For many years though, Capoeira was never taken seriously in the ring or in the martial arts world as an effective martial art. Times are changing so let's cover a few points of how the "Capoeira Fighter" has developed over the last few years. Now, don't confuse the martial artist with a fighter. Both disciplines call for a certain level of specific training.
Typically when you see pure Capoeira training you may see passive or aggressive training or even crazy and awe inspiring demonstrations. Realize though, that the nice demonstrations or classes you have seen are only one side of Capoeira; the fun and playful side. This is why Capoeira is referred to as a game between to players. On the other side of the coin you have a very brutal Capoeira likened to Muay Thai with elbows, knees, headbutt, razor blades and very tricky movements, most of which can cause a traumatic damage or KO an opponent. Moreover, 90% of these movements come from completely unpredictable, crazy angles.
One of the saddest commentaries for years, has been the Capoeira fighters who are really not fighters (or who don't fight very well) who try to fight using Capoeira in MMA or sparring competitons. They dance around and get quickly subdued and the video goes viral. Luckily for the Capoeira world, the crazy Capoeira KO's go viral as well.
Now let's get to the heart of the matter and address a few ways that will take your Capoeira, for MMA specifically, to the next level.
11 Ways to Improve your Capoeira for MMA
1. Remember Capoeira is a martial art, MMA is a sport. This realization calls for a completely different mindset.2. Train like a Fighter, not a Capoerista. You have to become a fighter in your mind, not just a Capoeirista.
3. Find a professional strength and conditioning coach, because you are going to need it. In Capoeira class you may be used to performing high velocity movements for 15 - 30 second bursts when you buy into a Capoeira game, but in the ring it is going to be a couple of high intensity rounds with someone intent on taking your head off by any means necessary.
4. Find a professional fight coach. Unless your Capoeira professor is also a fighter or coach, you will need to find someone who can prepare you for the ring. This may call for training across several disciplines like jiu-jitsu, judo and kickboxing as well.
5. Spar Often with everyone you can. With Capoeiristas, with kickboxers, MMA, judo and jiu-jitsu fighters. Anybody and everybody.
6. Video tape your sparring sessions and improve your Capoeira for MMA.
7. Learn to recover after missing the "big" move. So many Capoeiristas miss the mark with this one. They throw a big move, then they look like a deer in the headlights when they miss. Did you expect the other person to just stand there? No right? Well learn to recover so you aren't caught wide open when you miss a big move.
8. Learn how different styled fighters react to the same moves or setups. During your sparring make sure you take note of how people from each base style of martial arts respond to your movements, feints, attacks and defense.
9. Learn the common counters for your movements from different styled fighters, then practice your attacks in 2/3 movement sequencias to train your muscle memory. For instance, if your do a Meia Lua de Compasso and your opponent always hits you with a bencao type movement or tackles you at the end, you will need to adjust your movement, etc.
10. Don't do wild and useless attacks trying to get a big KO. Ahh yes, some people just get so excited that they throw wild and crazy Capoeira moves. These moves would be effective if they just took their time and let the fight develop. Openings for attacks are opportunities that are discovered in the moment as someone reacts or responds to you.
11. Train Hard, SPAR Often.
Benjamin Moriniere
www.capoeira-okinawa.com
www.facebook.com/CapoeiraAcademyOkinawa
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