Vigorous dancing is good exercise. Practicing martial arts, with all its kicks and punching, is good exercise. Acrobatics are good exercise. Mix them together, along with a musical beat, and you have Capoeira.
The Afro-Brazilian martial art, undoubtedly, is great exercise.
People living in major cities and university towns have been turning to Capoeira as a form of exercise for years, and it took root in Charleston last year with the arrival of Jesse Colon, who brought his contagious love and dedication to the art form to the area.
He teaches it three times a week at the James Island Recreation Complex and has been working closely with the College of Charleston to bring Capoeira events there.
Colon says that Capoeira is a tough workout, but people should not feel they have to get in shape before starting it.the great indoors.
"This tends to get people in shape. For many, it gives them a reason to lose weight," he adds.
Nor should beginners be intimidated. Colon breaks classes into two different groups, with beginners in one of the groups.
"Capoeira is my life," says Colon, who is of Cuban descent and makes his living in medical transcription. "I like the music and the uniqueness of it. It's a full art form. It's cultural and the energy just draws you in."
