PINOY HACK

Neal “xingu” Rodil. Neal “Professor Xingu” Rodil, 27, one of a handful of instructors in Los Angeles, capoeira (pronounced capu-edda) is a Brazilian martial art that tightly integrates music, song and gymnastic moves that require players to think fast on their feet. Actress Charlize Theron learned capoeira when she agreed to star in the futuristic film “Aeon Flux.” Through word of mouth, the film’s stunt coordinator found Rodil, who trained the actress for her role as a covert assassin. In one scene, Theron’s character finds herself fighting hand-to-hand in tight quarters. She gains the advantage with a macaco, a monkey flip that’s similar to a handspring.

“It will get you in shape - fast - because it deals with all the elements of fitness,” “There’s strength, fitness, balance, flexibility, coordination, core strength. And then at the same time, you’re learning how to defend yourself; you’re learning how to work in a group, a setting, a community.”

Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art developed initially by African slaves in Brazil, starting in the colonial period. It is known for its fluid acrobatic play, where technique and strategy are the key points. Regional was created by Mestre Bimba. Both styles are marked by the use of feints and subterfuge, and use groundwork extensively, as well as sweeps, kicks, and headbutts.

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