thread.