Making a growing impact at recent Confests is Capoeira, the Brazillian part dance, part martial art, all fun way of life.

Born 400 years ago in the hearts of African slaves in Brazil, -whose Portugese 'masters' banned weapons and martial arts- Capoeira was their secret weapon disguised as a dance. Even today, Capoeira is performed in a Roda (meaning circle, pronounced 'hoda') where music and singing envelop two people performing Capoeira (Capoeiristas.)

Escaping into rebel colonies in the jungles, Capoeira with it's phenomenal acrobatics (floireo) and sneaky, devastating moves (Malandro), it was instrumental in winning their eventual freedom.

Today, Capoeira has spread out of Brazil and now it's way of life, it's embrace of freedom has touched a kindred movement: Confest. Capoeira is flourishing in Australia, with many schools continuing the tradition, especially in Melbourne and Sydney.

The Capoeirista above is performing a combo of: Armada (roundahouse kick) to Parafuso (jumping crescent kick) to Rasteira (pulling sweep) to Macaco (crouched back spring) to Macaco Em Pe (jumping crouched back spring.) If only i could speak portugese!

Photos courtesy of Kate Dwyer, Luke & myself.