Finding a New Rhythm: Eslam’s Journey to Capoeira

For Eslam Sagui, sports have always been second nature. Growing up in Tripoli, Libya, he was constantly moving, playing football, breakdancing, and doing anything else that kept him active. “I was always moving… climbing walls, jumping, doing something,” he recalls. Sports were more than just a pastime – they were a lifestyle. But it wasn’t until he moved to Malta in 2013 that he would find a sport that truly captured his heart and spirit: capoeira.

One day in June 2020, while out for a walk along the beach, he heard a beat that piqued his interest. “I was hearing music somewhere… and I’m looking from far away, and you see those groups all wearing white, playing against each other… something new, but also something I like,” he shares. What Eslam had stumbled upon was a group of Capoeira practitioners, practicing in the open air due to COVID restrictions. Mesmerized, he sat down to watch. That day marked the beginning of his journey with Capoeira, a journey that has become the center of his life.

A Secret Art of Survival

Eslam dove deep into Capoeira, uncovering the rich history and profound meaning behind each movement. Developed over 400 years ago by African slaves brought to Brazil, Capoeira was initially practiced as a form of disguised self-defense. “Those slaves were treated badly… They were working like 20 hours a day, didn’t get enough food, enough money,” Eslam explains. Forbidden to fight openly, they invented a style that combined combat with dance, practicing under trees at night to avoid detection. “People who see Capoeira mistake it as a dance. But the reality is that when those slaves were practicing Capoeira, they had to pretend that they were dancing.”

With each lesson, Eslam connected more deeply to this “fight for freedom.” The swaying movements, known as ginga, have symbolic roots; ginga means “swing” in Portuguese, and it’s used to create an unsteady rhythm that confuses opponents. For Eslam, Capoeira became more than a sport – it became a way of honoring the past and embracing his own strength and resilience.

Embracing the Challenge: From Malta to the International Stage

Eslam’s passion for Capoeira didn’t end at training sessions. Over the past year, he has represented Malta in seven international competitions, traveling to places like Estonia, Paris, and Budapest. “Since I am the only one who competes from Malta,” he says, “when I go abroad, I’m representing Malta.” Eslam takes this role seriously, even though securing support and sponsorship has been a challenge. “If they think well, they’d see that Capoeira brings a new representation for Malta,” he reflects. He envisions a future where he’s recognized as a top athlete, carrying both his country’s flag and Capoeira’s legacy.

Eslam’s first competition was in October 2022, and he’s continued competing every other month since, absorbing new techniques and making connections with masters and students from around the world. “I never stuck with a sport or loved a sport like I love Capoeira,” he says, describing how he spent years mastering the basics and building his own style before stepping into the competitive ring. With each tournament, he feels his confidence and skill grow. “I travel a lot because I want to know all aspects of Capoeira… I want to fight, I want to compete.”

The Fight of Freedom

As he reflects on Capoeira’s history, Eslam describes it as “the fight of freedom,” a discipline that has survived hardship and repression to become a powerful symbol of resilience. In each competition, he sees himself carrying on the spirit of those who first practiced in secret. He also hopes to attract the interest of companies who can see Capoeira’s potential as a captivating and inspiring sport. “If just one company believes in me and we work together… I’m pretty sure we’d have an incredible journey.”

Eslam’s story is still unfolding, and his ambitions are far from complete. He looks forward to upcoming competitions, including a major event in Madrid, determined to bring recognition to Capoeira and to Malta. As he continues to represent his sport on the international stage, Eslam carries not only the legacy of Capoeira’s past but also the promise of its future.

An Unbreakable Passion

Reflecting on how far he’s come, Eslam speaks with pride and determination: “Every time I travel, I come back more fascinated.” His journey from the beach in Malta to international tournaments is fueled by more than just athletic ambition – it’s a love for a sport that connects him to something greater than himself. With Capoeira, Eslam has found a rhythm that moves him forward, guiding his steps as he honors history and embraces his own power, one kick, one swing, and one story at a time.

To hear Eslam’s journey in his own words and learn more about Capoeira’s incredible history, resilience, and beauty, listen to the full podcast episode now.