capoeira

this is my word of the day.  flipping through the pages of the new title 9 catalog, i saw that one of the model's featured list of activities included "capoeira".  i loved that i had no idea what that meant!  guessing that it might have something to do with poetry (Greek poiema), i was also pleased to note that i was completely wrong.

capoeira is a brazilian form of martial art that involves dance, music and acrobatics, thought to have originated in the 16th century.  it is known for quick and complex moves of power, speed and leverage using a variety of kicks, spins and other highly mobile techniques. 

the word comes from the tupi ka'a (jungle) and e puer (it was) referring to the low vegetation of the brazilian interior. move over, mere karate!