Playing Capoeira (Entering the Roda & Buying a Game)

There are two ways a player can enter the roda to play a game. If you are not sure which way is most appropriate, watch what other people are doing or ask a higher cord.

The first way is when two players come to kneel at the foot of the LEAD berimbau, shake hands and enter the roda with an "au" (cartwheel). When their game is over, they shake hands and quickly back out of the roda, making way for the next two players.

It is important to note that you should never turn your back to the roda, whether you are standing on the perimeter or especially when you are leaving the roda after a game. This is for your safety, since other players may not notice that you have not completely left the roda before they start to play (throwing kicks or flips).

The second way to enter the roda is to "buy the game". At this point, you must pay attention to the hierarchy of the cords. Always take the person out has been in the roda the longest EXCEPT if that person is a master, in which case he always has priority, or in a special occasion roda (like a birthday roda, entrega de roda) where a person is being celebrated. You must be sensitive to the energy of the roda and the game before "buying" a game. Often it is considered 'bad manners' if an inexperienced capoeirista buys a game between two experienced players. Try to buy the game within your colour cord level.

There is an etiquette to buying a game in the roda that is difficult to explain, however observe the higher cords and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Note: A lower cord may not buy out a higher cord unless the Instructor or Mestre in charge gives permission to do so. When you you buy the game, make sure both players can see you and you should still start at the foot of the berimbau - go in from the side and don't hesitate.

Capoeira is played in a roda (pronounced ho-dah). It is the climax of the art of capoeira. At the head of the roda is the orchestra, consisting of usually three berimbaus, one atabaque, two pandeiros and one agogo. The berimbau leads the roda, its rhythm and speed dictating the type of game that is to be played.

The most highly ranked capoeirista usually plays the berimbau. The mestre (master) or the highest ranked capoeirista present at the group retains the responsibility for maintaining the integrity of the roda.

The rest of the roda is formed by the capoeiristas (students) who contribute their energy by clapping and singing. Even if you don't know the words to the songs (sung in portuguese), try to imitate the sounds you hear and learn them later. As a Capoeirista part of the training is to learn how to play the instruments and to sing and lead songs.

The roda can be best described as a living entity where everyone's energy is focused on the game being played in the centre, where the two capoeiristas are engaged in a physical dialogue. What makes the roda exciting is the energy that the players, musicians and singers put into it.