I ORIGINALLY WROTE THIS AS A BLOG POST, BUT i LIKED IT S MUCH THAT I DECIDED TO MAKE IT INTO A PERMANENT PAGE ON MY WEBSITE. I ADMIT I DID MAKE SOME CHANGES HERE, BECAUSE FOR A BOG POST, I LIKE TO KEEP THINGS SHORT AND SWEET. IF YOU WANT TO READ THE ORIGINAL BLOG POST, CLICK HERE.
Hi everybody,
One of my favorite Capoeira songs is called “Vamos a Vadiar Angola”, sung here by Mestre Ferradura, the guy in the ponytail.
And check out his amazing game… Lyrics are under the video.
Vamos vadiar Angola
Vamos vadiar Angola
Let’s play around Angola
Angola Vamos vadiar
Angola let’s play around
Pra lá
Over there
Vamos vadiar Angola
Let’s play around Angola
Todos Vamos vadiar
We are all going to play around
Daqui pra li, de cá pra lá
From here to there, here to there
De cá pra lá vamos vadiar
From there to here let’s play
Vamos vadiar angola
Let’s play around Angola
Angola Vamos vadiar
Angola let’s play around
Pra lá
Over there
So, I bet you’re wondering why I mentioned this?
In the martial arts, one of our main goals is to be able to apply our skills to a resisting opponent, and one good way to develop that skill is by SPARRING.
The art of sparring is deeply ingrained in the training methods of numerous martial arts and combat sports. Its significance lies in the opportunity it provides for practitioners to engage in a form of ‘free-form’ fighting, albeit within the framework of specific rules, customs, and agreements aimed at minimizing the risk of injuries.
Across different styles and disciplines, the essence of sparring remains consistent, serving as a practical and dynamic way for individuals to apply their training in a live, responsive setting. Through sparring, martial artists and athletes can refine their technique, develop strategic thinking, and improve their overall performance in a controlled yet realistic environment. This essential aspect of training continues to play a vital role in the journey of practitioners as they strive for mastery and proficiency in their chosen discipline.
However, in Capoeira Angola, we don’t really spar, we PLAY.
As you can see in the above video, Although we do exchange blows, it’s done in a very lighthearted, joking manner.
Capoeira, with its fascinating history and rich cultural significance, has often been associated with a variety of names that reflect its essence. Jogo de crianca (children’s game) and brincadeira (joking around) reflect the lighthearted, playful nature of this art form, while vadiacao (loitering, hanging out) captures the sense of leisure and social interaction that is deeply intertwined with Capoeira.
The intricate movements and rhythmic cadence of Capoeira are not just about sparring; they encapsulate the spirit of play and expression. It is through the act of PLAYING that capoeiristas can truly delve into the art form, not merely as a physical exercise, but as a holistic practice that nurtures creativity, agility, and cultural understanding. Unlike the competitive nature of SPARRING, PLAYING in Capoeira fosters a sense of camaraderie, improvisation, and adaptability, which are essential traits for any martial artist seeking to hone their skills.
As you’ve explored the multifaceted nature of Capoeira and its connection to PLAYING, it becomes evident that embracing the fluidity and grace of this art form goes beyond mere physical combat. It becomes a celebration of movement, history, and community, offering profound lessons that resonate far beyond the roda.
I came across this amazing video made by ” The Karate Nerd™”, which explains the concept of PLAYING vs. SPARRING better than I can articulate here. He has a super cool YouTube channel, KARATE BY JESSE.
You can watch it here⇩ / karatebyjesse
Here is the video below. I also posted some links for the video description on YouTube below the video, that backs up what was said in this video, for you “researchers” out there.
Research & Sources: Finite and Infinite Games by J. Carse – https://www.amazon.com/Finite-Infinit…
Dopamine, learning and motivation – https://www.nature.com/articles/nrn1406
Dopamine Plays Double Duty in Learning and Motivation – https://neurosciencenews.com/dopamine…
Why Your Brain on Stress Fails to Learn Properly – https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/bl…
‘Boxing is a mess’: the darkness and damage of brain trauma in the ring – https://www.theguardian.com/sport/202…
Using Play to Rewire & Improve Your Brain ｜ Huberman Lab Podcast 58 – • Using Play to Rewire & Improve Your B…
The Advice GSP Gives to Young Fighters: Joe Rogan’s MMA Show 107 w/Georges St-Pierre – https://open.spotify.com/episode/6dND…
Radio Rahim: Sparring, Not Fighting, Destroy Fighters – Joe Rogan’s MMA Show 107 – • Radio Rahim: Sparring, Not Fighting, …
The Yerkes-Dodson Law: • PSYCH: THE YERKES-DODSON LAW
Max Holloway: The BRUTAL Hand of God ｜ UFC Fighter Documentary – • Max Holloway: The BRUTAL Hand of God …
Mike Tyson: My belts are garbage – • Mike Tyson: My belts are garbage
MMA Athletes & Coaches on Light Sparring vs Hard Sparring: • MMA Athletes & Coaches on Light Sparr…
Max Halloway on His Performance Against Calvin Kattar: JRE MMA Show 103 with Max Holloway – https://open.spotify.com/episode/6nzG…
Joe Rogan – Hard VS Light Sparring With Max Holloway and Leon Edwards – • Joe Rogan – Hard VS Light Sparring Wi…
Gym Wars | Professional MMA Sparring | Part II by Jeff Sainlar Visuals – • Gym Wars | Professional MMA Sparring …
Fighters discuss the fine line between sparring hard and getting hurt by MMA Junkie – • Fighters discuss the fine line betwee…
Once again, please watch Jesse Enkamp’s channel, / karatebyjesse You’ll find a lot of gems of knowledge here, even if you have no interest in Karate.
Jesse Enkamp’s YouTube channel is a treasure trove of valuable information that transcends the realm of Karate. Regardless of your level of enthusiasm for the martial art, the content available on this channel is bound to pique your interest with its diverse range of topics and insightful perspectives. From practical self-defense techniques to philosophical insights, Jesse Enkamp’s channel offers a holistic approach to personal growth and development. The wealth of knowledge shared in these videos extends far beyond the confines of Karate, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to expand their understanding of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Whether you’re a dedicated practitioner or simply curious about the world of martial arts, Jesse Enkamp’s channel is a must-visit destination for enriching and empowering content.
The video and the links above put up a very srong argument for the concept of play as a effective way to develop fighting skills, without hard sparring.
However, there is another area that the concept of play in capoeira can help it’s practitioners. And that is helping to heal from trauma.
On the KNOWLEDGE IS EMPOWERMENT, and the CAPOEIRA WAS NOT CREATED IN A VACUUM page, I typed that Capoeira was in part, developed as a response to the trauma that black people suffered during the slavery era.
Certainly, the concept of play in capoeira goes beyond physical exercise and skill development. This traditional Afro-Brazilian martial art form encompasses a deeper significance that extends to its practitioners’ well-being, including aiding in the healing process from trauma. The dynamic and expressive movements within the context of capoeira serve as a powerful avenue for individuals to address and overcome emotional and psychological distress. By integrating play into the practice of capoeira, individuals can harness its therapeutic potential, fostering resilience and aiding in the healing journey.
The inherent playfulness in capoeira allows individuals to engage in a form of expression that transcends verbal communication, offering a non-verbal outlet for processing trauma and emotions. This physical and emotional release can contribute to the cathartic experience of healing, as practitioners find ways to channel their experiences into the fluidity and artistry of capoeira movements. Moreover, the supportive community inherent in many capoeira groups provides a nurturing environment that facilitates healing and growth, offering a sense of belonging and understanding that can be instrumental in the recovery process.
Furthermore, the rhythmic elements present in capoeira, such as music and song, can contribute to creating a harmonious and soothing atmosphere, promoting relaxation and emotional well-being. The cultural and historical roots of capoeira further enrich its capacity to aid in healing, as individuals connect with its heritage and ethos, finding strength and inspiration in its traditions.
In essence, the concept of play in capoeira plays a pivotal role in addressing and mitigating the effects of trauma, offering a holistic approach to healing that encompasses physical, emotional, and social dimensions. As individuals engage in the art of capoeira, they embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, leveraging the transformative potential of play to navigate the complexities of their experiences and emerge resilient.
Now once again, In case you skimmed through this page instead of reading it, I posted this video below you, which I also posted on the CAPOEIRA WAS NOT CREATED IN A VACUUM page . It’s frpm THE CAPOEIRA LIFE SHOW, and it explains a lot of what I explained above in a 2 minute video.
Well, here we are at the end of this page. I want yo leave you with this little tidbit:
Jogo Corpo Fechado 