Since childhood, I developed a passion for anything to do with me being protected. Self defense was for sure my only way out. At the age of eleven, I had my first opportunity to be in a place called Dojo, a martial arts academy. However, I took advantage of this discovery which in turn made me physically invincible. Martial arts come from different sorts of people and ancient cultures. Nonetheless, most of the prominent martial arts known worlwide come from Asia culture. Notwithstanding the fact, martial art provides a sense of discipline that can enhance the spiritual being on anyone. That is to say, you can prevail by acquiring divine peace within yourself. As a result, I took the courage to improve my skills from being an ordinary karate kid to other sophisticated arts such as taekwondo, jujitsu and more. Moreover, in the year 2000, I discovered another breed of martial art which I find to be the most fascinating of all. It is absolutely different from every other art because it comprises of both music and combat. My first exposure to this masterpiece was in the form of a movie. The name of the movie is "Only the Strong" which was released in the year 2000. Perhaps my inability to the Internet at the time kept me away from this magnificent innovation. Despite being overwhelmed about the things I found interesting in the movie, at the end of the day I believed it was just a fictional movie like any other graphical type. In all, I did not end my adventure there but pursued despite of my pre-evaluation.
Now to the real story, during the sixteen century, the slaves in South America formed a rebellious movement called Capoeira. This movement was originated in a place called Quilombo dos palmares in Brazil between the eras, 1620 to 1653. The slaves developed this idea of defense which will be their method of protection against the harsh and oppressive conditions they lived. It was more beneficial to those slaves who wanted to escape or rebel against their matsres. The initial intention of Capoeira was for entertainment which later transformed to a system of self-defense. This movement was one of the most successfully system of recruitment used by slaves to avoid suspicion by their dictators. The slave masters thought the slaves were only having entertainment, only to know later that they were fooled. On the contrary, it was not until the slaves had become skilled fighters that masters were able to realized how blindfolded they were. Finally, the art was banned around seventeenth century by the government at the time. Capoeira was developed from the basis of multicultural ideas. It symbolizes the dance moves from most of every tribe at the time and even some contemporary slaves from other parts of the world like India. In other words, ancient Africans copied the dance pattern from certain domestic animals like monkeys. The reason I guess for this was that, most of everyone at the time thought monkeys were very funny and entertaining. However, it was a perfect way to disguise because it can be underestimated compared to a real training exercise. What was clear about the dance was that they did many somersaults, jumping from place to place and tackle each other in a friendly manner. In this regard, every demonstration that was displayed had to do with no violence. This was indeed more than just entertainment because the amount of reflex and ability to twist while up in the air all at once can also be view as supernatural abilities.
In addition, one of the most intriguing moments I admired most, was the kind of instruments used during Bateria (Capoeira performances). Surprisingly, most of the instruments they used can be found in places like Sierra Leone, Ghana, Senegal and others. For example, the instruments called Agogo, Reco-Reco and the Berimbaus, are used by some west African tribes during their traditional ritual ceremonies. It was an astounding discovery for me especially that I ma from Africa. Although, the languages used for the songs were in Portuguese and Spanish, which I do not speak however, the tunes were similar to some West African traditional tunes. Going back to the point, I spent an hour learning some of the beginner's routine which was invigorating. For example, I did some of the common sweep kick, take down, hand strike, cartwheel, head spin, elbow strike and finally the knee strike. Naturally, from a warrior archetype stand point, I felt the connection that which exists within me and Capoeira arts. When you find yourself in a place where you really belong, it is easy to comply with the new adaptation. Furthermore, in order to demonstrate any of the routines of Capoeira, one will require to teamwork with other participant.
In order to achieve the best results on any adventure, one will have to not only ready mentally but also physically. Capoeira has being my most anticipated of all martial arts. After realizing that now was the best time to accomplish my long awaiting dream, I first search for the closest Capoeira institution I can find in my neighborhood. As a result, I first made a call to one of the most prominent academies called AMADA Group. Furthermore, I found out that there are two well known Capoeira academies in New York, the AMADA and Omulu Group. I finally decided to work with the Arte Capoeira Center located at #1 East 28th which is part of the AMADA society. I spoke to Macuiu on the phone, one of the senior instructors and he gave me an appointment for December 4th 2010. I was excited about the commencement of my reality but unfortuately I was naive. I imagined myself to be in a bad shape for such a tremendous workout and that may be I need some more time before I can begin training. Nevertheless, I went there on the day of my appointment and told the instructor my reason for being there. The instructor who welcomed me at the Dojo was again Macuiu. He introduced me to nearly everyone which was extremely encouraging for me. He encouraged me by giving detailed background and personal experience of his years in Capoeira. I was impressed with his lengthy historic background and experience about Capoeira. In addition, he explained to me about both the spiritual and physical benefits acquired through the science of Capoeira. Also he emphasized on the point that, Capoeira is a combination of fitness and entertainment that which uplifts ones inner well being. In spite of all the energy consumed during training and the combat techniques taught to students, Capoeira is not specifically for the purpose of fighting. Capoeira more or less endures peace of mind to to all those who seek to use their body in an extraordinary way. Although, Capoeira is not a total fighting scheme but if you find yourself in an unprecedented situation, you are bound to defend yourself with all that is gained. This, I felt privileged to be in such an atmosphere watching some of the students demonstrating some of the incredible routines.
In addition, because I told the instructors that I was a student from LaGuardia Community College and that I was doing a research project, they provided me with one week of free training classes. After spending thirty minutes with them, I finally told them a little background about my personal life and why I chose to use Capoeira for my school research project. They were extremely impressed with me and commended me for connecting the aspects of Capoeira to an educational institution of New York. It was a great adventure for me and I scheduled to be there on the 8th of December for my first day of real training.
Often, we hear many people say the phrase, no pain no gain. This metaphoric expression relates to real life by which we make sacrifices to achieve our goals. The culture of Capoeira is to get in shape, promote your inner peace and be happy. In spite of what I anticipated, I knew that for me to gain the best out of my quest, I will have to reconcile with myself. My first day of training was exciting but difficult. To begin training, you must first take off all shoes and put on a complete white attire. The drills were nothing close to what I expected. Most of other types of martial arts exercises have common similarities but not with Capoeira. The reason being is that Capoeira originate from a different concept which has nothing to do with fighting. Imagine you are in a dance class and instead of your instructor teaching you dance moves he is showing you how to change a flat tire. On the contrary, slaves transformed the use Capoeira from an entertainment stand point to a system of emancipation which helped them to overcome their struggle.
During my first day of training, my instructors taught me how to avoid getting injuries especially when doing stretch exercises. Most of what I thought I knew before was a totally different story. I tried to defy my instinct of negativity and utilized my sense of invincibility. Virtually, I did most of all the routines they taught me. Amazingly the music they played felt so harmonious which also synced with every movement we incorporated. Thus, at the end, I was pleased that our expectations were met. The name given to the ritual that is done during Capoeira practice is called Chamada. The word Chamada implies a call for an opponent challenger. When you find yourself in the Bateria and you are called to be an opponent challenger, you must go in the play even if you are unfit or else you will be humiliated. Unfortunately for me, I did not find myself in that situation the first day of training but hopefully I will partake on my next day of practice.
In conclusion, it has being a great pleasure to be part of a historic cult that was formed by some of my ancestors in the sixteenth century as a movement to liberation. Mostly, I have finally accomplished a one of my utmost anticipation of martial arts. Capoeira is not only a sport that enhances the physical being of anyone but also develops the inner spiritual being. As a result from the extravagance of art which comprises of music and battle dance. In otherwords, we can also say Capoeira is a simultaneous dance party at war.
During fall session one semester (2010), both my writing skill and web experience improved academically. Actually, my ENG 102 professor, whose name is Doctor Jason Smith, provided me with the curriculum which enabled me to achieve this academic goal. At first, after reading all the details he outlined on his class syllabus, I felt discouraged about the blog essay writing which he mentioned because my computing skills were limited. Thus, I decided that it would be better if I drop or change the class, because my internet ability at the time was definitely premature. However, I was convinced by the manner which the professor uses to teach. He was patient enough to see that every student like myself learn how to browse the web for research information, create a personal Blog profile, use Google documents, edit and publish class projects online. Furthermore, the professor established a system of group alliance wherein projects where sometimes done through teamwork rather as individuals. 
