Ginga Life
Embracing the Philosophy of Pelé and the Football Greats In All Areas of Life
What is Ginga?
Ginga is a style and philosophy that originated in the Brazilian martial art known as Capoeira (pronounced “kappawerra“), a combination of fighting, dancing, rhythmic movements, and acrobatics that has been adopted by many of the nation’s most celebrated athletes. Popularized by sports legends like Pelé, the style has become a dominant cultural influence and a defining characteristic of the nation’s highly successful football teams (that’s soccer for us Americans).
Directly translated as “swing” or “sway,” Ginga is as much a philosophy as it is an art form. According to El Arte Del Fútbol (The Art of Football), Capoeira was originally used by Afro-Brazilian slaves to hide their defense moves in forms of dance, but as the activity became more popular, aspects of its moves, style, and philosophy were adopted into other areas of life. The Ginga style became an international sensation when Pelé and other Brazilian footballers excelled with their signature moves, showing grace and versatility in their ball control and extremely athletic kicks.
The Ginga Way
While it may be difficult for someone outside of Brazilian culture to understand Ginga in its full complexity…
