The Body Sphere is a fascinating weekly program about “the ways we use our bodies to create and compete, nurture and abuse, display and conceal”, published by Australian broadcaster ABC. It recently featured an episode that split its time between taekwondo, one of two Olympic martial arts, and Brazil’s capoeira. While not directly contrasted in the episode, listeners will no doubt notice the juxtaposition of the two art forms as talk of capoeira’s rich cultural heritage proceeds a discussion on the competitive aspects of taekwondo.

Obviously, the episode coincides with the 2016 Summer Olympics being held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which has seen capoeira getting unprecedented attention not only as part of the cultural backdrop of Brazil, but arguably as an Olympic omission.

Hayder and Safwan at training (Amanda Smith)

Capoeiristas will be interested to hear Rafael Okada (Instrutor Flescha) of Abada Capoeira in Melbourne explain the history and philosophy of the art, and though it is a familiar story by now, every interpretation can reveal a little more of capoeira’s identity. And while the Body Sphere does not debate capoeira’s status as a competitive sport, its story on taekwondo might be even more interesting: The Korean martial art has adapted to competition on the world’s stage, impacting a whole range of things from the type of person that chooses to practice taekwondo to the types of movements that are most prominent. It could be argued that even the philosophy has changed, at least for competitors.

The episode’s full audio is still available on ABC’s website, and can also be found as a podcast by searching for “The Body Sphere” in your favorite podcast app. There is also an accompanying article titled, “Gangs, drums and dance: A rhythmic history of Brazilian capoeira.“

Visit the official website of Abada Capoeira in Melbourne, where Instrutor Flecha teaches under the guidance of Mestre Camisa. You can also visit their official Facebook page.

Should capoeira be a competitive sport, or an Olympic sport? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below!