Capoeira...how do I define thee?

So, I've attempted more than once to write about capoeira, and each time I find it extremely difficult. It's an art that makes me feel so many things simultaneously, I often find it hard to cipher out my thoughts into one streamlined vein. I also usually try to write about it after an amazing event, when my endorphins are peaking, and I find my mind is a jumble of capoeira thoughts.

Why don't I start with just talking about capoeira, and why I love it, and we'll see what comes out.

First the energy. When you get capoeiristas into one room, one space, all with the purpose of supporting two people play a game, you have a focus that is unparalleled. What do I mean by a capoeirista? Someone who is trained, in the music, in the traditions of the roda, in the techniques of the movement.... someone who knows how to keep the energy of the roda flowing and is hungry to play themselves. So these capoeiristas, are all giving their full energy, ideally, to the spirit of the roda. You have people playing instruments, singing, clapping hands, keeping the formation of the circle tight. They are also reacting to the games, wiping their brow after a close call, shouting when the game gets heated and technical, or cheering on beautiful acrobatics. I can't think of another art form that is so intensely physical, while being so intensely intimate at the same time.

The movements. The movements feel good. The ginga feels good. It's a way of letting your body go, but within the context of a specific movement. Structure, but with freedom. Which also translates to any movement in capoeira. Structure with freedom. You learn a set vocabulary, but it is up to you when to use it, to flourish it, to bring your own expression into it. You can see similarities among lineages, among groups, but every single person plays in a unique way, and you can find something different to admire in everybody.

Music. If you have ever harmonized with someone, there is a vibration that you can actually hear, when the right notes are hit. Something changes. You can feel the difference that those notes are making in how you feel, in what you do. In capoeira, the music, the vibrations are so intensely important; there is nothing better than hearing the instruments play and letting the chorus of voices lift you up. Then imagine playing capoeira to that music, your body lets go, you are able to get lost in the game and let something completely new and uninhibited come out. We can't forget the importance of the music.

Playing the game. There are so many different types of games out there. Playful, acrobatic, technical, rough, violent, disconnected. I have found myself at one time or another playing, intentionally or not, one of these games. The capoeira game is tricky. Pages upon pages could be written about the game alone. It can also mean something very different to each capoeirista. For me, the kind of game I love, is the one where both players aren't trying to top each other, but they just want to play a fun, technical game. So they are both relaxed, but they aren't afraid of attacking, and they just allow their bodies to react to the movements. You don't think, you just do. These are the moments when I'm amazed at what happens to my own body, and you share something truly special and unique with the other person.

Reflection. In other sports, you don't often get a chance to reflect on the KIND of player you are. You either beat the other person or you don't, or catch the ball or not. In capoeira, you have to think about who you are within the larger context of the community and the KIND of capoeirista that you want to be. You have to think about your game in the relation to another person. How do you react when someone kicks you, when someone tries to humiliate you, when someone wants to play a light and fun game with you? So many times I've remembered my actions and said, "oh...man, I shouldn't of done that," or "why didn't I answer by doing this?" I am still extremely young in capoeira, and even in life. Thus, I'm still trying to figure out the kind of person I want to be, and play according to those definitions.

Of course, there is more I could write about, but I'm satiated for now. Capoeira is an enormous force in my life, and has given me a million things; friends, physical and musical outlets, discipline, ideas to ponder. Capoeira is a platform in which you can continually work to be better, because it shows you how many ways in which you aren't, and at the same time, it shows you that you are a vital part of a community. A community in which all people have the freedom to be who they want, and share a truly genuine experience.