CAPOEIRA
Capoeira is a Brazilian cultural expression of African origin that encompasses the following elements: martial art, sport, popular culture, dance, and music. Capoeira is played in pairs like a game of questions and answers that encompasses all aspects of oral communication: polite conversation, provocation, disputes...
Today, it is considered one of the greatest symbols of Brazilian culture.
ORIGIN AND HISTORY
The word "capoeira" literally means "what was the forest," combining the terms ka'a ("forest") and pûer ("what was"). It refers to sparsely wooded areas inside Brazil, where indigenous people practiced agriculture.
Capoeira was born during the period of slavery in Brazil and has its roots in the fights and dances of African peoples. It was both a means of defense and rebellion against the slave society, with its practice being secretive, hidden behind singing, dance movements, and acrobatics.
In 2014, capoeira was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
SOCIAL INCLUSION
Capoeiristas have a strong sense of community, and inclusion and kindness toward others are integral to their learning. A good capoeirista knows how to help those who are less advanced progress in their training and game.
We welcome students of all ages and from different social and physical backgrounds. Several of our projects aim to integrate people with disabilities or in complex social situations. The uniqueness lies in the fact that all members integrate into the group and can measure themselves against people of all levels, regardless of their individual situations.
For several years now, we have also offered simultaneous classes for parents and children, which is an excellent way to stay fit while spending quality family time together.
PHYSICAL CONDITION
Capoeira, when practiced in an adapted manner, is a sport that can be enjoyed at any age.
As a complete sport, you will work on cardiovascular conditioning, all muscle groups, flexibility, coordination, speed, balance, and endurance...
Capoeira develops excellent body and spatial awareness in athletes. The movements include a variety of kicks, evasions, acrobatics, and the game is enriched by the ginga, ground movements, and aerial movements.
Each person will always have their favorite strengths, and it is always possible to compensate for one quality with another. Some are skilled in acrobatics, others in basic techniques, etc. The combination will form each individual's style.
SPORT AS A MEANS TO COMBAT DEPRESSION
Regular physical activity has been shown to play a central role in mood regulation and can be an effective means of combating depression. Exercise promotes better self-esteem, reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. These virtues are explained by physiological, biological, and social factors.
According to Dr. Daniel Rivière, head of the sports medicine department at Larrey Hospital in Toulouse, it is a genuine non-drug therapy with particularly interesting results.
Regular sports practice helps improve well-being in several ways: better overall lifestyle, better physical condition, better sleep, greater self-esteem derived from the sense of achievement and mastery of an activity.
But beyond well-being, sports reduce the risk of psychiatric illnesses such as depression and anxiety. Moreover, in the case of confirmed depression, sports practice reduces the severity of symptoms and improves the chances of remission. That's why psychiatrists recommend sports as an effective complementary therapy, alongside conventional treatments.
These mental health benefits are explained by improved well-being but also by brain mechanisms. "Exercise stimulates the production of neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factors: this promotes the growth of neurons, their functioning, and the connections established between them," explains Dr. Antoine Pelissolo, head of the psychiatry department at Albert-Chenevier Hospital in Créteil.
These mechanisms are altered in cases of depression and anxiety disorders: this is why sports have a mechanistic effect on the cerebral bases of these pathologies. Finally, sports help regulate emotions and breathing, which are also involved in anxiety. And the benefits are felt at all ages and for both sexes.
For physical activity to be truly effective against the symptoms of depression, it is important to practice it regularly and with a certain intensity. "Research has shown a benefit to mental health from one hour of activity per week, but there is much to be gained by doing more, as there is a dose effect: the more regular the activity, the greater the effect on mental health," encourages Dr. Antoine Pelissolo.
Source: NIH Research Matters (www.nih.gov).
RODA
Players present themselves inside the "roda," a circle formed by other capoeiristas who accompany the game by singing and clapping.
At the base of the roda is the orchestra, which can consist of berimbaus, atabaque, pandeiros, and agogô, depending on the style.
The roda is generally directed by the strongest berimbau player (the "gunga"), setting the rhythm, allowing players to enter the game, and giving instructions if necessary.
The gunga berimbau is accompanied by the berimbaus médium and viola, the atabaque, pandeiro, and agogô.
When someone wishes to enter the "roda" to play, they "buy" the game by replacing one of the players.
MUSICALITY
The musical or rhythmic ensemble is not essential for the practice of Capoeira, but it is evident that the Capoeira game played to the rhythm of the typical ensemble that accompanies the melodies and improvisations of the singers acquires the grace, tenderness, enchantment, and mysticism that captivate the souls of the capoeiristas.
It also serves the purpose of determining the rhythm of the game, which can be slower or faster.
The instruments that make up the ensemble are the Berimbau, the Atabaque, the Pandeiro, and the Agogô.
Music in capoeira is fundamental, creating the atmosphere of the roda. Each song tells a story from the past, present, or even challenges the capoeiristas in the roda. The songs reflect the feelings of the capoeiristas. To compose a song, it is necessary to know the history of capoeira.
