Comments on: Is Capoeira Viable As Self Defense?

By: DS

DS — Wed, 20 May 2009 08:57:22 +0000

I think that capoeira, as a fight or self defense, does not have to “look like capoeira”, like the stereotype of the game. The game is the game, and in a fight, you have to know what works in a fight. So it would rule out most carweels, backflips, hand-stands, and things like it. Even ginga, I think it shouldn’t be held as a substitute for stance, but could be used for strafe into a better angle and smoothly connected with an attack. If a constant, repetitive ginga is something predictable and disvantageus in comparison with a more stable stance or a boxing-like swing, it shouldn’t be used. Period. Mestre Bimba, can be thought of having created a sort of non-”fundamentalist” strain of capoeira, somewhat like MMA or jeet kune do, as he did mixed elements from other martial arts.

Other thing is that, when people are used to the game, and in a fight, they have the idea that it has to look like the game, the tendence will probably be to shoot kicks that will not hit the opponents, which is a no-no for the real world fights, specially against a experienced opponent. Maybe some unexperienced thug may become intimitated, but it will not likely be the case with someone just a bit experienced. One thing that could be adapted though, is that a kick that happens to miss can be more immediately and unusually connected with a second attack. It could be even done on purpose, as a sort of “malicia”, telegraphing the wrong kick, but again, having in mind that one should not have the same expectancies from a typical friendly game.

By: GYiA

GYiA — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 20:23:39 +0000

Check out Andrei Gusmao, or the Pitbull TM. in the IFL. Lot of people use capoeira in cage fights. The only problem in the capoeira you don’t use enough your hands. But the thai box – capoeira – jiu jitsu mix is very effectiv in the MMA.

By: gyia

gyia — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 17:29:49 +0000

You can use capoeira in a real fight. There are many MMA fighter with capoeira background. The most famous is Jean Silva. use on youtube search: mma capoeira

By: pongelon

pongelon — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 08:50:32 +0000

I’m very grateful for my instructor, mestre and the style located in my area. Only today did my mestre actually show us a very stand up boxer/freestyle stance that has given me a whole new perspective on capoeira’s fighting/sparring aspects. I was so excited! This is after my 9th month and my 3-4 month with my mestre. It reminds me of a jkd/boxing/muaythai stance. Capoeira’s true strength radiates from within, out, not to mention to incredible strength deficit training, adding enormous power to our blows. I had been trying to put it together for myself but now i see this is much more practical. Unlike anything i’ve seen on camera for capoeira. The dance is a disguise, the complex movements and acrobatics the art, and the conditioning the foundation that puts us ahead of the rest.

By: tre styles

tre styles — Sun, 11 May 2008 22:36:47 +0000

Faisca, I have listen to your blog and it’s good to know there are people that have sense. Although, there are some loop holes I would like to fill in. First, before I talk about capoeira I would like to fill you in on its history. When slaves were taken out of Africa they were sent to different corners of the World. Some slaves were from the same tribe others were not. Black slaves were and are very intelligent they had alot of secrets, skills, and talents that could not be stolen when they were capture from their homeland. It was imbedded in their mind, heart and soul. This cause their skills and secrets to be spread all over the world. Capoeira is just one of them. In parts of the world they develope others like, Music, Cooking, herbs, skin healing, and many more. they are no books on this evidence because black slaves were illiterate to education. Alot of are people are trying to dig it up but alot are buried with dead slaves and some are still hidden. Compare to the asian and south asian population who always documented information. Capoeira is a great but its not respected in the martial art world. Everytime you watch a movie it shows a guy doing a whole buch of flips then he gets his kicked. I dont blame anyone for not taking it seriously. Because all everyone focuses on are the flips and tricks. As you said capoeira has two styles play and fight. Thank god someone finally got it right. But there are more to the styles. Play is for showing off. Fight which alot teachers do not wantto teach is deadly. Capoeira is not rated deadly because it has not been use in war like the asian art forms. It a slave defence to protect them, and given them freedom from the burden of hardship. Eventhough, its still deadly like the asian martial arts. Capoeira can adapt to any situation. The fight skill of capoeira has different styles. So far I seen stlyles of the monkey,snake, and cat. Also the capoeirista moves like a boxer and can punch and kick like one. Every situation there is a different ginga. even in street fighting. Capoira has other skills added jujitsu and shadow boxing and yoga. You see alot teachers teach only traditional capoeira. The fight part is dicourage by alot of mestre. The next thing is some Mestre’s don’t want to perfect Capoeira like the asian martial arts. If they did it would make an interesting match up in the UFC. if you want proof check out this mestre on youtube Mestre Curisco and Lua BRanca

By: Quino

Quino — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 11:01:41 +0000

In other words, NO!

By: faisca

faisca — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 01:35:43 +0000

Well said Relampago. It wouldn’t really be smart to start trying to do backflips in the middle of a fight. Part of the strength behind capoeira is that people will have this idea of what you’re gonna do (show off, do cartwheels, etc) so they’ll think you’re just gonna be a pushover. Then you can surprise them.

By: Relampago

Relampago — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 00:08:12 +0000

since i actually used capoeira in a sparring match against a friend that does gojin-ryu, i would say that it is effective. just dont be on some flashy/show-offy bullshit, and you’ll do fine.

i also noticed that if your opponent tries to kick you, and he or she doesnt do capoeira, then thats where you can have fun with them, cuz capoeiristas know what to do with a kick 8 ways from sunday. but yeah, that bottom line is to just play with your opponent, beat the mess out of him/her when the time presents itself, and dont be a dumbass and try to show off.

By: faisca

faisca — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 18:31:41 +0000

You always hope it never comes down to an actual fight, but it’s good to know that you’ll be able to handle yourself if it did. That’s the way I look at it.

By: ajunto

ajunto — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 18:22:56 +0000

i just want to say well written. . . yes i have come across this question far too many times. I must say from a small little experience were i thought i was going to have to fight, the first thing that poped in my head as i readied myself for battle, was to throw that bencao to this guy in front and come around with a chapa for the guy to the left. Would have been interesting if it all went down but im happy it didnt.