Technique vs. Strength in Capoeira

One of the most commonly repeated comments I hear while reading about Capoeira or watching videos is that Capoeira moves are more about technique than they are about strength.

Bullshit.

Yes, absolutely, if you do the move with incorrect technique, it is harder. But ALL Capoeira moves require a certain level of strength and flexibility. Even the most basic step, the ginga, takes strength to do right. Practically anyone can do a half-assed or incorrect ginga, not that hard. To do it right, however, requires a lot of leg strength. I only recently started doing ginga right, and I'm on my 2nd year of training! I'm pretty good at back bends, but it wasn't learning the technique of the move that was hard, I didn't have the upper body strength or back flexibility to do the move in the first place! I imagine most people can't do a back bend, and they certainly can't roll into a back bend from the side.

Specifically the Macaco is the move that I've heard this nonsense the most about. It's essentially a back handspring from a crouch. Technique is important, but if you don't have the leg and back strength to kick up, technique won't mean squat to you.

I'm not sure why people like to spout this nonsense, though perhaps it's some attempt to make Capoeira seem more accessible to people. Technique or not, you gonna take Capoeira, you gonna work and you gonna work hard if you're ever going to get past ginga and some kicks. I'm just sayin'.