The fundamental principles taught in capoeira include a corporal dialogue, the body’s intelligence, the ability to react, balance, as well as the notions of space, time, rhythm, music and an understanding of the philosophy of the game.

Capoeira is a marvelous exercise for the body, involving all of the muscle groups and developing a series of physical qualities. While playing in the roda one rapidly notices a great change: less tension, faster reflexes and increased power.

By persevering your breathing becomes regulated as the regular practice of capoeira (at least three times a week) develops the cardiovascular system. And, most beautiful of all, one develops great abdominal muscles, these muscles being amongst those most solicited.

Below are the qualities that the practice of capoeira develops and improves.

• Endurance : to provide the maximum energy during the entire period of play.
• Agility: the movements change direction at any time.
• Flexibility: large movements dominate capoeira.
• Speed: in order to trick your adversary.
• Balance: to master the body’s control during complex movements.
• Coordination: to be able to respond to attacks with arms, the trunk of the body and legs, all at once.
• Rhythm: the game is led by music and singing and the pace of the movements must match the music’s rhythm.

But capoeira in not only good for the body. Capoeira works with one’s emotions, helping to liberate aggressivity, although the sport does not encourage any form of violence. Capoiera develops the mastery of one’s body and mind, as well as one’s creativity.

By practicing capoeira you improve:

• Your concentration: The attention paid to your adversaries movements must be constant.
• Your perseverance: Perfect mastery of one’s body comes only after diligent practice.
• Your daringness: Little by little one’s fear of performing certain acrobatic movements is overcome.
• Your cunning: In order to fool your adversary with unexpected sequences of movements.

A few facts:

• One hour of capoeira burns about 500 calories.
• Stretching and weight training are complementary to capoeira as they improve flexibility.
• Everyone can practice capoeira according to his/her natural abilities. Only those with spinal cord problems must receive authorization and be followed by a doctor in order to practice.

Capoeira is one of the best physical activities if not the best! Check out the following comparative table, with 5 being the maximum grade.

		Capoeira,		Aerobics,		Soccer,		Basketball
Flexibility		05		04		02		01
Agility		05		04		05		05
Power		04		04		04		04
Rhythm		05		05		01		01
Balance		05		05		04		04
Coordination		05		05		02		02
Speed		04		04		05		03
Endurance		03		04		05		04
Concentration		04		02		02		02
Psychological factors		04		01		02		02

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