Capoeira vs Kung Fu (Sparring)

[Jon_B]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEtFqistlUI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLgIYFA4z3Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDpbHN-Eeow (A combination of the good parts of both videos [Mostly in favor of Capoeira] )

I know Kung Fu is effective against other styles (and the Streets). However, I don't know if these guys were very good.

[Mephariel]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEtFqistlUI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLgIYFA4z3Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDpbHN-Eeow (A combination of the good parts of both videos [Mostly in favor of Capoeira] )

I know Kung Fu is effective against other styles (and the Streets). However, I don't know if these guys were very good.

LOL, that was complete crap.

That wasn't even really sparring.

[Jiu-fu fighter]

I really hate that when people just diss something like that, it is obvious that they have skill ( perhaps not the best), but skill nontheless.

I hate people like you who just sit behind their keyboards and critizise.

If you hate it, make your own damn video!!

[polecat63]

That was fun to watch, but where was the kung fu? It just lookes like the other guy was a capoeira guy doing what he though was kung fu. Plus, I'm not too sure I'd turn my back that much to an experienced fighter in a real sparring match. Just my opinion, of course.

[Jiu-fu fighter]

yeah, everybody has the right to opinion and you stated yours politely

[Neltharius]

I happen to train in both, and those videos weren't that good. Kung Fu students looked like beginner sparring trainers at best. The capoeiristas weren't too skilled either, especially the second one, who had the worst ginga I've ever seen. Both also left their bodies exposed when they weren't supposed to (more on that later). I do have to commend the first capoeirista on his takedowns, especially the tesoura (leg scissor). Very few people in my school are fast and skilled enough to execute those correctly.

As for turning your back to the opponent, capoeira is a very deceptive art. That's why to the inexperienced fighter, it looks extremely weird (or as most would put it, "how can you fight someone using breakdancing") The fundamental is that no matter what you're doing, you never take your eyes off your opponent, even when your back is turned. Many of the fighting positions and esquivas (boca de siri, cocorinha, fuga, negativa, queda de rins, etc.) actually have you purposefully facing away from your opponent or in a disadvantageous position, but in a way so that your view isn't obstructed and at least one limb is ready for a quick and/or powerful strike. Within capoeira there are easy counters to those positions, most of which involve a simple sidestep.

My two cents.

[Jon_B]

I happen to train in both, and those videos weren't that good. Kung Fu students looked like beginner sparring trainers at best. The capoeiristas weren't too skilled either, especially the second one, who had the worst ginga I've ever seen. Both also left their bodies exposed when they weren't supposed to (more on that later). I do have to commend the first capoeirista on his takedowns, especially the tesoura (leg scissor). Very few people in my school are fast and skilled enough to execute those correctly.

As for turning your back to the opponent, capoeira is a very deceptive art. That's why to the inexperienced fighter, it looks extremely weird (or as most would put it, "how can you fight someone using breakdancing") The fundamental is that no matter what you're doing, you never take your eyes off your opponent, even when your back is turned. Many of the fighting positions and esquivas (boca de siri, cocorinha, fuga, negativa, queda de rins, etc.) actually have you purposefully facing away from your opponent or in a disadvantageous position, but in a way so that your view isn't obstructed and at least one limb is ready for a quick and/or powerful strike. Within capoeira there are easy counters to those positions, most of which involve a simple sidestep.

My two cents.

Wonderful Post!! I train in Capoeira too, but I am still a beginner. I know the art well enough to know that what you said sounds like something a mestre would say.

[Neltharius]

I'm honored, but I can only wish that I hold the title of mestre. At my academia, we don't test because testing goes on in San Diego, but the academia's in Cleveland, the highest corda achieved in America is level 3, we are a combative group that doesn't study sequencias (much to the dismay of many American students and parents), and my mestre has seen his fair share of arrogant blackbelts in other martial arts get their asses kicked by students from other (mainly foreign) dojos who know what physical contact with something other than air and pads actually feels like.

[Jon_B]

I'm honored, but I can only wish that I hold the title of mestre. At my academia, we don't test because testing goes on in San Diego, but the academia's in Cleveland, the highest corda achieved in America is level 3, we are a combative group that doesn't study sequencias (much to the dismay of many American students and parents), and my mestre has seen his fair share of arrogant blackbelts in other martial arts get their asses kicked by students from other (mainly foreign) dojos who know what physical contact with something other than air and pads actually feels like.

Well you never know!

You are still brining up some great points. Good luck with Kung Fu and Capoeira. That is quite the mix right there. I'm sure you will be a formidable opponent... or a skilled practitioner... Whatever sounds better to you.

[Neltharius]

Definitely hope to compete in full contact sometime within the next two years. Capoeira and Kung Fu fit well together, as one supplements the other with technique, finesse, and most of all, speed. I hope to be one of the few tall competitors (6'4 200lbs.) who moves around as much if not more than the little guys. Maximizing advantage by playing to their level.

[Jon_B]

Awesome! Good luck with your training!

[Neltharius]

Thanks, and same to you.

[Jiu-fu fighter]

Ok, I am curious neltharius , i am curious,,
and since you seem to know quite a bit about capoeria

I have been interested in it, it is so amazing to watch and looks like it takes a lot of skill and passion, but is it really practical for fighting, doing backflips and kicks while spinning on the hands and stuff?

anyways, please let me know what you think

[Neltharius]

Like any other martial art, it has its useful and impractical. Some aspects are extremely useful. For example, takedowns in capoeira make use of the various leverage points on the body: head, shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles. That knowledge can be used outside the academia if needed. A simple shove to the head can throw the opponent off balance. Capoeira also bears many similarities to some TMA's, especially CMA's. It has a basis in circular movements, only the circles are horizontal rather than vertical. It also emphasizes relaxation and composure while unleashing aggression. There are also overlapping techniques. For example, the bencao is nothing more than a straight kick. The martello, the roundhouse. The shabatta, the side The chambering methods are slightly different, but the executions are the exact same.

Then there are the impractical ones, like the multistep legscissor. It involves stepping in with one leg, turning around, extending the other leg, and raising the original leg in the air to do the takedown. Way too hard and complicated to execute effectively when put to the test. Some fighting positions like queda de cuatro (looks like a crabwalk) also drastically decrease your mobility and expose much of your body to attack. Granted they can still do some damage, but should be used as sparingly as the spinning sidekick.

However, one thing I take away from capoeira is deception. If nothing else, the art itself (especially Angolan capoiera) is something your opponent is not used to fighting. Additionally, capoeira makes good use of staying on the ground and balancing on all four limbs while some other martial arts send you airborne and your main sources of balance are your legs. Knock those out, and the fighter is done. You'd be surprised at how well you can fight when your legs become your arms.

That's just my opinion though. You'll get a lot more insight by testing out a few academias and getting yourself into some Rodas and playing (fighting) with a few students there. Make sure you find out the rules of the Roda first, as different mestres might have different rules for Rodas. Right now my mestre keeps the Roda light contact, but open game, so anyone can play with anyone at anytime. Excellent way to hone skill, as a Roda is basically a sparring session.

[Jiu-fu fighter]

Thanks a bunch!!