When Mestre Pastinha, a legendary Capoeira master, was asked to define Capoeira, he replied, "It is everything that the mouth eats." Capoeira was originally practiced by African slaves as a method of cultural expression, but as Patinha stated, it clearly involves much more, being a practice that nurtures all dimensions of living, physical, mental, and spiritual.
Capoeira aims to help students develop themselves and become complete human beings. It can be described as a small-scale representation of life; while performing or practicing in the Capoeira ring (roda) students have the ability to be open and flexible while experiencing a variety of emotions and exploring their strengths and weaknesses, fears and frustrations. It is a challenging and constant process of personal expression, self-reflection, and growth.
Like challenges? Take the Capoeira Quiz.
