The ginga

Capoeira elements:

1. Dance

The dance aspect of capoeira was incorporated as a way to disguise the fight. It shaped the game that we know today, giving capoeira a fun, dynamic form of expression. We use the rhythm of the instruments and songs to guide our movement and our decisions.

Another idea from dancing is to think of capoeira as a partner dance. You are always trying to guide your partner’s movement, at the same time that they are trying to guide you. Together you lead and respond in harmony.

Understanding the music will help you to better understand how you should place your moves in the game.

 

Benefits of the ginga

  • Strengthen and tone your shoulders, arms, and legs

  • Increase cardio fitness and endurance

  • Burn calories

  • Improve rhythm

Move:

Ginga: The ginga sways between two bases:

  1. One similar to a slight squat

  2. One similar to a slight lunge

 

Base 1

Base 1 (like a squat): Legs are parallel, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Knees stay slightly bent, with upper body leaning slightly forward. One arm always protects the face.

 

  1. Eyes on your partner

  2. Arms protecting your face

  3. Arms change side after you change your leg

  4. Hands open

  5. Body relaxed

  6. Legs wider than shoulders

 

Base 2

Base 2 (like a lunge): One leg is behind the other with knees slightly bent. The torso is slightly forward, without passing the front knee. The front foot is entirely on the ground, while the back foot pushes off the ball of the foot. One arm protects the face, with the other arm to the side.

 

  1. Eyes on your partner

  2. Arms protecting your face

  3. Arms swing as when walking

  4. Knees semi-flexed

  5. Body leans forward

  6. Back heel off the ground

Tip 1. Think about the swing of your arms when you walk.

When your right foot moves forward, your left arm swings forward. It is the same with the ginga. When your right foot is forward, the left arm is up protecting your face. The hands stay open; do not make fists.

Arms circle

Exercise to improve your ginga

Ginga Functionality

Ginga makes capoeira easily recognizable.The word ginga means to sway from side to side. It is also used in Brazil to describe certain movements in soccer, in dancing, and the swagger of a walk.

Here are 5 functions of the capoeira ginga:

  1. Keep the rhythm

  2. Develop a conversation

  3. Move safely

  4. Explore self-expression

  5. Put your partner where you want

Tip 2. Use your arms to help with distance and self-expression.

Being expressive in the ginga can: show your intention in the game or, conversely, misdirect your opponent; show your personality; and make your capoeira more elegant.

Keep the rhythm

In old times, capoeiristas entered capoeira with their own ginga. These movements came from experience growing up dancing samba, or from a religion commonly practiced in Brazil called Candomblé. Because of these influences, there are many different ways to move in the ginga.

Exercise:

Put on a capoeira song. Pay attention to the music and try to move with the rhythm. In the music section of the site, play audio 1, 2, and 3 and practice the ginga. Try to follow the rhythm of the songs. Then play audio 4, 5, and 6 and try to note what is different between each rhythm. Practice your ginga. Move in whatever way the music inspires you.

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Remember:

  • Always keep your arms up to protect your face.

  • Follow the pace of the music; practice with capoeira songs at different speeds.

  • Make the transitions smooth; move with agility.

Ginga with a partner

Capoeira is communication. It is important to understand how to move with a partner. There should be a balance between guiding your partner and your partner guiding you.

There are two basic ways you can work ginga with your partner:

  1. Move in the same direction, called “ginga espelhada” (mirror)

  2. Move opposite your partner

Conversation

In capoeira, there are different rhythms, styles, and lineages. With time and practice you can adapt your ginga to play more comfortably in different situations.

Ask and respond at the same time

As you develop your game, you will be able to perceive your partner’s intention - for example, if they are trying to trick you, you will be able to respond appropriately.

How do you control the game?

You control the game in the same way you control a conversation: by asking questions. Think about moves that your partner cannot just ignore and that will force them to respond, like a kick.

Tip 3: Understand how your body moves with the basic ginga.

Always keep the body moving, from side to side, front to back, and up and down. The arms are very important to the ginga. They provide protection as well as expression, making the game more beautiful and engaging your partner. Keep moving at a consistent pace and control your breathing.