That isn't exactly what he said. He was describing the sport/competition aspect of the art. This is similar to what is seen in taekwondo: a kicking game with high kicks to the head that looks nothing like the pumse or breaking techniques (the three things you'll see at a tournament). Striking your opponent in the throat with an arch hand would be an example of using practical TKD. So would a low side kick to the knee. But those would disrupt the flow of the tourney.On one hand Atacs has been arguing that the cartwheel kick is a reliable method of self preservation, while on the other hand FC was arguing that this type of technique is not the entirety of Capoeira and that it has a distinctly practical side. Now he is arguing that what we have all seen as Capoeira is, in reality the full spectrum of Capoeira, but it can't be practised as a combat system because that would distrupt the flow and if it is practised as a combat system it bears little resemblance to what is taught as Capoeira. can you understand how this can be construed as utter nonsense?
Also like TKD, SD is taught more seldomly than the WTF sporting style. Doesn't mean that there isn't a practical element in taekwondo, but sparring at most dojangs will involve a padded hogu, headgear, instep protectors, and maybe forearm/elbow guards.
But if you look around, you will find TKD schools that also have a strong SD element. They just are not very prevelant.
Daniel