Capoeira is more than just a martial art—it is a vibrant fusion of movement, music, and philosophy that embodies the resilience and creativity of its practitioners. Originating from enslaved Africans in Brazil, Capoeira evolved as both a form of self-defense and a cultural expression, blending dance-like motions with strategic combat techniques.
What Is Capoeira?
Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art and game that includes elements of dance, acrobatics, music, and spirituality. It is known for its acrobatic and complex movements, often involving hands on the ground and inverted kicks. Capoeira emphasises flowing movements rather than fixed stances; the ginga, a rocking step, is usually the focal point of the technique.
Parts of Capoeira:
- Martial Techniques
- Weapons
- A Game
- Music
- Songs
- Philosophy
- Spirituality
The Origins of Capoeira
Capoeira first appeared among Africans in Brazil during the early colonial period. According to the old capoeira mestres and tradition within the community, Capoeira originates from Angola. Although the origin of this art isn't entirely clear, many studies have supported the oral tradition, identifying engolo as an ancestral art and locating the Cunene region as its birthplace.
Capoeira also likely originated from enslaved Mbundu people of the kingdom of Ndongo, in present-day Angola. When the Mbundu people were captured and sold into the Atlantic Slave Trade, they would have brought these fighting skills with them to Brazil, where they developed into Capoeira.
The Styles of Capoeira
Determining styles in Capoeira can prove difficult, since there was never a unity in the original Capoeira, or a teaching method before the decade of 1920s. However, a division between two styles and a sub-style is widely accepted.
Capoeira Angola
Capoeira De Angola (Angolan Capoeira) Is the traditional style of Capoeira. However, it can refer to two things:
- The popular Bahian Capoeira prior to codification in the 20th century
- The contemporary style of Capoeira codified by Mestre Pastinha, based on an older one.
Capoeira Angola is characterised by being strategic, with sneaking movements executed standing or near the floor depending on the situation to face, it values he traditions of malicia, Malandragem and unpredictability of the original Capoeira.
Capoeira Regional
Capoeira Regional began to take form in the 1920s, when Mestre Bimba met his future student, Jose Cisnando Lima. Both believe that Capoeira was losing its martial side and concluded there was a need to re-strengthen and structure it. Bimba created his sequencias de ensino (teaching combinations) and created Capoeira's first teaching method.
The base of Capoeira Regional is the original Capoeira without many of the aspects that were impractical in a real fight, with less subterfuge and more objectivity. Training focuses mainly on attack, dodging, and counter-attack, giving high importance to precision and discipline.
Capoeira Carioca
This was a street fighting version of Capoeira that existed in Rio de Janeiro during the 19th century, used by gangs. In Capoeira Carioca, all available means were used, including various types of weapons, such as knives, straight razors, clubs and machetes. The widespread violent capoeira practice in Rio led to a nationwide ban on Capoeira.
Benefits of Training In Capoeira
Improved Flexibility
Capoeira involves a lot of dynamic movements, including kicks, spins, and some acrobatics, all of which enhance flexibility.
Confidence and Self-Expression
The playful, musical and cultural influence of Capoeira helps foster and boost confidence in the students.
Stress Relief:
The rhythmic movements and music create a meditative and stress-relieving experience to help boost your mental health.
Training in Capoeira provides a wealth of benefits, from enhanced flexibility and strength to improved confidence and stress relief. Beyond its physical advantages, Capoeira fosters a deep connection to culture, philosophy, and community, making it a holistic practice that enriches both body and mind.
