Why is Capoeira often referred to as “Brazilian dance fighting?”

Capoeira was developed to be something that could not be defined, and, hence, impossible to prohibit. Attacks and defenses were disguised to be fluid and rhythmic, and the slaves sang songs and played instruments as the danced. The art that developed became an interactive dance between two people which continues today...

Oral tradition teaches that African slaves in Brazil were prohibited from practicing many traditional and cultural activities including dance, music, and other activities that could lead to unification and uprisings amongst slaves. The practice of martial arts was also banned. Capoeira was developed to be something that could not be defined, and, hence, impossible to prohibit. Attacks and defenses were disguised to be fluid and rhythmic, and the slaves sang songs and played instruments as the danced. The art that developed became an interactive dance between two people which continues today. Capoeira is still developing new artistic movements very similar to dance. Capoeira students learn control, rhythm, and flexibility in training, and still learn to play authentic Brazilian music unique to Capoeira. The practice of Capoeira is often taught in conjunction with traditional Brazilian dances, including samba de roda and maculêlê.

“Luta” in Portuguese means to fight or struggle. This was as much a philosophy of life as well as an activity. Slaves in Brazil who influenced the creation of Capoeira had to struggle to survive. They learned martial kicks, ground techniques, defenses, and dodges, though the focus was often on escaping first and defending themselves if caught. Today, many Capoeira rodas (circles where the game is played) occur without contact. Capoeira is a sport and a game, and the winner is not defined as the one who out-kicks the other. Although many Capoeira kicks are common to traditional martial arts, Capoeira jogadores, meaning “players,” often incorporate strategy to trick their opponents into falling for cunning traps rather than focusing on full contact. Kicks or takedowns are often “shown” rather than carried out, and students are often taught to avoid contact and focus on the escape. That said, kicks and takedowns can and often are carried out in Capoeira rodas, depending on the style and location of play. Roda de Ruas (street rodas) are often very violent, and the intensity and focus on full contact play varies by Capoeira group. Though there are particular styles of Capoeira that focus on the martial element of the art similar to sparring, these styles are often practiced among experienced students only. In a Capoeira class, students learn quick reaction, strength, control, kicking techniques, defenses, and counter-attacks.