Can I learn capoeira by myself?

No.

Interaction with another player, as well as with the instrumental and vocal music of the roda, is essential to capoeira. But if there's no capoeira school in sight, you can begin preparing yourself in several ways:

  • Read up about the history, philosophy, and traditions of capoeira, research Brazilian culture; check out the books about capoeira in English. Learn as much as you can.
  • Learn Portuguese (take a class or buy a computer program).
  • Do another martial art, gymnastics, dance, or work out to increase your fitness level and body control.

To get an idea of capoeira movements, check out the movement resources section.

If you can make the trip to a capoeira class even just once or twice a month, it’s worth it! The instructor can help you with the movements that you’ve learned and teach you new things that you can work on solo. If you ever get the chance to travel, look up capoeira classes in that area and visit them.

If you can raise enough serious, continuing interest in your home town in learning capoeira, you may be able to write to an established group and get them to send you an instructor on a temporary or permanent basis.

Copyright Shayna McHugh 2007