Muay Thai is often cited for its devasting striking power.
A National Geographic study with Lateef Crowder recorded many kicks - (watch the video HERE!)
Capoeira: 99 Miles per Hour - 1800 Pounds of Force
Taekwondo: 136 Miles per Hour - 2300 Pounds of Force
Muay Thai: 130 Miles per Hour - 1400 Pounds of Force
Karate: 71 Miles per Hour - 429 Pounds of Force
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HOWEVER: the highest ratio of Force to Velocity = Capoeira.
Capoeira successfully compounded Mass and Acceleration.
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BJJ is often cited for its efficiency in 1 versus 1 self-defense.
Helio Gracie, one of the founders of BJJ, states that Capoeira is the best form of self-defense next to Jiujitsu. Helio even went on to say that the most difficult people to deal with, did Capoeira.
Waldemar Santana was a Capoeirista and one of the few formidable enough to end Carlson Gracies' streak of wins in the early days of MMA.
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Boxing is often cited for its dynamic striking footwork.
While it may be undocumented, the very premise of "float like a butterfly and sting like a bee" is a parallel concept in Capoeira.
Bobbing, weaving, slips, and cutting angles are all evasive techniques present within the Ginga of Capoeira.
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Lastly, let us be reminded of the great extent the government went through to ensure that this art was illegal.
Portuguese colonizers, Brazilian military, local gangs, mobs, and militia all knew the might of Capoeira very well.
Why?
Because they fought us. THEN they hired us.
Not to mention, warriors once escaping slavery established entire cities (aka Quilombos) with completely successful economic structures.
It is no wonder that Practitioners were punishable by the most extreme measures.