A Small Dojo... (PL)

[slayer]

Entering Capoeira

“So, you wish to participate in this most powerful fighting style?”

“Yes, My mind is made up. If you are still accepting students, I would be honored to be considered.”

Hissori had come by this small dojo quite by accident, and had found an amassment of knowledge in the tight space. There was a small courtyard in the hindquarters of the building, as well as a catalog of techniques holding both ninjutsu and taijutsu, and most impressive of all was a ‘mestre’ of the Capoeira fighting style.

After seeing a light spar, conducted by two Batizado ranked disciples, the lithe ninja had immediately asked for an audience with the leader of this dojo. As it had turned out, Matsuda Touck was very welcoming and hospitable, giving a quick explanation of Capoeira’s history, points of interest, and well known masters (which he was not). He also stressed the difficulty and strain his training presented.

“There is always room for more willing students, the more the merrier. Besides, just a better chance I’ll get an extra student.”

“But I thought you were already accepting me as your student, what does the chance mean?”

Chuckling slightly, Matsuda would lean forward in his chair. “Hissori, is it? The chance that any student I accept will continue to practice Capoeira after several weeks is very, very low. I let dozens of students join in the class every month, yet barely any of them have the will to remain under my tutelage.”

“I see… When do classes start?” Hissori’s thin lips would barely upturn, his most common expression.

“The first day of training officially begins in two weeks, on Thursday. Though, if I may suggest something, you should take this time to prepare; the discipline of capoeira is grueling, and requires both a strong body and a focused inner spirit. Meditate for at least five hours every couple of days, and a dramatic boost of endurance will be required.”

“I’m more sturdy than you would think. I’ll definitely be ready on Thursday. Thank you very much.”

Hissori would linger in the entrance hall, looking over charts, awards, pamphlets, training regiments and the like. Once he had finally left, the ninja would hurry home, and begin his meditation regiment.

Jump forward two weeks into the future, and Hissori would find himself stand once again inside the dojo. Master Matsuda hadn’t been lying, there were a LOT of people there. He hadn’t bothered to bring his sword, figuring it would only get into the way of his training. From what he had seen, capoeira was a very free-formed and creative style, involving many acrobatic maneuvers and intense kick and punch combos.

“I would like to thank you all for coming to today’s meeting. As many of my older students know, we won’t actually be doing any training today. I first must cut your numbers, down tot three or so new students. As far as I can tell, there are thirty two new students here, and I will set up a meeting time with each of you. During the next month, you will be forced to drop out or choose to quit, which will allow me more time with the remaining candidates. The list of times has just been posted in the hall, thanks for coming.”

And as quickly as he had entered, Matsuda left. Jostling through the thick crown, Hissori would reach the bulletin board, seeing his fist practice on that Saturday. It was only three hours long, but he would need to impress Touck if he hoped to become a permanent disciple…

[OOC: Added Capoeira to Fighting styles]

[slayer]

Ginga
Type: Taijutsu
Rank: D rank
Effect: None
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: The ginga (literally: rocking back and forth; to swing) is the fundamental movement in Capoeira. To accomplished this stance is by maintaining both feet approximately shoulder-width apart and then moving one foot backwards and then back to the base. This movement is done to prepare the body for other movements.
The rest of the body is also involved in the ginga: coordination of the arms (in such a way as to prevent the body from being kicked), torso (many core muscles may be engaged depending on the player's style), and the leaning of the body (forward and back in relation to the position of the feet; the body leans back to avoid kicks, and forward to create opportunities to show attacks). The overall movement should match the rhythm of the person.
Limit: Only a Mestra or a Contra can teach a Calouro these moves.

0/10

Bowing low, Hissori would slowly allow a smile to overtake his features, and rise to the view of the mestre Matsuda, who was bowing as well. "It is good that you came, i see promise within you." "Thank you, master. It is good to be here." "No need for you to call me master, that is only a title. Capoeira isn't about discipline anyways, but falling into instinct and primal fighting tactics.

Nodding his head, Hissori asked his question. "So, what are you teaching me first?" "Focused and on task, I like that. We will be studying the universal stance and action of Capoeira. The "Ginga" is a swaying motion, which involves you constantly leaning forward and back, as well as moving one leg. This gives you the movement and motion to both look for attack opportunities, and easily dodge attacks.

Matsuda got into a loose-looking stance, legs a shoulder-width apart. His body tensed for a moment, before slumping inward. His hands rose, his fists weren't clenched but still had the shape, and stayed in front of his body. Finally, the swaying motion started. It began as Matsuda's upper body lurching forward and back smoothly, followed by his right leg sliding backwards, just hovering an inch or so above the floor. "Alright, give it a go... make sure to keep your legs apart, and the swaying should be from inside yourself. Just find a rhythm and follow it.

Hissori moved into the correct stance, Spreading his legs, and closing his hands into fists. Heeding the words of Matsuda, the practitioner of Capoeira began a beat within his mind. He based it upon his breathing. A steady, Thumping melody, complimented by a low stamp every few moments. He urged his body to flow with this beat, attempting to fall into its fluid beat. Breathing out slowly, his body began to move, slowly and with a shuddering quality. Not quite aware of this, Hissori continued with the movement. Forcing his right foot off the ground and back, the music of his mind kept playing. It urged his torso to curve left and right, which kept his arms prepared to strike out, almost as if they were springs.

“No, no, no. This isn’t right at all. You’re pushing your body to much. It should be moving on its own once you find the beat. Here, let me start up a melody for you. Hissori nodded, seeing Matsuda obtain a small set of bongo drums from a near corner. His instructor sat and began a slow patting of one drum, set apart every half second. Bobbing his head forward and back, the graceful nin would soon find his shoulders moving with it. Before he knew it, the entire torso was swaying back and forth.

Matsuda began tapping a smaller drum, pacing it slightly quicker than the first. Once Hissori’s hips began to turn, he knew what happened next, and slid his right foot farther back than he would think necessary. The movement of his leg became slightly lighter as he got n’ sync with the second beat, until it rose and inch or so off the ground with each movement. His lower body moved fluidly with the second drum, while his upper body swayed slowly with the first. The two separate movements seemed slightly jerky until his hips turned, so both halves clicked together, filling a perfect niche in the “Ginga”.

Hissori was only mildly aware of his movement, barely knowing the drums had stopped until a hand was upon his should. Glancing over as his body continued the rhythm, Matsuda would cough. ” Not bad, but our practice time is up…” The Airontoku nearly gasped, looking at a clock mounted upon the north wall. Had he been swaying for nearly three hours? ‘ I must have really fallen into the beat…’ Bowing low, Hissori began to take his leave. His next practice was the next Saturday. “Thank you master Matsuda.” Make sure to practice the Ginga more, and stop calling me master.

[Tenkai]

Learned.
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