About Capoeira

Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines dance, music, percussion, songs, ritual, self-defense techniques and acrobatics. Today, Capoeira is part of the national cultural heritage of Brazil, and one of the biggest trends in fitness, martial arts and dance.

At its core, Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art, seamlessly combining elements of dance, music, self-defense, acrobatics and ritual. Its origin can be traced back to the times of slavery in Brazil, during the 16th century, when millions of people were brought in from diverse regions of Africa by the Portuguese slave traders, to work in the sugar-cane plantations.

From that time on, Capoeira became a tool for the slaves to escape their shackles. It was born as an expression of resistance, as well as a method of spiritual and emotional empowerment. Through music and song, the slaves were able to conceal the martial purposes of Capoeira, while at the same time, illustrating the strength and beauty of their culture.

Capoeira is played in a circle, called Roda, to the sound of live music. The people in the circle are usually other capoeiristas waiting to “play”, and observers. Player or not you are expected to give energy to the roda by clapping and singing in response to the person “in charge” of the roda. In the Roda, two players bow down at the foot of the instruments and engage in a game, a combat, a dance, an expression, the telling of a story.

Although appearing to be a harmless dancing, the players are practicing deadly fighting techniques. That need to be disguised, and the trickery are part of what separates Capoeira from other martial arts. A lot of the kicks and some movements done in Capoeira can be seen in other arts, but the difference is the delivery. There are many fakes and deceiving movements in Capoeira. Although a certain movement is done with grace and style, it can be very dangerous.

There are several instruments used to make the music in the capoeira roda:
-The agogô (double cowbell)
-The pandeiro (tambourine)
-The Atabaque (conga type drum)
-The Berimbau which is the most important (String instrument). There are 3 different kinds: Gunga , Medio, and Viola

Each instrument, when played correctly, contributes to the energy in the roda, but the Berimbau is the commanding instrument. It tells the players inside the roda how to play, fast or slowly, aggressively or pretty with lots of acrobatics. The berimbau starts and stops the roda, and all the other instruments follow its rhythm and tempo.