The ginga (pronounced jinga; literally: rocking back and forth; to swing) is the fundamental movement in capoeira. capoeira Angola and capoeira regional have distinctive forms of this movement. In Angola, ginga is a very free and individualistic, while in regional the ginga has a more structured look. In most Regional schools, the ginga is learned the same way until the aluno advances to a certain level and begins to develop their own style of using it. Both are accomplished by maintaining both feet approximately shoulder-width apart and then moving one foot backwards and then back to the base, describing a triangular 'step' on the ground. Ginga movement is done to prepare the body for other movements: hiding, dodging, feinting and attacking. It puts a capoeiristas in constant motion, making them a frustrating target for a foward advancing opponent. The entire body is involved in the ginga: coordination of the arms (in such a way as to prevent the body from being kicked), torso (many core muscles may be engaged depending on the player's style), and the leaning of the body (forward and back in relation to the position of the feet; the body leans back to avoid kicks, and forward to create opportunities to show attacks). The overall movement should match the rhythm being played by the bateria. The Ginga is also capoeira's most recognized movement. Very few martial arts employ a constant rhythmic movement that matches the ginga. One of the few exceptions would be Korea's own taekkyeon. | 