The Dilemma of Women in Capoeira

[KenpoTess]

This has some interesting and controversial points.


Read the article (http://www.capoeira.com/planetcapoeira/view.jsp?section=Features&viewArticle=168)

[LadyDragon]

Its good to hear that some of these women are striving to become masters of their art.

I'm not particularly sure that they should call what they do a game. Granted we all try to have fun in our art, but martial arts is a serious game to be played.

[theletch1]

I'm not particularly sure that they should call what they do a game. Granted we all try to have fun in our art, but martial arts is a serious game to be played Yes, that does tend to take some of the bite out of the art. I know VERY little about this art and am somewhat confused about all the "playing" and the "game" myself. Perhaps there is a practitioner of Capoiera on the board that could fill me in a little.

[arnisador]

I think it's partly just a language issue--like one "plays" judo, and I've often heard "kenpo player"--and partly that it serves a dance as well as martial function.

[James Kovacich]

Originally posted by arnisador
I think it's partly just a language issue--like one "plays" judo, and I've often heard "kenpo player"--and partly that it serves a dance as well as martial function.

I think you hit it there. The word "player" is often associated with martial arts.

:asian:

[LadyDragon]

So thats the way they want their martial art to be portrayed. But why do it as a game? Why not say they're students of their particular art instead of players?

Can any one out there that participates in capoiera perhaps answer a few question for us?

[SenseiBear]

I have done some Capoeira, and "Play" is an accurate term. In my experience, (and understand that I only trained in the style for a matter of months - I was there for a specific purpose) they rarely talk about their style in combat terms. Some of that is due to it's history, in that is was a method for African Slaves to train combat methods without drawing attention from the masters. Some of it is due to the nature of the roda and the tradition it evolved from - the same tradition that birthed rap music and break dancing... (In fact, watching a roda and some Capoeirists play leaves no doubt in your mind that this is where these endeavors came from). Some of it is due to the fact that music as well as call and response song accompany all training. I found the focus always to be toward acrobatics - the attempt to execute the most athletic and complex move possible... And at high levels, this does translate to fighting - as taking your partner by suprise with a complex technique likely means you have planted a spinning foot on them and knocked them down - but still, the focus is personal expertise, not competition.

That help? It's tough to explain, but if you find a class and just play a few sessions, you will have a ton more understanding...

[LadyDragon]

Thanks for trying to explain that a little senseibear. I guess I'm just going to have to go out and see if maybe I find some capoeiraists to hang out with and see what they have to say on the matter. Thanks again though.

[loki09789]

The big issue seems to by why there are fewer women in this and any art. The main thing I see is that women have normally been considered either 1. Too precious because of the baby thing, or 2. Too inferior to do 'man's' because of the masculine rule of most cultures.

I am not supporting this thought pattern, only saying that this is what I see. Women themselves have bought into the mentallity too. Men see martial arts as a way to connect to 'manly' warrior traditions. Women, generally, see martial arts as 'self defense' now.

I really think that at this point it comes down to the women doing it to really make it known that it does not have to be a boy's club. The old "you can lead a horse..."

My main complaint is the number of women who are willing to take a cardio kickboxing class (Because no one will really hit them) and feel great about the physical work out, but swagger around as if they could fight Tyson. They are dilluded and a danger to themselves and others!

Paul Martin

[rmcrobertson]

How come folks in capoeira seem to discuss things so much more intelligently and amicably than folks in kenpo and other martial arts on these forums? Hm. Was everybody in the discussion from Berkeley? Complete sentences, good spelling, and all...I'll have to check.

I liked the article quite a bit. It's one of the few best things I've read on that sort of subject, in fact, and remarkably well-reasoned.

[KenpoTess]

Please stay on topic.. if you wish to discuss other than Women's Self Defense.. take it somewhere else..