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A novel way to stay fit has reached the shores of Bahrain and has the residents high-kicking to the beat of drums and tambourines.
Capoeira - an amalgamation of martial arts, dance and game - was introduced professionally to the island by Brazilian, Alan Correa three months ago at Reza Martial Art Centre in Diraz.
Alan, 32, a certified capoeira and personal instructor, who is also twice world champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is now teaching the art form thrice a week to a diverse multi-cultural, mixed group of students ranging from ages 10 to fifty.
Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian blend of martial arts that originated in the 16th Century by African slaves working on sugar-cane plantations in Brazil.
Since the miserable masters forbade all sorts of martial arts on the plantation, the canny slaves developed one in the form of a dance accompanied with music.
Based on traditional African dances, capoeira incorporates fluid acrobatic play with headbutts, kicks, sweeps and extensive groundwork.
"Capoeira is excellent for flexibility, endurance and muscle development and it is increasingly being practised more as a fitness regimen than an art form," said Alan who practised the skill in Sao Paulo for many years before bringing it to Bahrain.
"Balancing and co-ordination play an important role in learning capoeira and one doesn't need a background in martial arts to get the hang of it," he added.
Although there are different forms of capoeira, Alan teaches the regional form of capoeira which is fast-paced and athletic.
Hanan, 23, a Bahraini who has been learning capoeira for two months, said: "I love the acrobatic aspect of capoeira and coupled with music it is a lot of fun. It is a great cardio workout and with my three weekly capoeira sessions I don't feel the need to go to the gym anymore."
Although capoeira is a highly choreographed martial arts dance routine it revs up the heart rate and with the indigenous beat of Brazilian music has injected fun in a one-of-a-kind fitness regimen on the island.
"Capoeira is not an alien concept in Bahrain as it was being practised informally by a couple of Brazilian residents at their homes and because of increasing demand, I decided to launch it in my centre on a professional level," said Bahraini Reza Monfara, owner of Reza Martial Arts Centre.
