Brazilians promote Capoeira

　　By Jiang Xubo

　　It was nearly five o’clock in the afternoon, Monday. Several dozen people rolled in from different parts of the campus and gathered at a small plaza in Beijing University (BU) fr another Capoeira course, an Afro-Brazil martial art.

　　“Stretch your legs, but don’t cross them,structor Wagner Dutra said, to the students, who were mostly Chinese, but also included Russian, Japanese, French and Spanish.

　　The instructor is better known as Zumbi, his Capoeira nickname. He and his companions, Feijao, Buzina and Ramos, all Brazilian Capoeira masters from Senzala, have been hosting a three-week workshop at BU since last week as part of a program jointly initiated by the Embassy of Brazil and the university’s Center for Brazilian Culture. More and more people joined the crowd as the roll of the tambor drums was heard. They drew together in a circle, singing in Portuguese and applauding. The mysterious power of Capoeira claimed rule over the corner in minutes.

　　“Music is the soul of the game. Music is everything. usic moves you,” Zumbi said. Pairs of people stepped forward to the heart of the center in turn, clapped hands and started sparring to the rhythm of Berinbau. There were lots of ducking, weaving, handstanding and kicking, but they were not aiming to hurt anyone. The martial art was more like a dialog through movement between the fighters, and it was about having fun.

　　Capoeira dates back several hundred years, and was developed by enslaved Africans. The workshop has attracted dozens of students and teachers, both from BU and nearby Beijing Language and Culture University ?even Capoeira enthusiasts from nearby communities.