Boxing and Esquiva Lateral in Kipura: The Real "Capoeira"

 



Boxing and Esquiva Lateral in Kipura: The Real "Capoeira"

The art of boxing, celebrated for its precise movements and defensive techniques, shares an often-overlooked lineage with the ancient martial traditions of Alkebulan (miscalled Africa). Among these, Kipura—a dynamic martial art originating from the Kongo—has left a profound imprint on modern combat styles. This article explores the deep connections between Kipura, boxing, and the misunderstood "Esquiva Lateral," revealing its roots in the real art of Capoeira and its authentic applications.

The Esquiva Lateral and Kipura: Misunderstood Origins

In the realm of Capoeira, the "Esquiva Lateral" is often simplified into a low, evasive movement. However, as Mwalimu Mtaalam Ras Fletcher, creator of Njia Uhuru Kipura and head coach of The ATACX Gym, has revealed, this interpretation misses the depth of the stance known in Kipura as “Etele ya Ngomba” or "Mteremko Ya Mlima" in Swahili (translated as "Mountain Slope"). Far from being exclusively a low posture, this stance is an adaptable, standing technique integral to both offense and defense.

The Esquiva Lateral, as improperly practiced in Cardio Capoeira, fails to capture the full versatility of Kipura's movements. These techniques, including slips, bobbing, and weaving, are not merely for show—they are rooted in centuries of practical application for survival against predators, ambushes, and human attackers.

Bill Richmond: The Black Terror and Kipura’s Influence

Bill Richmond (1763–1829), the African American prizefighter known as "The Black Terror," was a pioneer who brought the defensive sophistication of Kipura to the global stage. Born into slavery in Richmondtown, New York, Richmond became Britain’s first Black sports star, revolutionizing boxing with his innovative style.

Richmond’s defensive techniques, including his mastery of footwork, dodging, and evasive movements, mirrored the principles of and sprang wholesale from Kipura. Known for "hitting and getting away" and "hopping and dancing about the ring," he embodied the spirit of Kipura’s fluid and rhythmic evasion. Richmond’s success against white English opponents highlighted the versatility and effectiveness of these ancient techniques in a modern arena.

(Source: T.J. Desch-Obi, Fighting for Honor; Richmond archives)

Kipura and the Biomechanics of Boxing

Modern boxing’s biomechanical foundations align closely with the principles of Kipura. Techniques like the slip involve lateral head movement supported by a coordinated shift in the shoulders, hips, and knees, maintaining balance while evading strikes. These movements, as documented in the Journal of Biomechanics, prioritize efficiency and adaptability—key aspects of Kipura’s teachings.

Kipura’s defensive strategies evolved from real-world challenges, such as avoiding falling trees, evading swarming bees, and countering ambush predators. These same strategies transitioned seamlessly into boxing, becoming the hallmark of fighters who excel in defensive prowess.

(Source: Journal of Biomechanics, "The Mechanics of Evasion in Boxing," 2019)

The Empire of Kongo: A Martial and Spiritual Legacy

Dr. John Henrik Clarke’s work on the Empire of Kongo emphasizes how martial practices like Kipura were deeply intertwined with spirituality and daily survival. The “Etele ya Ngomba” stance, a cornerstone of Kipura, encapsulates this integration, teaching practitioners to move with the rhythm of life while staying grounded in both combat and spiritual discipline.

In Kipura, every movement holds practical and symbolic meaning. The slip in boxing, for example, echoes Kipura’s evasive techniques, demonstrating how this ancient art continues to shape modern combat systems.

(Source: Dr. John Henrik Clarke, "The Empire of Kongo," 1993)

Mwalimu Mtaalam Ras Fletcher and Njia Uhuru Kipura

Mwalimu Mtaalam Ras Fletcher has dedicated his life to preserving and advancing the traditions of Kipura. Through Njia Uhuru Kipura, he bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and modern application, showcasing how Kipura’s principles enhance not only combat but also personal growth.

His research highlights that the "Etele ya Ngomba" stance is not limited to low evasive movements but encompasses standing techniques essential for slipping, dodging, and counterattacking. By incorporating Kipura’s spiritual and physical lessons into Njia Uhuru Kipura, Mwalimu Fletcher ensures that this ancestral knowledge remains relevant and transformative for contemporary practitioners.

(Source: Mwalimu Mtaalam Ras Fletcher, The Art of Boxing and Njia Uhuru Kipura, ATACX Gym archives)

Honoring Ancestral Knowledge in Modern Combat

The connections between Kipura, boxing, and Capoeira demonstrate the resilience and ingenuity of Alkebulan traditions. Fighters like Bill Richmond and visionaries like Mwalimu Fletcher remind us that the art of combat is not just about physical strength but also about understanding movement, rhythm, and spirit.

Boxing’s defensive elegance, epitomized by the slip, is a testament to the enduring legacy of Kipura. As practitioners reclaim and celebrate these roots, they honor the ancestors who pioneered these techniques and adapted them to meet the challenges of their time.

Connect with ATACX Gym and Learn More

Discover the transformative power of Njia Uhuru Kipura and explore the rich heritage of Alkebulan martial arts. Join the movement and elevate your training today.

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