Don’t look for happiness in others when you have immense potential within yourself
It’s all about self defence, self discipline, flexibility, balance, mind control, body control, coordination, concentration, action reaction, techniques and tactics. Capoeira is the martial art in the form of dance with an integral part of music in it. It is the only martial art form which is nonviolent, non-competitive and not harmful to your body, according to Reza Baba.
Capoeira is the martial art which is played not fought. It is just like a game which is played with tactics and techniques instead of violence. In this art form, you move your entire body and thus trigger each and every part of your body but not hurt the opponent. You respect the opponent and let them shine when it is their turn in stead of putting them down.
It keeps you fit
It keeps you strong and healthy. And in the lifestyle that we live in, Capoeira serves as an ideal solution for it has a holistic approach. Reza Baba explains that you rest your mind, forget about everything else, all the tensions and worries in your life and just enjoy yourself. And while enjoying, you also put your mind into action by focussing and thus polishing it every time just to upgrade, improve and better your being both physically and psychologically.
It is loud and energetic
Capoeira involves a lot of musiic, singing and dancing which is quite traditional and has its roots in nature and history. Often, the Brazilian dance is performed since Capoeira has its roots there. Traditional musical instruments made out of bamboo are used which are generally used by the tribal folks. Each class has a lot of loud singing while the art is performed so there are continuous vibrations and you feel energised. Your whole being is reverberated because of the positive energy that the environment withholds during a session.
It boosts your Self Confidence
Discovering the strength that lies within you is the paramount achievement of any living being. Karen D’costa, 24, who has been learning Capoeira since 4 years testifies, “Capoeira has made me self confident. I know I can take care of my own self even if I am travelling late in the night. I have mastered self control and so I am more composed even in difficult situations.” The art form has helped Karen tackle strangers in Mumbai and she has made it sure that other women around her are safe too from local goons. “I know how to take care of myself and those around me. I feel responsible for myself and the society,” she expounds.
It relieves all stress, helps overcome depression and fills you with positive energy
Meher Abadian, 28, a vet doctor who has been into this martial art form since 3 years expresses, “It has helped me open up for there is a lot of positive energy and no restrictions. We all come here and smile and have a fun time helping each other grow as an individual.” Noel Almeida, 22, has been learning Capoeira since 4 and a half years says, “This martial art form has taught me how to behave. The rich culture and music that it possesses has helped me stay fit and grow as an individual. I now conduct classes and have taken Capoeira as my career.”
It is a way of Life
Reza Baba strongly believes, “Capoeira is the need of the hour. Every kid in India should learn self defence and should be able to take care of himself or herself. Every kid should live life to the fullest free from the violence and competition of this world. It is my dream to create a Capoeirise in every household so that we can face anything in life.”
The world is very dark as we hear of rape, violence and crime all the time. Reza Baba wants to equip the girl child to be self reliant and face the world with strength, confidence and courage. “We teach our kids what is a bad touch and a good touch in our classes. We teach them habits like brushing your teeth or taking a bath regularly. So, we help make better individuals in a physically strong and mentally sound way coupled with music, dance and lot of energy and fun,” he explains.
It is a community that is growing constantly
Reza Baba is the first person to get this martial art form to India when he started teaching Capoeira in 2005. He himself has learned the art form for over 20 years and even today he keeps constantly upgrading himself by learning new techniques from different parts of the world. Today he teaches around 2000 children in a week in different schools and conducts classes all over Mumbai and is thus spreading to other parts of India too.
Everything today is all about competition, but Capoeira is not
Vasundhara Kaul, 28, who works as an actor and copywriter, expresses, “I have been learning Capoeira since 1 year and have always made time for my classes after my shoot. As an adult this is the best martial art form where there is no competition and each individual can perform freely.” Akshay Makhija, 22, a digital artist and writer says, “Capoeira helps me relieve stress and stretch my muscles with the whole harmonic rhythm of beats and energetic music.” Rhea Ramodiya, 23, adds, “I feel belonged to my Capoeira class. I have been learning since 1 year and I have found my space where I can be myself without any worry or hesitation.”
The young, old, plump, thin, girl, boy, tall or short anyone can learn this martial art form to enhance your being and live a better life. In fact, each one ought to learn Capoeira because it has a holistic approach with all round benefits and no harm to the body. Reza Baba concludes, “Capoeira is the need of the hour to help detach from the materialistic world and channelise the strength within you in a fun way.”
Ronald Rodrigues
