Capoeira: channeling energy the right way

Andrea Guerrero/Contributing Writer

“It’s like a conversation made up on the spot; we respond to each other by counteracting each other’s moves,” says Michael Sherman, senior and international business and finance major who practices the martial art of capoeira.

Sherman says that capoeira is an energetic martial art that not only gives a great workout, but also tells a story with history tying back to its Brazilian roots.

Slaves practiced the martial art of capoeira in order to defend themselves from the police. It was even banned at one point. For many years, people who practiced the art were looked down upon.

The capoeiristas make a roda, which translates to circle in English, while the professor sings a song along with student capoeiristas. These students play instruments and produce musical rhythms.

Two capoeiristas will then enter the circle and play. This is when the capoeiristas begin to practice the martial art, which incorporates kicks, spins and even flips.

“We know how to control our moves with the energy we put in,” explains Sherman as to why this martial art is different from others.

“You might get taken down, but you learn and get up from it. It’s messages that we get from Capoeira that can also relate to real life,” said John Gibson, who is pursuing a doctorate in electrical engineering.

Capoeira is a great cardio workout which also teaches control. Capoeira is offered as a PantherFIT class at the University recreational center every Tuesday and Thursday at 9:15 p.m.

“We have times where the people hardly fit in the room. It is also a martial art that captures kid’s attention because of all the flips,” said Sherman. “We have also had kids from the inner city come to the campus to see us and they were also very interested because of all the flips.”