Roda
What is The Roda?
The "roda" (pronounced "ho-da") is a fundamental aspect of Capoeira, serving as both the physical and cultural space where the art form is practiced and displayed. It is essentially a circle formed by participants, within which two Capoeiristas (practitioners of Capoeira) engage in a fluid, improvised game or sparring match.
Key components of the roda include:
- Formation: The roda is formed by a circle of participants who clap, sing, and play traditional instruments. These participants are crucial as they create the energy and rhythm that drive the game.
- Instruments: The music in the roda is typically led by the berimbau, accompanied by instruments like the atabaque (drum), pandeiro (tambourine), and sometimes the agogô (double-bell) and reco-reco (scraper). The music sets the tempo and style of the game being played.
- Music and Songs: Songs sung in Portuguese are an integral part of the roda. These songs can be historical, spiritual, or playful, and they often dictate the mood and pace of the game. The lyrics can offer guidance, tell stories, or celebrate the heritage of Capoeira.
- Game: Inside the roda, two Capoeiristas engage in a playful, yet strategic, exchange of movements. This "game" can range from slow and graceful to fast and competitive, depending on the style and the energy of the roda. The interaction is a blend of attack and defense, acrobatics, and dance-like movements.
- Community and Learning: The roda is not just a physical space but also a social and educational one. It is where practitioners learn from each other, test their skills, and build camaraderie. It embodies the communal spirit of Capoeira, where respect, tradition, and mutual support are emphasized.
- Rituals and Etiquette: There are specific rituals and etiquette associated with entering and leaving the roda, as well as how to interact within it. These customs are deeply rooted in the traditions of Capoeira and are respected by practitioners.
Overall, the roda is the heart of Capoeira, encapsulating its physical, musical, and cultural dimensions. It is a dynamic and interactive space that brings together the community, honors tradition, and showcases the art form in its most vibrant and authentic expression.
Related Article: Capoeira: The Afro-Brazilian Martial Art That Blends Dance and Acrobatics
Bushido meant stoicism, self-discipline, and dignity in one’s personal bearing; it emphasized mastery of the martial arts through long training and practice; it lauded sacrifice in service to duty, without the slightest fear of death; it demanded asceticism and simplicity in daily life, without regard to comforts, appetites, or luxuries. The samurai was “to live as if already dead,” an outlook consonant with Buddhism; he was to regard death with fatalistic indifference, rather than cling to a life that was essentially illusory. Shame or dishonor might require suicide as atonement—and when a samurai killed himself, he did so by carving out his own viscera with a short steel blade. But traditional bushido had not imposed an obligation to abhor retreat or surrender even when a battle had turned hopeless, and the old-time samurai who had done his duty in a losing cause could lay down his arms with honor intact.
Ian W. Toll