Capoeira in Cebu 

For years, the Brazilian martial art with a dance flavor that has been spreading rapidly around the globe has come to Cebu, Philippines. I, myself, would love to try this type of martial art rather than just playing Eddy, a character with Capoeira skills in the Tekken game. Perhaps learning the essence of this method is more important than just watching it. It’s indeed great to get involved and learn something more new. 

Popular martial arts like karate, jiujitsu, mhuay thai, wushu and the Filipino-made arnis, are just some of the options that are in my mind right now. 

A bit of background 

Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian type of martial art, game, dance, and culture which was created by the enslaved population of Africans during the 17^th century in
Brazil.  

The capoeriaristas (participants) would form a roda, or circle, and take turns in playing their musical instruments, sing and even spar in pairs in the center of the circle. This game is smudged by smooth-silky acrobatic play, slick tricks, stratagem as well as the extensive utilization of groundwork. During the game, a participant must shun away a sweep, kick, head butt or trip that is most likely to knock him or her on the ground. Compared to some form of martial arts, Capoiera uses less slaps, punches, body throws and elbow strikes. 

Capoeira academy 

Recently, Jensen Go Chow, a balikbayan (returning countryman, in my own words), established the first ever Capoeira academy here in
Cebu. Mr. Jensen Go Chow spent a year in
Brazil to learn about the art of Capoeira and has gotten enough knowledge to share the martial art to the Cebuanos. I’m actually thinking about joining Jensen’s Capoeira academy, which started back in October 4, 2007 with a total of 50 students, or capoeristas, already. That seems to have a lot of attention especially in the teen department. 

Mr. Jensen Go Chow was the Asia Pacific Capoeira champion of the Brazilian Capoeira Super League. A year was enough for him to engage in the art form by establishing academies in the countries Thailand, Indonesia and
Australia. 

That Capoeira flavor 

With this hint of improvement,
Cebu is indeed starting to embrace more and more forms of leisure and recreational activities. Be it martial arts, entertainment, lifestyle and business,
Cebu is heading towards the bright direction. The Capoiera martial art is one thing that most Cebuanos are interested into. Dance enthusiasts, break dancers and even gymnasts here in
Cebu often refer to the art form because of the great rhythm as well as the body control that it employs.