Carmen Mita
By Berris Sweeny
Martialforce.com
Online Martial Arts Magazine
Capoeira, is a martial art with a history dating back over 400 years. Developed in Brazil, it has grown in popularity and is practiced throughout the world. Capoeira is a unique style, which combines aspects of dance, music, culture, history and martial arts. A complete form of exercise and self-defense, Capoeira is hypnotic in its combination of beauty and power.
Its origin has been a subject of intense debate for many years. The theory generally accepted is that Capoeira has African origins but was created in Brazil. The Portuguese brought slaves to the Americas from many different parts of Africa. They were forced to survive in harsh lands where they were not welcomed. They were not able to defend themselves, nor allowed to unite their different cultural groups. What evolved over time because of African, Portuguese, and native Indian influences, was a form of, self-defense and expression. Ingeniously, disguising their training as ritualistic dances to rhythmic music, what they were really practicing were various offensive and defensive movements, all mixed.
The movements in Capoeira are performed in a circle called roda. Its two capoeiristas (practitioner of Capoeira) compete against each other within the roda. The essence of Capoeira centers on playing a physical game called jogo de Capoeira, or jogo, where the goal is gain control of the space by confusing the opponent. The capoeiristas engage in an exchange of movements while in constant motion, observing the rituals and proper conduct of the art. The speed and tempo of the jogo is decided by the momentum created as a result of fusing together the different rhythms of the instruments associated with Capoeira. Solo and collective singing to lead the capoeiristas in their exchange joins with the percussion.
I met Carmen Mita about 2years ago while living in Osaka Japan. Before meeting Carmen Mita, I had trained in Capoeira. Once I saw her perform her style of Capoeira, I was quite impressed. Training with Carmen Mita has furthered my understanding and enhanced my own development of Capoeira.
The following is an interview with Carmen Mita:
M.FORCE: Where were you born and raised?
C.MITA: “I was born and raised in Sao Paulo Brazil”.
M.FORCE: What other arts have you studied?
C.MITA: “Before training in Capoeira, I studied various dance forms from around the world. I also have a keen interest in percussion”.
M.FORCE: How long have you trained in martial arts?
C.MITA: “For approximately 6 years.”
M.FORCE: Do you recommend Capoeira training for all women?
C.MITA: “ Yes, I do. As one, old Capoeira song says, Capoeira is for men, women, and children. In Brazil, children begin training very young, as early as 3 years old. Capoeira has many attractive elements to offer women, in martial arts, music, and dance movements. As well, it is excellent exercise to develop muscle, flexibility, coordination, and body expression.”
M.FORCE: Who is your instructor?
C.MITA: “ My instructor is Master Aparecido Trindade, who lives in Sao Paulo. He trains very hard and prepared his students to represent his Capoeira Group Netos de Amaralina in the 2000 Championship. I won three medals that year.”
M.FORCE: Where do you currently teach?
C.MITA: “I teach in 5 locations in Osaka Japan.”
M.FORCE: How has your training in Capoeira affected you personally?
C.MITA: “There have been great benefits such as improved health aspects, reduction in stress, cardio vascular, body tone, and weight reduction.”
Edited by: Lydia Alicea