Capoeira win!

Looks like I'm going to have to learn Portuguese. Though that might seem strange to you, it makes a lot of sense to me. While learning Karate, I learned a lot of Japanese, both counting and names of kicks, punches, take-downs, etcetera, so I sort of half expect that from Capoeira. However, what I wasn't counting on was the singing. Yes, singing. At the end of our Capoeira class, we gathered in a circle, or Roda, and sang some songs. Which is to say that the instructor sang the songs and we students sang back some choruses. I can't remember any but one that I can't possibly spell, but it was surprisingly a good way to end a class. It was a cool down as well as another new learning experience.

As for the class, it was mostly an exercise in pain. I haven't done anything that demanding in... well, a long time if I'm kind, and a really, really long time if I'm truthful. The things we did to our legs were just shy of torturous at points. My legs sting quite a bit right now. So does my back, my neck, and of course my feet. Why feet? Because doing two hours of essentially dancing on rough carpet does nothing good to one's feet. They tell me that this week is blister week, next week is bleeding all over the floor week, and then the calluses will start. As I walk two miles a day, I think that maybe I'll do better than that, especially since my blister almost doesn't hurt (much) now after having walked on it.

I didn't learn a lot of Capoeira, exactly. Most of what I learned was exercises, and a lot about Capoeira, but if you want an example of what was new that I learned and practiced, here you go:

The Jinga is most of what I learned.

One thing I really appreciate about this class is that it's so calm and relaxed. I mean, yeah, we're working hard, but since Capoeira fights aren't called sparring but playing, it really comes across that what we're learning is how to play Capoeira. It takes that stupid testosterone edge off things and lets us concentrate on having a good time while playing. Add to that the constant emphasis on flow practically like dancing, and the steady stream of encouragement and jokes from the instructors, and I'm a chill happy guy. I don't think I've had as much fun in a martial arts class before. I can't wait for next week.

The cute girl in the class didn't hurt either. :)