13 fantastic benefits of capoeira for the body and mind

You’ve probably heard about capoeira, but do you know the benefits it can offer practitioners and, in fact, do you know the importance of this activity in Brazil?

Fábio André Castilha, a capoeira teacher certified by Grupo Muzenza de Capoeira, a master in the Science of Human Motricity and author of the book “Aspectos Pedagógicos da Capoeira”, explains that capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian art, which mixes fight, dance, musicality and culture of black Africans who had been brought to Brazil as a result of slavery.

According to Castilha, capoeira was first heard in the mid-19th century. XVII, during the Dutch invasions in Brazil. “It was a practice prohibited in the penal code from 1890 onwards, and then it was finally recognized as a sporting activity after its release in 1935,” he says.

“Today, capoeira is a Brazilian cultural heritage – recognized in 2008 –, and it is present throughout the national territory, and in more than 200 countries, being also classified as one of the biggest disseminators of Brazil abroad”, adds Professor Castilha. .

13 benefits that capoeira offers

There are plenty of good reasons to practice capoeira! Below you can see the main advantages that the activity can offer:

1. Serves all audiences and age groups

Fábio Castilha explains that capoeira, due to its multifaceted nature, can be practiced by people of any age. “These days, there are countless professionals specialized in specific areas for capoeira training: capoeira for children, capoeira for athletes, capoeira for the elderly, among others. Teaching materials are also numerous nowadays, which elevates capoeira to a level of relevant pedagogical discipline”, he says.

2. Helps to release stress

Professor Castilha points out that, like most sports, for people looking to improve their quality of life, capoeira serves as an escape valve; it’s a way to release stress in a playful and healthy way.

3. Works the whole body

In physical terms, explains Professor Castilha, capoeira is one of the most complete activities, as it works with all body segments and different positions in its practice.

4. Stimulates cardiovascular and musculoskeletal conditioning

Fábio Castilha highlights that capoeira is classified as an anaerobic and predominantly functional physical activity, as it stimulates cardiovascular and musculoskeletal conditioning using one’s own body weight.

5. Promotes greater flexibility

Capoeira movements demand and develop flexibility in the body, almost like yoga movements.

6. Promotes greater coordination

The movements of capoeira, in general, are guided by dance and music, which makes the body more coordinated.

7. Stimulates speed

As the idea is to make the movements fluidly in a short period of time, capoeira encourages speed – which will make the body more agile to respond back to the movements of other people.

8. Stimulates self-confidence

Capoeira is a different way of exercising, because it mixes fighting, dancing, musicality… “Adventuring yourself” and identifying with this type of activity makes a person more confident.

9. Define the body

Capoeira is also considered one of the best activities for those who want to keep fit and “design” the body, which also often helps to raise self-esteem.

10. Shows the value of defense (not offense)

Capoeira makes a clear distinction between defense and attack and those who practice this activity are not encouraged to “go out attacking”, but rather to look, reflect and, if necessary, know how to act in order to take care of their own defense. This makes capoeira an excellent way of learning for children who tend to understand more quickly and playfully that violence is not worth it.

11. Stimulates respect for others

Capoeira develops respect, tolerance. In the case of children, especially, with this activity they learn, for example, that they need to be careful with the movement they intend to do so as not to hurt the other; understand that the activity takes place among everyone (regardless of a greater skill or lack of it on the part of one or the other), etc.

12. Expands knowledge

Those who practice capoeira not only exercise, but also receive important information about popular culture, the origin of the practice, the traditions celebrated in songs and songs, etc. All this is very valid, both for children and adults!

13. Discourages shyness

Capoeira is an activity that involves dance, music, different movements… Therefore, there is no room for shyness. All the participants – whether adults or children – are exposed to the group with all its imperfections. With that, little by little, any insecurity loses its strength, as everyone respects each other and is there to experience it all together.

How to practice capoeira?

Do I need to have any prior experience? Does capoeira require specific clothes or accessories? These are common doubts when it comes to capoeira.

Capoeira teacher Fábio Castilha points out, however, that all it takes is the desire to start! “Like any other sport, the beginning is with learning the basic technical aspects, first defensive moves, followed by the first offensive moves. According to the student’s development, more complex movements are inserted into the trainings”, he explains.

Regarding clothing, the professor explains, at first, comfortable clothing is enough: sweatpants, tactel or lycra, and a t-shirt, and usually barefoot; for women, it is recommended to wear a “top” under the shirt. “After some time of training, it is recommended to purchase and use the official uniform for practice – white cotton t-shirt, white elastic pants and rope (graduation)”, says Castilha.

Necessary precautions in capoeira practice

Do you want to start practicing capoeira?! There are certainly good reasons for this! But pay attention to an important point.

Fábio Castilha emphasizes that it is essential that the beginner seeks information about the professional with whom he intends to train. “I recommend looking for a professional with experience, with relevant and recognized work, with recognition from a traditional capoeira school and, if possible, higher education, preferably in Physical Education”, he says.

“Our greatest asset is our health and that of our children, therefore, knowing who is the professional who will work with our body is fundamental”, concludes capoeira teacher Fábio Castilha.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.