History of Capoeira
 Capoeira is a unique Brazilian art form that combines martial arts,
acrobatics, and dance-like movement performed to the beat of traditional
Brazilian instruments. Though historians agree that Capoeira was developed in
Brazil and demonstrates a clear African influence, details on the history of
Capoeira are still debated within the Capoeira community.
Even the definition of the word “Capoeira” itself remains uncertain. The most
widely agreed upon explanation of the art suggests that it was developed between
the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries by African slaves imported to Brazil
during the slave trade. Prohibited from openly practicing forms of self-defense,
slaves living on Brazilian plantations disguised their training by incorporating
elements of dance, acrobatics, ritual, and music to their practice.
The result was a “game” of movement featuring fluid ground movement, martial
sequences, and challenging acrobatics performed to the energetic singing and
clapping of spectators. The practice of martial arts was not the only activity
prohibited by slave owners. Traditional dances, singing, and other activities
that could unite the slaves were also outlawed. Some historians believe this to
be one of the reasons that Capoeira evolved the way that it did, an everchanging
art that could neither be defined nor successfully banned.
Capoeira has since evolved to include all categories of movement, from
traditional movement reflected in schools of Capoeira Angola, to aerial
acrobatics and fast spinning kicks characteristic of contemporary Capoeira,
commonly referred to as Capoeira Regional.
Mestre Bimba is universally
recognized as the father of Capoeira Regional, and Mestre Pastinha is the
figurehead of Capoeira Angola. Legalized in Brazil in only 1953, Capoeira has
experienced substantial growth within Brazil and has since weaved itself into
Brazil's cultural fabric. Today, Capoeira has become an internationally
recognized art form that offers its practitioners an unforgettable experience in
movement, music, and Brazilian culture. |
