BASICS

At the heart of Capoeira is the Ginga.  This is the movement often compared to the swaying of grass, and you can see that it seems to keep the players moving. Beginners are introduced to the Ginga, and all students are encouraged to constantly improve their technique, no matter how experienced. The Ginga becomes more natural with practice.

Other techniques in Capoeira are known as Malicia or Mandinga, which refer to cunning used in the game, and the magic that results from a cleverly played game.  Finally something that distinguishes Capoeira from other arts is the use of evasive tactics. 

The idea is not to make yourself available for the opponents attack, and blocking is a last resort. In Capoeira this is known as negacas. This is one of the fundamental qualities that makes Capoeira so fluid in appearance.

Practice helps you to understand your own abilities, and your own game. This learning experience is never ending. Because every class is different, the more sessions you can attend a week the more you will benefit.  Browse our Benefits page for a summary of how Capoeira could help you.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE GAME

There is quite a lot of philosophy behind Capoeira which the student will begin to understand with time.  This comes with a genuine interest, and is explained in books such as Capoeira Arte by Mestre Deputado.  The following quote might give you a feel for what we call Malicia.  This is something that each student will inevitably develop as part of their game.  The first thing to take on board is to try and develop good humour.   Mestre Suassuna's style shows this in every game he plays.

The Game is not only an exchange of blows, counterattacks, and dodges.  In the heat of the roda we witness many surprising reactions and emotions: violence, aggressiveness and fear, brutality, ignorance and stupidity, desire to dominate and to subdue others at any cost, and the inability to have a relaxed and positive dialogue.