1) It's fun and simply addictive. Capoeira is very challenging and also
extremely satisfying when you realize you're making progress, little by little. Watching mestres and other experienced capoeiristas
play makes me realize how much I have yet to learn and inspires me to elevate the intensity of my training so that I can reach
those higher levels.
2) To its creators, capoeira was about freedom, and this is what
it means to me as well. I find that capoeira is a release from the pressures of daily life - when I play capoeira, I can forget
about the difficulties at my job, that pchem test I have to study for, and those grad schools I have to check out. I can focus
only on the music and the movement; direct all my physical and mental energy to balance and flow and interaction with the
other player.
3) As a result, it always puts me in a good mood :-) I leave capoeira
class energized... well ok, sometimes I leave exhausted, but I'm always mentally refreshed and cheerful. I've gone to practice
capoeira when I'm upset, and it really helps calm and clear my mind.
4) There's always something new to work on - besides an infinite
number of moves, there's the instruments, the songs, the language, the culture, the history, and the philosophy. Every game
in every roda is different, so it never gets old. And each person's style of play is as unique as their fingerprint.
5) I love the dynamics of the roda: how games can range from the
friendly and cooperative to the competitive to the genuinely aggressive. I like the complexity of the interaction between
the players, how you throw and dodge kicks and pull off moves in time with the other person, all the while looking for an
opportunity to trick 'em, trap 'em, or take 'em down - and not letting them do the same to you!
6) The way it teaches you to take risks, to not fear looking "stupid"
- the first time you try that move you're gonna fall in some ridiculous way anyway... might as well just go for it! Eventually,
you just stop caring about how silly you might appear. Being someone who used to be very concerned with appearances and with
what other people thought of me - capoeira has helped me lessen that substantially.
7) The awesome people I train with! These guys and gals make
class extraordinarily entertaining, and keep me from taking myself (or my height) *too* seriously :-D Also,
being part of the capoeira "family" means that anywhere I go, fellow capoeiristas have welcomed me into their academies and
homes with open arms.
8) The way it introduces you to Afro-Brazilian culture... there
is a lot to learn and adjust to. Because of capoeira I've discovered the joys of the Brazilian language (beautiful), music
(innovative and interesting), food (delicious), history (complicated and fascinating), and way of life (completely different
from the one I was used to growing up in the U.S.) The time I spent in Brazil pushed me out of my comfort zone, opening my
eyes to a lot of things and causing me to reconsider my views and perspectives on the world. I don't really know how
to explain it except to say that every day I spent there expanded my mind.
9) Malicia is a multifaceted concept that really intrigues
me; I think it's extremely useful both inside and outside the roda. I'm trying to apply it to my own life, though it's tough
because I have a limited understanding of the idea in all its complexity. Again, there's a lot to learn, but every bit and
piece I do learn makes me a little wiser.
10) Capoeira is a truly comprehensive workout; it's both cardiovascular
and strength training for every muscle in your body, including ones you didn't know you had!
