Abi's Exercise Class
capoeira class by Louise Leonard
Self Defence by Louise Leonard
Team Fun by Louise Leonard
The problem with many women’s fitness programmes is the monotony; the thud, thud, thud of the stepper, the destination less hours spent on a treadmill like a hamster on a wheel, until you ‘accidentally’ lose the gym card you paid a small fortune for.
Salvation is here, however,in the form of the fun, friendly South American martial art, capoeira! Capoeira is the second biggest sport in its native Brazil and its increasing popularity amongst women in the UK is testament to the health benefits and variety in exercise techniques that the sport offers.
Hailed as the only truly authentic Brazilian sport, capoeira embraces both genders and the active encouragement of mixed participation is just one aspect of capoeira that makes it such a uniquely enjoyable activity. The authenticity of the martial art has not been lost in today’s teaching and even in a hall on a frosty evening in the North East’s
Gateshead , the history of capoeira was very much apparent throughout the hour long class. Originating in the sixteenth century during the Portuguese colonisation of the
South Americas , black slaves initially practiced the martial art as a secret means of attack and defence training that would aid them in their fight against the oppressive rule of the slave
owners.
The combative nature of capoeira was disguised with an array of clapping, music and song, still practiced today. Instead of a plugged in ghetto blaster, a capoeira class exercises in time to instruments of African origin that, combined with the rhythmic song of the class professor, gives an exercise environment that no gym can offer!
Immediately reassured by the even split of men to women and the friendly welcome of those already removing their shoes and socks, we took up a place at the back of the room but were encouraged by the enthusiastic professor to come to the front and introduce ourselves.
Capoeira is very much a martial art that promotes moral, as well as physical wellbeing, and this was hugely evident from the way the class, men and women alike, interacted with one another. Girls in sloggi pants and vest tops paired up with men in the full brightly coloured kit, without a second thought.Initially, I chose to watch because the scene in front of me was so fascinating. The class danced in time to a drum, banging together batons, creating a mesmerizing beat.
The game aspect of capoeira was then displayed as everyone formed a circle, still clanging their batons in unison, accompanied by Professor Bacoa’s drum and melodic song. Partners cartwheeled into the centre of the circle and, stepping in time to the rhythm, appeared to stage fight in a style that seemed to bring together all the enjoyable aspects of gymnastics, kickboxing and dance.As the class took a water break, Professor Bacoa explained that he would instruct the whole class while giving my friend and I some individual tuition to bring us up to speed so that we could take part by the end of the session.
Led by one of the more experienced class members, everyone found their own space in the room and, again, in time with one another, practiced impressive sequential kicks, ducks and dance-like steps. Meanwhile, I was learning how to perform the same movements, until my partner and I were able to incorporate them into our own sequence.Partners again cartwheeled into the centre of the circle, ready to do battle, getting as close to one another as possible, while never actually making contact.
My moment in the middle arrived. I was paired with a tall man who was quite able to kick over my head without me needing to duck! But I did all the same and he quietly encouraged me to try out some of the moves, while he in turn responded with ducks and elegant dives.he session ended with everyone worn out but elated. What a night, what a friendly, welcoming group! I am now a capoeira convert and my gym card is well and truly lost!
Details of the Filhos De Bimba School of Capoeira in Newcastle upon Tyne, with classes in Gateshead, Durham and Newcastle , can be found online at bimba.co.uk or by emailing bocaobimba@hotmail.comOther capoeira classes exist across the country from Sussex to Scotland and can be found online.
Abi Mowbray
(Photos by Louise Leonard)
Wed, 02/20/2008 - 18:18 — admin