Why is it called “playing” Capoeira?

Though Capoeira is part martial art, dance, and cultural expression, it is above all a fun and intensensly challenging game requiring physical stamina and mental strategy...

Though Capoeira is part martial art, dance, and cultural expression, it is above all a fun and intensensly challenging game requiring physical stamina and mental strategy. Capoeira “players” train movements, attacks, defenses, sequences, and “tricks” individually with the intent to adapt and fit them together with other students. When players (opponents) “face off” or spar, it is not uncommon for them to never actually make contact. Capoeira players focus on being able to control their bodies and “show” strikes and take-downs in the game without connecting with their opponent and disrupting the flow of the game itself. There are many substyles or games within Capoeira, some slow, some fast. Some styles focus on complicated and beautiful acrobatic movements while others are played with the intent to train martial kicks and take-downs. Capoeira players change their intensity, style, and focus depending on the rhythm of the music.