While I was still in fencing some years ago (two? three years?) we had the room directly after a rather large Capoeira class. Ignorantly we called it "break dance fighting" (which I still think is a hillarious name for it). I went tonight for the first time. The numbers have dwindled, but it's free now and let me tell you it was a blast. Let me back up a little bit. I was partnered last quarter in networks with the guy who leads it. He's an awesome guy, and I had had some interest in the art since I heard a piece about it on NPR (which made me realize it's more than just break dance fighting). He invited me to come, but I was way busy last quarter. Thankfully this quarter seems to be somewhat less busy, and serendipitously they've moved the days to Tuesday and Thursday. Shane came (and was probably the driving factor of me getting off my ass and out of WoW and leaving the house =P)

The moves in capoeira are really neat, very flowing and cool. There is a big reliance on an underlying rhythm, and I think the part I like best is the musical aspect. After the teaching/practice section of the class we have "play". Everyone gets in a circle and instruments are played (although i have to confess I can't remember the names). The whole group claps and sings and two combatants enter the ring in mock-combat (well, sort of mock-combat). The singing is all in Portugese (an awesome language, and high on the list of ones I want to learn) and has a sort of African rhythm. It's really, really fun to sing at the top of your lungs, clap and watch the people duke it out all in rhythm to the music.

Suffice to say (I think I use that phrase too much) I'l be going back on Thursday. It's nice to have some physical activity, and not being in choir this quarter sucks... so I gotta get my singing in somehow. If you're reading this you should come check it out. It's TR 8-10pm in the Racquetball courts at the Rec Center. Seriously, it's awesome. And it's FREE! What do you have to lose?