Capoiera
(kap-oh-er-a )
By danzig138

The actual history of this interesting style is unknown, but this is the basic, accepted theory:

Capoiera was developed by the African slaves brought to Brazil by Portugese merchants. The slaves were from various tribes, some were even from enemy tribes. Realizing that their condition would not change on it's own, they decided to revolt. Bu they had to be able ot fight, and they were obviously not allowed to have weapons, so they took lessons from their tribal dances, and began to develop a way of fighting based on these dances. This was act- ually very clever, as they were able to convince their masters that they were only practicing their ancient traditional dances while they were, in fact learning to fight. The practiced their secret art to the rhythms of drums and a stringed, wooden instrument called the berimbau. Eventually, they did gain their freedom. The "dance" of capoiera and the capoeiristas ( practicioners of the art ) became so feared that Capoiera was actually made illegal in Brazil until the 1930's, when government restrictions were relaxed and students were once again allowed to practice.

Today, Capoiera is popular around the world. The dancing and music initially used to disguise the style have been fully integrated into the style. It is even a type of game for those who practice it.

Capoeira is usually done inside a circle of people called a "roda", pronouced HO-DUH. The people in the circle are usually other capoeiristas waiting to "play", and observers. Player or not you are expected to give energy to the roda by clapping and singing in response to the person "in charge" of the roda. There are several instruments used to make the music in the capoeira roda. The agog� (double cowbell), pandeiro (tambourine), Atabaque (conga type drum), and the Berimbau which is the most important. Each instrument, when played correctly, contributes to the energy in the roda, but the Berimbau is the commanding instrument. It tells the players inside the roda how to play, fast or slowly, agressively or pretty with lots of acrobatics. The berimbau starts and stops the roda, and all the other instruments follow it's rhythm and tempo.

Many people ask if Capoiera is a dance, or a fighting art. Mestre Joao Grande, considered to be one of the greatest Capoiera teachers, answered this question once with this, " In the hour of fighting, it is a fight. And in the hour of dance, it is a dance".

Capoiera is a very interseting form to observe. It appeals to both the body and the mind. The driving rhythms reach into the body and stir one to movement, while the wild dancing and acrobatics entertain the eye and mind. It is a constantly moving style, and this can be very confusing to someone who has never faced a capoeirista before.

Entrance Requirements: P.S. 13, P.P. 14, Spd. 15
Costume: None in particular, but students dress in all white.
Stance: A low crouching position, with circular motion.

CHARACTER BONUSES

Add +2 to P.P.

Add +1 to P.E.

Add +5 to Spd. Add +15 to S.D.C.

COMBAT SKILLS
Attacks per Melee: 3
Escape Moves: Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact, Backflip, Cartwheel, Somersault, Leap, Maintain Balance
Attack Moves: Backflip, Cartwheel, Handstand, Leap, Roll, Somersault
Basic Defense Moves: Dodge, Parry, Automatic Parry
Advanced Defenses: Multiple Dodge, Circular Parry, Automatic Dodge, Automatic Roll
Hand Attacks: Strike ( Punch ), Knife Hand, Double Knuckle Fist, Back Hand
Basic Foot Attacks: Kick Attack, Roundhouse Kick, Wheel Kick, Crescent Kick, Tripping/Leg Hook, Drop Kick, Reverse Turn Kick, Whirling Kick ( Special! Must be the first attack and it uses half of the character's attacks. Roll to strike with no bonuses. Affects every target in Combat range, and acts as an Automatic Parry. Inflicts 1D8 damage ).
Jumping Foot Attacks: Jump Kick, Flying Jump Kick, Flying Reverse Turn Kick
Special Attacks: Death Blow, Leap Attack, Knee, Elbow, Forearm, Head Butt, Arrastao ( SPECIAL! The capoeirista attempts to grab the opponent's legs and pull them out from underneath him. Uses two attacks, and requires a strike roll of 13 or better. If successful, the victim suffers 1D8 damage and loses initiative and two attacks ).
Modifiers to Attacks: Pull Punch, Knock-out/Stun, Critical Strike, Critical Strike from behind
Multiple Attackers: 4
Preferred Range: Long to combat

SKILLS INCLUDED IN TRAINING
Martial Art Powers: Select a total of three powers from among Body Hardening Exercises, Martial Art Techniques, or Specialty Katas.
Languages: Portugese
Domestic: Dancing, Singing
Survival: Jungle ( or Wilderness ) Survival
Physical: Acrobatics, Gymnastics, Running, Swimming
LEVEL ADVANCEMENT BONUSES
( NOTE: There are very few strike bonuses in this style. Most of the bonuses are geared towards evasion and escape ).
Level 1: +1 to three (3) Escape Moves of choice
Level 2: +1 to three (3) Attack Moves of choice
Level 3: +1 to Parry/Dodge/Automatic Dodge
Level 4: Knock-out/Stun on a Natural 19-20
Level 5: +1 Attack per Melee, +1 to Strike, +1 initiative
Level 6: Select one additional Martial Art Power from Martial Art Techniques or Specialty Katas
Level 7: +2 to Strike, +1 initiative
Level 8: Critical Strike on Natural 19-20
Level 9: +2 to Leap ( +6 feet )
Level 10: +1 to three (3) Escape Moves of choice
Level 11: Select one additional Martial Art Power from Martial Art Techniques or Specialty Katas
Level 12: +2 to damage, +2 to Parry/Dodge
Level 13: Knock-out/Stun on Natural 18-20, Critical Strike on Natural 18-20
Level 14: +1 to three (3) Attack Moves of choice
Level 15: +1 Attack per Melee, +3 to Leap ( +6 feet )

Why Study Capoirera?

It's an unusual style that combines strong defenses with fast offensive moves. In addition, it provides excellent physical conditioning, and a sense of belonging.

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