by SIOBHAN O'CONNOR

Kicking, twirling, flipping and cartwheeling to traditional Brazilian beats is one way to describe the centuries-old Afro-Brazilian martial art of Capoeira. Rigorous, fierce and tricky is another way.

Combining balance and agility, fighting and dance, game and discipline, Capoeira's playful but complex fitness system is currently enjoying a boom in popularity. Beautiful to watch, the aerobic and sometimes-acrobatic moves all seem effortlessly executed. Not the case, though. This martial art is a form of active resistance--be it physical, mental or, historically speaking, political. And it's a full workout for the body and the mind, as any Capoeirista--the term for those who practice the discipline--will tell you.

"When I first watched Capoeira, I thought it looked like poetry," says Leighann Malcolm, who's currently taking classes at Concordia. "But it's really tough and unlike some other martial arts, it can't be reduced to kicking and punching. It looks like dance, but there are so many other elements there, too."

The body politic

Starting in a circle (or roda), all Capoeiristas do the basic ginga, a triangular shuffle-step. Two players move to the centre and engage one another in a series of crazy semi-acrobatic moves, looking more like agile cats at play than fighters. Because of the lightness and grace of the movements, the martial art is cunningly disguised as dance.

Which is exactly how it was supposed to appear when it emerged in 16th-century Brazil, or so the lore goes. Though the origins of Capoeira are vague and often disputed, word has it that it was brought to Brazil by African slaves who developed the system as a way to strengthen their bodies and their community. The dance aspects were used as a kind of decoy, making the discipline look recreational, keeping the slaveowners at bay. Always associated with political shit disturbers, it gained prominence in Brazil's city slums where it was eventually criminalized in the 1920s.

From its romanticized beginnings to its factious present state--there are half a dozen forms of Capoeira currently in existence--the game is hard to pigeonhole. This writer had the pleasure of attending a class recently held by Michael Gregory, a Montreal-based master and authority on the subject. The class was filled with about 25 fit little bodies prancing about like ponies. When asked why they practice Capoeira, the answers ranged from "just to get fit," to "I've always had a thing for Brazil," to "because I breakdance and breaking was born out of Capoeira."

Breaking in the Bronx

Traditionally practiced in all-white uniforms to the sounds of the one-stringed Brazilian instrument called the berimbau, Capoeira has changed a lot. What used to be a martial art confined to the underground is now the Brazilian national sport and is currently enjoying a flavour-of-the-month kind of trendiness in North America. See, for example, the "Capoeira fashion" spread in the stylish new glossy the Fader, depicting Capoeirista hotties sporting Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, Nike and Adidas.

According to Montreal Capoeira Regional teacher Comprido (who works under the master Cabeludo), this popularity could damage the tradition. "The quality of teaching, the history of resistance--both integral characteristics of Capoeira--must be preserved. When things emerge from the underground, they become difficult to monitor."

But, says NYC-based Capoeira master Jake Edmonds, the trendification of Capoeira in North America has been a long time coming. "Ever since the '70s," he points out, "when Capoeira emerged in the Bronx, when breakdancing hit the streets, it was just a matter of time before people caught on." When asked if he thought trendiness would harm this historically underground practice, Edmonds laughs. "No! Forget that. Capoeira is not what it used to be, for sure. But that doesn't have to be as dangerous as people say it is. Capoeira is a beautiful thing. The more people who realize that now, the better." H

Capoeira Regional classes taught by Comprido are ongoing at Porto de Barra (5425 Bordeaux, suite 106); $150 for three months. Info: 523-1282

The Michael Gregory School offers Capoeira classes starting May 1 at the Concordia and McGill university campuses; one-month session is $30 for students/$40 general public. Info: 848-3860