Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines dance, acrobatics, music, and spirituality. It originated in the 16th century, influenced by African slaves, indigenous Brazilian and Portuguese cultures. Capoeira is a dynamic and evolving art form characterized by acrobatic maneuvers, inverted kicks and fluid movements, with the ginga step as the focal point. The word “capoeira” is believed to have its origins in the Tupi words meaning “forest” and “round”, referring to the hideouts of runaway slaves. Capoeira not only served as self defense but also preserved spirituality and culture. After being banned in Brazil, it was reformed in the 1930s, incorporating elements of jiu-jitsu and sports to gain social acceptance. Capoeira gained international recognition in the late 1970s and was declared a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage in 2014.
History of Capoeira :
Capoeira is a martial art form that combines elements of acrobatics, dance, music, and self-defense. It originated in Brazil during the colonial period and has a rich and complex history. Let’s explore the history of Capoeira from its origins to the present day:
Origins of African slavery:
Capoeira has its roots in the African slaves brought to Brazil by the Portuguese during the 16th and 17th centuries. These slaves came from various African regions, including Angola, Congo, and Mozambique. They brought with them their traditional forms of combat and dance, which eventually merged to form Capoeira.
Concealment and Adaptation:
Slaves faced harsh living conditions and were subject to strict control by their masters. To resist their oppressors, the slaves disguised their martial art as a form of dance and incorporated rhythmic music using instruments such as the berimbau, pandeiro, and atabaque. This disguised nature allowed them to practice Capoeira without arousing suspicion from their teachers.
Formation of Capoeira Groups:
As Capoeira developed, it began to form into distinct groups known as “malês”. These groups had their own unique styles and traditions, representing different African ethnicities. They met in secret places known as “roda” to practice and perform Capoeira.
Outlawed and persecuted:
Capoeira’s popularity grew among the slave population, raising concerns among the ruling class. In 1890, the Brazilian government banned capoeira, considering it a dangerous form of rebellion. The practice went underground, and practitioners faced persecution, imprisonment, and sometimes death.
Master Bimba and Regional Capoeira:
In the early 20th century, a mestre (teacher) named Manuel dos Reis Machado, commonly known as Mestre Bimba, played a crucial role in the revival of Capoeira. He sought to legitimize and preserve the art form by organizing it into a structured system called “Capoeira Regional”. Mestre Bimba incorporated techniques from various martial arts, formalized training methods, and obtained government recognition for Capoeira.
Capoeira Angola and Cultural Recognition:
Along with Capoeira Regional, another style known as Capoeira Angola continued to be practiced in a more traditional and ritual way. During the 1980s, there was a revival of interest in Capoeira Angola, which led to its recognition as an important cultural heritage of Brazil.
Globalization and Contemporary Capoeira:
The capoeira ban was lifted in 1937 and it began to emerge from the shadows. In the second half of the 20th century, capoeira gained worldwide popularity due to increasing globalization and the efforts of teachers who traveled and taught the art form internationally. Today, capoeira is practiced in many countries and has become a recognized cultural expression of Brazil.
Throughout its history, Capoeira has evolved and adapted to its environment. It serves not only as a martial art but also as a vehicle for cultural expression, promoting camaraderie, self-discipline, and fitness. The art form continues to thrive and evolve, with various styles and schools preserving its rich heritage while embracing modern influences.
Types of Capoeira Styles :
Capoeira Angola is a style of capoeira that maintains traditions prior to the creation of the regional style. It originated in Brazil during colonial times and is associated with cities like Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and Recife. The name “Angola” was used to refer to African slaves, regardless of their actual nationality. Mestre Pastinha immortalized the name by opening the Centro Esportivo de Capoeira Angola in 1941. Capoeira Angola emphasizes the playful aspects of the game and values the traditions of malice, mischief and unpredictability.
Regional Capoeira, on the other hand, arose in the 1920s when Mestre Bimba and José Cisnando Lima sought to strengthen and structure capoeira. They believed that capoeira was losing its martial side and created teaching methods and sequences to address this problem. Regional Capoeira focuses on attacking, dodging, and counterattacking, with greater emphasis on precision and discipline. He introduced the first classification method in capoeira and helped change the negative image associated with the practice.
Capoeira Contemporânea is a mixed style that emerged in the 1970s, incorporating elements of both Regional and Angola. It is often more acrobatic and is seen by some as the natural evolution of capoeira, while others see it as adulteration or misinterpretation. Capoeira Contemporânea encompasses various groups that do not strictly follow the Regional or Angola styles, even those that incorporate other martial arts. Examples of such groups are Senzala de Santos, Cordão de Ouro and Abada, each with their own unique characteristics and influences.
