Capoeira
Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art developed initially by African slaves in Brazil. The dance-like movements and accompaniment by music disguised its defensive and attack capabilities. It is marked by deft, tricky movements and feints. Regional style is fluid and acrobatic, whilst Angola is characterised by slower, lower play. Both styles use groundwork extensively, as well as sweeps and kicks. Fusion styles known as Capoeira Contemporânea/Atual mix these traditions.
Recently, the art has been gained international attention through its incorporation into various computer games, anime, manga, pokémon and movies, and Capoeira music has featured in pop music and advertising. The highly infectious ‘zum zum zum’ campaign for Mazda features the distinct strains of the berimbau and one of the BBC 'Rhythm & Movement' idents introduced to BBC One in 2002 shows a Capoeira dance (others feature tango and salsa). Capoeira movements have also been incorporated into breakdancing/b-boying and freestyle.
Useful links:
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capoeira for more details.
Capoeira online provides information resources and an online community of over 30,000 registered capoeiristas:
http://www.capoeira.com/news.php
Website for Filhos de Bimba capoeira school, Newcastle
http://www.bimba.co.uk/
Capoeira classes are also available at Dance City
http://www.dancecity.co.uk/
Wikipedia entry on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a specialised form of the martial which concentrates mainly on grappling moves.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_Jiu-Jitsu
For more information locally contact: North-East Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu League, 33 Heaton Grove, Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 5NP or the Elswick Park and Leisure Pool on 0191 273 7801 where the coach Dave Elliott, won a bronze medal at the European Championships of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu held in Portugal in January this year. Dave’s class train at Elswick on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings between 6.30 pm and 8.30 pm and it is open to Adults and Juniors.