What is Capoeira?
To some, Capoeira looks like a fight and to others, a dance. Which
is it? Capoeira is definitely an art form that is not comparable to
any of the more traditional martial arts. Two capoeiristas enter
the circle or “roda de capoeira” and begin to move
around one another with circular, flowing movements, evading each
other’s kicks and attacks all while attempting to trick one
another by faking movements. These players move and swing to the
rhythms of the instruments, the clapping, and the singing of all
those waiting for their turn to enter the roda.
The origin and evolution of Capoeira is an ongoing debate. The most
accepted explanation is that Capoeira evolved during the slave
trade beginning in the sixteenth century. Slaves were left to the
will of their masters without any form of self-defense. In order to
put an end to their enslavement, they began to train themselves for
combat. Slave owners forbade any form of physical training;
therefore slaves disguised their training as a dance. Slaves who
were fortunate enough to escape organized and governed communities
known as the quilombos. Slaves, using Capoeira, banded for a
rebellion that led to their freedom. All theories of Capoeira
history are questionable due to the lack of documentation which was
ordered to be burned after the abolition of slavery.
Despite the love of Capoeira amongst many Brazilians, the president
of the Republic of Brasil outlawed the practice of Capoeira in
1890. Police kept an eye out to punish any who attempted the art
form. Nevertheless, capoeiristas continued to practice and train
underground. In the 1920’s, one man set out to improve the
reputation of Capoeira. Manoel dos Reis Machado, or Mestre Bimba, created
a form of Capoeira that incorporated other martial art forms like
kickboxing, jujitsu, and batuque. He called this art form, Capoeira
Regional. Mestre Bimba pioneered and transformed the image of
capoeira from illegal and dangerous to a proud national sport.
Vincente Ferreira, or Mestre Pastinha, pioneered the way for Capoeira
Regional’s exact opposite and yet, compliment, Capoeira
Angola.
Today, the migration of this art form has taken flight and can be
found in many countries outside of Brasil, especially here in the
United States. It is possible to find a Capoeira school in almost
every state in the nation. Men and women, young and old, blacks,
whites and Asians have all found themselves drawn to the game of
Capoeira. It’s influence on Hollywood, breakdancing, and the
music industry proves Capoeira’s popularity. Yet, it’s
style, grace, beauty, and athleticism keeps the crowds
coming.
What is Capoeira? Capoeira is “a dance like a fight, a fight
like a dance, a song, a ritual, a way of life…”
–Mestre Acordeon