Martial arts the Brazilian way
Amelia Elgar (right) was on the Galápagos Islands when she fell in love with capoeira. The Brazilian martial art combines sport, music and spirituality into a fluid performance played by two people. Ms Elgar only had to see two friends play against each other for a few minutes before she wanted to learn how to play.
AMELIA Elgar was on the Galápagos Islands when she fell in love with capoeira.
The Brazilian martial art combines sport, music and spirituality into a fluid performance played between two people.
Ms Elgar, who now lives in Kewarra Beach, said she only had to see two friends play against each other for a few minutes on the South American islands before she wanted to learn.
“I lived in Brazil for eight months. I technically went over there for university studies for my post-graduate research into rainforests, but I secretly felt like I went there to learn more about Capoeira,” she said.
“Capoeira comes under the banner of martial arts but it encompasses dance, acrobatics and athletics.
“It’s a really different art to other martial arts.”
She said the sport had rules that made it stand apart from other martial arts.
“In the roda, the circle that you play in, and when you’re playing capoeira there are people outside the circle clapping and playing the berimbau, which governs the play,” she said.
“It’s a very inclusive practice because of the connection it builds not just with yourself but also with your opponent.
“The eye contact is really beautiful; keeping constant eye contact can be really intense.”
She said the spirituality of the sport helped create more than just a fit body.
“I think it’s given me a respect for my body and for knowing my limits. It allows me to connect with my nature inside,” she said.
“A lot of the time we find ourselves in office chairs and that’s all the movement we get, so I get excited to express and explore the freedom in my body and in my mind.
“I feel blessed and thankful that capoeira has come into my life.”
I THINK IT’S GIVEN ME A RESPECT FOR MY BODY AND FOR KNOWING MY LIMITS. IT ALLOWS ME TO CONNECT WITH MY NATURE INSIDE CAPOEIRISTA AMELIA ELGAR