Class #3 - Capoeira and "the ring"

Last night I had my third class of capoeira, well actually it was the second and a half class. My second class was cut short due to my first run in with the Mozambican police which I described in a previous post.

It was an intense training session. I introduced my coworker Kevin to the class. His first comment was an acute observation. We were actually working out in a pint sized basketball court. But we made do just fine.

We went up and down the court strengthening our core and developing our balance. I think I am on the verge of being able to sustain a hand stand. A childhood dream is about to come true!

Although the movements are slow and very deliberate, they are incredibly difficult. At any one moment you must simultaneously feel the beat of the music, observe your opponent, move in a graceful manner and pull off poses and twists and turns which challenge even the superfit.

Kevin and I got some more focused instruction by the lead instructor to get us up to speed on some of the more basic steps. So in addition to "jinga" (the basic defensive step), we learned the leg sweep and the "negativo" (used to dodge the leg sweep of your opponent). Who would have thought that a leg sweep required a great deal of agility and balance that I apparently do not have an abundance of.

So after training for the first hour, we got into the "rogba". We form a circle and play the instruments of capoeira (dru, tambarine, guitar). Then the sparring begins. My turn came up and shockingly I didn't feel nervous at all. After watching it for two classes I anticipated my romp with my opponent.

First, I started with my imitation of a hold. Okay, then on to the jinga. Okay, ready, now a leg sweep. (Thud) That was me dropping to the ground. Well actually I didn't drop and instead I succeeded to spar for the next few minutes - an exhilirating experience!!! I can't wait for class 4.