This article is not meant to be a ginga-how-to but more about the subtle differences seen through the ginga movement in different capoeira groups. Here, I boil it down to 3 styles of ginga.
I’ve had the opportunity to learn from different teachers and masters from several different capoeira groups. Out of all the useful tips I’ve heard and most informative lessons I’ve learned, this first one has stood out the most for me in terms of learning ginga. In a way, it is the beginning to the story of how my ginga came to be…
Ginga Style #1 – Move your foot inward then back
As a beginner (with less than 4 months of training), during my first capoeira workshop event, a Capoeira master asked us to try something slightly different just for a moment. Here is what he demonstrated…
In general the same motion as done across the capoeira board… put one foot back than bring it back to cadeira position. Then the other foot moves back and comes back to cadeira position. And so on. The uniqueness of the lesson though was the direction the foot takes when making its way to the back. So… from cadeira… move your left foot inward (towards your right foot until shoulder width apart) and then towards the back.
This way of executing the ginga movement is a bit less practical as it takes longer for your foot to make its way back. And I should mention, during the workshop it was taught as a side-note type of lesson and almost an exaggeration as a means to dissect the motions. We were asked to take from that – have your foot create the same motion but in a less exaggerated way in order to get it to the back position quicker. For a faster game, it is more practical not to bring the foot inward so much before taking it back. I did take from that lesson and it helped me make my ginga my own by merging this technique to the way I was originally taught to ginga.
Ginga Style #2 - Bend the back leg
I wonder if every capoeirista has been asked to ‘picture a triangle’ on the floor? I’ve heard this a lot. Picture your feet stepping on each corner of the triangle. Anyways… the second style of ginga is probably the one I can describe the best because it’s the way I’ve seen taught the most. During ginga both knees are to remain bent. At all times. While one foot is back, the back leg should be ‘slightly’ bent. You should feel as if you are ‘sitting’ into position. The forearm in front of you should be parallel to the ground. Move your shoulders up a bit to protect the neck.
Ginga Style #3 – Create a straight line with your back and the back leg
During vacation, as dedicated as I was and not wanting to miss a week of training, I went to the only capoeira class I could find. It was a great experience - I met a new group, new master, new capoeiristas and of course a new style. Here I really learned not all gingas are the same. To the contrary to my usual training, ginga is done with the back leg straight (but not locking the knee). Simply put, the back leg needed to create a straight line with your back. As a beginner you are immediately told that you don’t bend you upper body forward. Most beginners tend to end up with their heads past the front knee. This should be avoided because it creates back pain issues. However, by creating this ‘straight line’ your upper body is forced into a slightly forward position. I believe the benefit is that you want to be smaller to easily avoid kicks. Being upright is just asking for a foot to the face.
Comments? Anybody? Feel free to leave a comment whether any of these sound familiar to you or not or you wanna add a technique or tip... go ahead but play nice.
