How To Do Capoeira

Sit in on a roda at a capoeira class or club. Rodas are traditional ritual circles. Opponents take turns entering the middle of the circle to spar.

Play capoeira music in the roda. Capoeira music is traditionally played on the berimbau, or musical bow, and on drums and tambourines.

When it’s your turn to move to the middle of the circle to spar, never stand still.

Adopt the base capoeira move – a fluid, swaying movement called ginga. Bend your knees with your feet shoulder-width apart. Step behind with your right foot, return to center, and then step your left foot behind you. Lift the same arm across your face as leg you are stepping behind you.

Perform an esquiva, or dodge, by sliding one foot back while bending the other knee to accommodate a deep, low lunge. Place the hand opposite your back leg on the floor and use the other hand to block. Use the block when your opponent is kicking.

Perform a quexada by standing with your feet spread front to back. Sweep your back foot forward in a wide arc, bringing it upward in a high kick, twisting your upper body and holding your arms up to protect your face.

Continue training with a group or in a class to learn more complicated dodges, kicks, cartwheels, and flips. You’ll get in shape, improve your hand-eye coordination, and most importantly, have fun!