By Emily White

According to a recent poll, when many people think of martial arts, their first thoughts are of Karate Kid or Jackie Chan. Asain martial arts have a prominent place in Western culture, especially here in America. Embedded within a fascinating history, the Afro-Brazilian martial arts style known as Capoeira (kap-weh-ruh-da or kap-where-da) is practiced all over the United States but isn’t as well-known or celebrated as the Asian martial arts. Rexburg couple Niki and Joshua Ruby work hard to provide Rexburg with an inside look at the culture and customs of Capoeira.  

Niki and Joshua own and teach at studio South East Idaho Capoeira (SEI Capoeira) here in Rexburg, Idaho. Niki got her start as a senior in high school when she saw a Capoeira demonstration at a cultural arts festival. 

“When I saw them up there, something about the movement and something about the actual art form called to me,” Niki says about her introduction to the world of Brazilian martial arts. “It just made me feel like I needed to know what it was.” 

After finding a studio in her hometown she began to train there and started teaching a class when she came up to Brigham Young University-Idaho. 

Many new students will come with the expectation that Capoeira will be similar to the styles of martial arts we see on a more regular basis, like taekwondo and karate. While they require more stillness, solidarity, and focus and are implemented into the fight training for militaries like England’s Royal Guard, Capoeira is on the opposite side of the spectrum. It’s a more open and fluid style of martial arts than what we are used to seeing. Different backgrounds and history mean different techniques and types of movement. 

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Capoeira was first created by African slaves in Brazil in the 16th century. Faced with oppression and cruelty, they developed unique dance-fighting techniques as a creative outlet and way of teaching themselves self defense without drawing too much attention. Different song tempos and rhythms had different meanings and codes. Movements could be disguised with a flip or spin which added a level of creativity to the fighting. 

Another notable difference is the specific type of movements found in more modern Capoeria training. There is a bigger focus on evasion rather than blocking an opponent’s movement. You always want to be on your toes with your guard up, aware of both your own energy and the space you occupy as well as your opponent. Capoeira is often referred to as a game. In between the specific kicks and takedowns you throw in tricks and acrobatics to shake up your opponents and keep it interesting. 

“You’ll learn the movements and then apply what you learn while adding your own style in the roda,” Niki says. 

Roda, pronounced “hoda,” translates to “wheel” in Portuguese. It is the circle that Capoeira is played in, similar to a boxing ring. The studio in Rexburg has three different sized rodas for students to train and practice in. 

Capoeira is so much more than just the movements and physical aspects. Music is a huge part of the culture surrounding capoeira and is regularly implemented into the lesson plans for each class. 

“Music is such an integral part,” Niki says. “But if you aren’t proficient in the music as well it is very hard to interact in a roda elsewhere. Everybody learns the instruments and songs.” 

She says that to be respected as a Capoeirista, or one who trains Capoeira, you need to have knowledge in all areas, not just the fighting. 

Above, Niki leads the class in a song about a razor blade, sometimes used in the roda while playing Capoeira. The blade will sit between the user’s toes, making their kicks and flips more deadly. The song lyrics are a double entendre for having “a razor in your pocket” or trick up your sleeve while going against someone in the roda. 

All of the instruments utilized in Capoeira are percussion instruments. The berimbau (pictured) is the instrument the leader plays. They play different rhythms which signal different things for each round such as when another person will enter. Niki and Josh like to train their students on the berimbau early so they have the chance to lead when they get further along in their training. 

SEI Capoeira is easy to start and welcomes newcomers with open arms. It is such a welcoming environment and judge-free zone. Everyone is there to train, learn, and grow together. They offer a $10 for a two-week plan for beginners to come and test it out and see if it’s something they want to continue. Class calendar, information, and contact info can be found on the website which will be linked at the end of the article. 

From its history and background down to its movements and music, Capoeira embraces fluidity, inclusivity, individuality, and allows each individual to find their strength and grow in ways they didn’t know were possible. 

To sign up for classes go to https://www.seicapoeira.com/

Photos and videos by Emily White