If Our Capoeiristas Were Superheroes

What if all the people in our little capoeira class were superheroes? Here's who everyone would be. Some of these comparisons are based on physical appearance/attributes, some based on their capoeira style, and some based on personality. And if a mestre is in a bind and needs a quick capoeira name for one of these people, the Portuguese version of the names are listed and can be licensed for a very reasonable fee.


Name: Mita
Superhero: Mr. Fantastic
Portuguese: Fantástico

No matter how far apart you are in the joda, Mita's legs can reach you. The seeming ability to stretch his body also is extended to his hair, which knows no limits.





Name: Jessica
Superhero: The Incredible Hulk
Portuguese: Incrível Hulk

Like Bruce Banner, Jess seems sweet, smart, and gentle. But once you get her mad, watch out! She turns insane and attacks you without mercy. One kick to the face and she "hulks up," getting stronger and more aggressive. You've been warned.




Name: Eric/Cobra
Superhero: Ice Man
Portuguese: Homem de Gelo

Though warm and fuzzy during frisbee golf, when Cobra's in the joda he's cool as ice, methodical and patient.






Name: Rob/Non Corporate
Supervillain: Joker
Portuguese: Coringa

Rob left all semblance of seriousness back in the corporate world. He now prefers to insert jokes at opportune times during class to entertain himself and the instructor.






Name: Yan
Superhero: Jubilee
Portuguese: Jubileu

Like Jubilee, Yan is a double-A threat: Asian and Annoying. Still though, she's fun to have around as a sidekick type when you literally need someone to side kick.




Name: Ron/Pardal
Superhero: Gambit
Portuguese: Gambit

Pardal's performance, like Gambit, is defined by acrobatics and flair. In the joda his style is playful but vicious when necessary.






Name: Amy
Supervillain: Catwoman
Portuguese: Mulher Gato

Amy is a gymnast. Flexibility and balance define her demeanor in capoeira. One difference though is Amy definitely does not have 9 lives...she can barely go two classes without succumbing to some sort of shoulder or knee injury.




Name: Ralph
Supervillain: Doctor Doom
Portuguese: Doutor Destino

The mysterious Ralph doesn't like to reveal his face, very similar to Doctor Doom. He has 666 in his email address, and I also have a suspicion that Ralph is the lord of a small Eastern European nation, cementing the similarities to Dr. Doom.




Name: David/Mosquito
Superhero: The Flash
Portuguese: Flash

Mosquito has two speeds: Fast and Uncomfortably Fast. You could have the slowest lullaby playing during a joda but he still fights as if he's in a life or death race.






Name: Nate
Superhero: Beast
Portuguese: Fera

Nate is a beast. His legs are like tree trunks. When those things are swinging at you with some speed, you have two choices: get out of the way, or pray you didn't forget to make your health insurance payment this month.




Name: James
Superhero: Thor
Portuguese: Thor

There is a big resemblance here with James' long, flowing hair, those chiseled biceps, perfect bone structure....uh wait a minute, I think this is a great time to end this blog post. Like right now.