CAPOEIRA: STRENGTH BEHIND ART

Capoeira refers to an Afro-Brazilian art form which weaves together martial arts with
rhythm and movement in a game called jogo de Capoeira (play of Capoeira). It combines a
variety of kicks, spins and acrobatics with a swaying step called ginga. This artform is the
synthesis of various African and Brazilian cultural and martial influences. Some historians claim
that the dance-like appearance of Capoeira was used to hide their training of combat and self
defense, in order to protect them from their slave-owners.

CAPTION: Arthur Fiu, one of Brazil’s leading names in Capoeira, practicing his craft in the
streets of Brazil.
The History Behind the Art
Despite the different opinions regarding the exact origins of Capoeira, it is agreed upon
by most that it is a product of the extensive slave trade between Brazil and Africa. Angolan
slaves utilized movements from a courtship dance called “The Zebra Dance,” in which men
would engage in mock fights for the right to marry, and blended them with dance steps and
acrobatics so that the plantation overseer would instead see a strange but harmless dance.
Even after the abolition of slavery, Capoeira was looked down upon by many as a game
of the street. It was only after Mestre Bimba opened the first academy for the sport that its
reputation began to improve. Other famous Capoeira Mestres emerged during the time of
Bimba, such as Mestre Pastinha, the father of Capoeira angola. Because of the efforts of the
Mestres, Capoeira’s movements and rituals were preserved, popularized, and transformed into
the formal discipline and a respected art form it is known as today.
1500- Capoeira was developed in Brazil by African slaves to fight oppression.
1888- Slavery has ended in Brazil.
1890- Capoeira was banned because it was associated with criminal activities.
1932- The first Capoeira school was created under a different name (Luta Regional Baiana).
1934- The ban was lifted, making Capoeira legal again.
1941- Maestre Pastinha opened the first Capoeira angola School.
1961- Capoeira is introduced as an efficient fighting practice to the Police Academy of
Guanabara, Rio de Janeiro.
2011- The World Capoeira Federation (WCF) was founded.
2014- The WCF and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
declares Capoeira as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The Method Behind The Movement
As a game, Capoeira is impromptu in nature, although training involves learning a
sequence of movements conducted in a circle formation, called the roda, within which two or
more capoeiristas participate in the martial art. The actions of both players are continuous as
they try to outmanoeuvre each other. Just like any other martial art, the Capoeira follows its
own set of movements, which mostly revolve around constant movement, and focuses mainly
on defense and dodging, as opposed to attacks and the use of brute force.

CAPTION : Ginga, the most basic movement in Capoeira, is done by moving back and forth as
the hands move with the body, aiming to protect the parts that are open.
CAPTION: Aú is a movement that involves the arms and legs bending forward to protect the
player from incoming kicks and attacks, and allows for the player to easily kick the opponent as
well.

CAPTION: Balança is a combination of feint moves performed side to side, which is done to
deceive the opponent and make it hard for him to track the player’s next move.
The Music Behind The Fight
The are specific instruments and music that accompany the practice of Capoeira, to
further disguise the martial art as a dance, with different rhythms being created to alert
capoeiristas of approaching danger and avoid being caught. These instruments include the
berimbau, the pandeiro, and the atabaque, and are played together with the voices of the
members of the roda, creating a unique sound that recalls the African roots of Capoeira.

Capoeira’s Many Forms

The berimbau is a percussion instrument that drives the

speed of the game within the circle.
 The pandeiro is a small frame drum very similar to the
tambourine, which accompanies the main beat of the
music from the atabaque.

The atabaque is a big hand drum made of wood, which

provides the main beat of the capoeira music.

The Benefits Behind The Sport

Through this sport, the players reinforce physical, psychological, and spiritual resiliency
and awareness. For example, it boosts the endurance of the practitioner, as it requires the
player to constantly repeat the movements and techniques. It also helps increase flexibility
because of the different positions that requireplayers to twist and turn from the edges of the
arena. It also enforces discipline, as the mastery of this martial art does not come immediately
and requires months and years of practice. Aside from its benefits to the practitioner, Capoeira
was also a means of ensuring that the African traditions would survive under harsh slavery.

SIDEBAR
Fun Facts
Did you know these facts about Capoeira?
- It’s pronounced “Cap-wearer” not “Cap-o-era”.
- Only a players hands and feet may touch the floor.
- A master of Capoeira is called a “mestre”.
- It is the National Sport of Brazil.
- In Capoeira, many movements are carried out while in a handstand position.
- Capoeira has inspired some modern breakdance moves, which is why they occasionally
look very similar.

REFERENCES
Art Science Design (28, January 2016). 5 questions about capoeira you may regret
asking. Retrieved from https://www.artsciencedesign.org/blog2/tag/capoeira
Capoeira Angola (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.tulane.edu/~capoeira/info.htm

What is Capoeira (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.princeton.edu/~capoeira/ln_abt.html

Hassell, G. (2017). A Brief Introduction to Capoeira. Retrieved from
https://theculturetrip.com/south-america/brazil/articles/a-brief-introduction-to-
capoeira/
Brazilian Arts Foundation (2019). Capoeira History. Retrieved from
https://brazilianarts.org/capoeira/capoeira-history/

Brazil Athletics (2018). WHAT IS CAPOEIRA?. Retrieved from https://brazilathletics.uk/the-

benefits-of-capoeira
Main Capoeira Moves. (2016, April 2). Retrieved from http://www.capoeira-
world.com/capoeira-moves/main-capoeira-moves/
Capoeira Instruments – the heart of roda!. (2016, April 2). Retrieved from http://www.capoeira-
world.com/capoeira-music/capoeira-instruments/