Today was a storybook Saturday in southern California. I got a challenging workout at capoeira; my meals came from the luscious local stands at the Santa Barbara Farmer’s Market; and I played on the water with a friend and my stand up paddle board. A great workout, good food, and friends, what more does a girl need? (Well, maybe I can think of a few other things, but I’m not hear to dwell on that which I do not have right now!)…
My introductory lesson in Capoeira, a Brazilian Martial Art, was the highlight of my entire week. Professor Chin masterfully shared his trade with a dynamic warm up, the basic movements of Capoeira, and a completely non-threatening sparring session to close. I’d seen a friend practice capoeira many times before, the perfect packaging of his strength and agility with the graceful movements was mesmerizing to watch. As a personal trainer and athlete, I was every bit as captivated learning the movements myself. The beat of the afro-brazilian music made the movements feel more like a beautiful dance than a preparation to fight. I noticed that I had a smile on my face the entire time, even though trying to do a cartwheel after 20 years was a huge challenge.
Thank you Professor Chin; I can’t wait to do it again!