Once-forbidden art taught on Okinawa

Photo By Lance Cpl. Kris Daberkoe | Sgt. Eupalio Soria, a non-commissioned officer in charge with Motor Transport Company Headquarters Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, spars with Lance Cpl. Justin Pomeroy, a technical controller with Communications Company, Headquarters Battalion, CLR-37, 3rd MLG, III MEF, during a capoeira class at the Camp Kinser Sports Complex June 29.  

OKINAWA, JAPAN

07.30.2010

Story by Lance Cpl. Kris Daberkoe 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

Capoeira is a martial arts fighting style that incorporates fluid and powerful attacks, acrobatic movements and deception of the mind, but is also a style of dance and music.

For generations, the techniques of capoeira were passed down from master to student in secret until the 1930's, according to the Capoeira Academy Okinawa website, www.capoeira/okinawa.com

Capoeira was created by slaves in 14th century Brazil with one thought - to escape from slavery. Later, it became a means of self-defense.

The forbidden art of dance-fighting was then taken underground by the African slaves who practiced it; lest they were discovered by Portuguese colonists, who had outlawed it.

"While it's a style of dance and music, its foundation is self-defense using kicks, leg sweeps, head butts and ear strikes," said Benjamin Moriniere, head instructor at Okinawa Capoeira Academy.

Capoeira builds awareness of surroundings, body control and human insight, said Sgt. Eulalio Soria, noncommissioned officer in charge, G-4, Headquarters Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

"Capoeira teaches to always keep your eyes on your opponent, even while evading him," said Soria. "Participants also learn body discipline by controlling where they land after executing a move in a roda."

The roda is formed when capoeiristas form a circle around two combatants.
Capoeiristas is the proper term of those who practice capoeira, said Moriniere.
Rodas give capoeiristas the opportunity to practice their jogo, or game, using skills acquired from training, said Gunnery Sgt. Jerry Washington, a facilities chief with HQ Company, CLR-37.

"It's important to control your movements so you don't kick anyone in the roda around you," said Soria.

Students not sparring in the roda play musical instruments to set the tempo for the two combatants fighting, said Washington. The music of capoeira is unique but similar to African rhythms with a Latin swing to it, he added.

"Music is the soul of capoeira," Lance Cpl. Justin Pomeroy, a technical controller with Communications Company, CLR-37. "Without music there is no capoeira."

Before the combatants can begin, they must be in sync with each other's movements by listening to the music, said Pomeroy. The music plays first before the combatants understand the tempo of the roda.

"Capoeira requires capoeiristas to read their opponent's movements to trick them or evade their attacks," said Lance Cpl. Meyli Orellana, a mechanic in Motor Transport Company, CLR-35, 3rd MLG, III MEF. Through watching each other's movements, capoeiristas learn to deceive and manipulate their opponent.

Capoeira was brought to Okinawa from Brazil by Japanese-Brazilian immigrants returning to Japan, according to the website.

"Capoeira has been taught on Okinawa before, but in 2009 a formal capoeira academy was established," said Washington.

Capoeira is available for service members at the Camp Kinser Fitness Center every Tuesday and Thursday. To participate, call Kinser Sports Complex at 637-1114.

• Date Taken: 07.30.2010
• Date Posted: 08.01.2010 19:04
• Story ID: 53791
• Location: OKINAWA, JP