health – Page 5 – Jogo Corpo Fechado

IT’S CHRISTMAS!!! Part 2

This post will be thoughtfully divided into two distinct parts, with the first part addressing the significant question of what Christmas should mean for Black Americans. In exploring this topic, I believe it’s essential to consider the historical and cultural context that shapes the Black American experience during this holiday.

To provide a deeper understanding, I have included insightful commentary from the professor, whose perspective can shed light on the complexities and unique traditions that enrich this celebration within the Black community. Through this exploration, we can better appreciate the values and meanings that Christmas holds for Black Americans today.

Or at least, what I think they SHOULD hold.

Black people should prioritize saving money and investing their overtime pay in local businesses, community initiatives, and educational opportunities to create a lasting impact. By doing so, they not only support the entrepreneurial spirit within their communities but also contribute to the development of a robust local economy that can withstand external pressures. This approach will enrich themselves and their communities by creating jobs that offer stable employment and generating a network of mutual support among local business owners and consumers.

Furthermore, investing in community initiatives not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters a sense of belonging and resilience. These initiatives, such as after-school programs or cultural events, can provide valuable resources and educational support to the youth, helping to instill confidence and ambition. As individuals acquire new skills through various educational opportunities, whether through traditional degree programs or hands-on vocational training, they enhance their economic prospects and better position themselves for career advancement. Ultimately, by strategically channeling their financial resources and engaging with their communities, individuals can break the cycle of dependency and foster sustainable success that reverberates through future generations.

Now for the second part, we have THIS.

Filmmaker and activist Peter Joseph created this segment for his thought-provoking movie, ZEITGEIST, which has sparked significant discussions around its themes. This particular segment presents a unique and often controversial view on the life of Jesus Christ, exploring not just his teachings and impact, but also delving into the historical and sociopolitical contexts surrounding his existence.

It discusses how religion, particularly Judeo-Christian beliefs, has been used for centuries as a powerful tool to control various aspects of the Western world, influencing everything from governance to social norms. Throughout history, this influence is evident in the establishment of laws and ethical systems that reflect religious tenets, which often dictate not only individual behavior but also societal expectations.

By analyzing these dynamics, Joseph encourages viewers to reflect critically on the role of religion in shaping cultural identities and power structures throughout history, prompting a deeper understanding of how these beliefs have not only unified communities but also created divisions, often serving as a justification for conflict and discrimination. He invites us to consider the implications of religious narratives on contemporary issues, urging a reassessment of the moral frameworks that guide modern governance and cultural interactions.

BASIC ELEMENTS OF CAPOEIRA: THE ROLE

“There are not more than five musical notes, yet the combinations of these five give rise to more melodies than can ever be heard. There are not more than five primary colours, yet in combination, they produce more hues than can ever been seen. There are not more than five cardinal tastes, yet combinations of
them yield more flavours than can ever be tasted.”
― Sun Tzu, The Art of War“

Capoeira Angola is a defensive martial art that combines a rich cultural history with physical agility and mental discipline. It features 8 basic defenses, each designed with specific techniques that incorporate unique attacks and counters, empowering practitioners to effectively defend against various weapons. This dynamic art form not only emphasizes the importance of movement and rhythm but also teaches the value of strategy and adaptability in combat situations. By mastering these techniques, individuals can gain confidence in their ability to protect themselves while simultaneously enjoying the artistic expression that Capoeira Angola offers in its fluid and graceful movements.

And today, we’re gonna talk about the ROLE.

Rolê is a basic movement in the Roda, performed from Ginga or esquivas, where the capoeirista spins to the side, staying low and watchful of the opponent’s movements. During the rotation, he maintains eye contact with the adversary through his legs, which is crucial for anticipating their next actions and maintaining defensive readiness. This continuous visual connection not only enhances the capoeirista’s awareness of his surroundings but also establishes a psychological edge over the opponent.

The rolê can end in various positions such as roxana, Negativa, or other esquivas, each presenting unique defensive or offensive opportunities for countering or retreating, providing capoeiristas with a multitude of strategic options. Among its numerous variations, the Rolê de Cabeça stands out distinctly, as it involves placing the head on the ground, which not only enables smooth transitions into inverted techniques like the aú or even the macaco but also allows practitioners to execute dazzling aerial maneuvers that captivate audiences and instill fear in opponents. This versatility expands the repertoire of movements within the game, making it vital for practitioners to explore every facet of the rolê and its applications.

Moreover, mastery of the rolê and its various transitions is fundamental for any aspiring capoeirista, as it enhances agility and fluidity in their movements while simultaneously improving balance and spatial awareness. This foundational skill serves not only as a technical basis for performance but also as a gateway to deeper levels of expression within the art form. As practitioners become more skilled, the rolê allows them to experiment with different rhythms and styles, creating a unique signature in their practice. This expanded use of the rolê enables a dynamic and unpredictable style during combat, fostering an environment where creativity thrives and adaptability becomes key to overcoming challenges faced within the roda. Additionally, engaging in the rolê can cultivate a sense of camaraderie among capoeiristas, facilitating a shared journey of growth and mutual support as they explore the limitless possibilities inherent in capoeira.

BASIC ELEMENTS OF CAPOEIRA: THE AU

Capoeira Angola is a defensive martial art known for its intricate trap-like defenses designed to catch opponents off guard. It encompasses 8 basic defenses, each with unique unexpected attacks and counter attacks based on the opponent’s positioning. Mastery of these movements enables capoeiristas to defend against individuals carrying various weapons, including sticks, clubs, knives, and potentially even firearms with the appropriate skills.

And one of those movements is the AU.

The Aú (Pronounced “a-oo”), is capoeira’s answer to the cartwheel. However, In capoeira the cartwheel is done differently than a cartwheel in gymnastics.

An aú is a fundamental movement in capoeira that is not only performed slowly with bent arms and legs to maintain a low profile but also embodies the essence of fluidity and grace inherent in this martial art. First, in capoeira, a person must be able to see their opponent at all times. So instead of looking at the ground, a capoeirista must look forward or at his/her opponent while doing au. Also, players can pause in a handstand position, which adds an element of creativity and surprise to their practice while simultaneously being acutely aware of potential attacks from their opponents.

Emphasis is placed on observing the other player closely to respond quickly to threats, honing both reflexes and strategic thinking. Although primarily for mobility and evasion, there are numerous variations of the aú that allow for unpredictable strikes and dynamic movements, showcasing agility and adaptability in the heat of action. This versatility makes the aú a vital skill for capoeiristas, serving as a bridge between defense and offense. The aú symbolizes both a tactical maneuver and artistic expression, reflecting capoeira’s dual nature as a combat sport and cultural dance, where each movement tells a story and every encounter is a dance of life, where rhythm, timing, and respect intertwine in a beautiful display of human connection and athletic prowess.

The 2 most used variations of the Au are the open Au, and the closed Au.

Open cartwheel (Aú aberto)

In this Au, the free arm arcs gracefully over the head in the direction of motion, creating a sense of fluidity in the movement. The leg extended furthest leaves the ground first, kicking off to provide essential momentum that aids in the execution of the skill. As the action unfolds, the reaching hand extends toward the far side, aiming to enhance balance and control, while bending the elbows provides necessary support for weight distribution as both legs extend over the body in a poised manner. While inverted, the body should be fully extended and streamlined to maximize stability and reduce drag. One foot touches the ground gently first, followed by the other, with the arms lifted purposefully for protection once they no longer support weight, ensuring a safe and graceful transition back to a stable position. This intricate sequence not only showcases strength and flexibility but also emphasizes the importance of timing and coordination in achieving a smooth and elegant maneuver.

Closed cartwheel (Aú fechado)

In this au, the free arm moves gracefully over the head, highlighting fluidity, while the leg furthest from the body initiates movement, providing momentum for a seamless transition across the dance floor. This movement is not merely mechanical; it embodies an artistic expression, where each motion tells a story of strength and grace. The reaching hand stabilizes the movement, enhancing balance, as bent arms support the body’s weight while the legs pass over, creating a visual synergy that captivates the audience. Meanwhile, the core engages, ensuring that the body remains closed and protected during the maneuver, with one foot touching the ground first, followed smoothly by the other. This careful choreography culminates in a display of strength and agility, leaving onlookers in awe as the performer glides effortlessly, embodying the perfect harmony between power and elegance.

Of course, there are many other variations to discover and explore, which you can read more about by clicking HERE. These variations not only enhance your understanding of the subject but also invite you to delve into different perspectives and techniques that you may not be familiar with. Each variation offers unique insights and applications that can enrich your knowledge base, making your learning experience more comprehensive and enjoyable. Whether you are a beginner or someone with more experience, understanding these alternatives will greatly benefit your journey.