Capoeira: The Afro-Brazilian Martial Art with Roots in Angola

Cartoon characters Babette, Maurice, and Jayden are created by Sterling Haynes.

By Professor Sterling Haynes, Guest Writer

A musical crowd gathers in a circle. Beats from drums and tambourines vibrate the air. Clapping singing and dancing to rhythms. Energized by the anticipation, two capoeirist cartwheel into the center.

Competing with spinning kicks, leg sweeps, and handstands. Somersaults, flips and complex maneuvers delight the crowd. The contactless game ends with a firm handshake and nods of respect. This was an example of a game of Capoeira called Jogo.

Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art and game that includes elements of dance, acrobatics, music and spirituality. Capoeira de Angola is the traditional style of capoeira from Angola Africa. Regional Capoeira is a reformed style with Brazilian influences.

In colonial times the practice of Capoeira was brought from Angola to Brazil. Disguising fighting techniques as dance, and folk music to defend themselves against slavery. Capoeira is known for flowing acrobatics. A signature technique is called the Ginga, a rocking step. It keeps the capoeirist in a state of constant motion to attack and defend.

Mestre Bimba opened the first capoeira school in Bahia Brazil in 1932. He established guidelines for practicing it as a martial art. Capoeirist wear white uniforms to show respect and discipline. A belt ranking system displays the practitioner skills. Aluno are students and Mestre are masters.

In 2014 The United Nationals Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNSECO) internationally respected the marital art. Capoeira continues to foster community and cultural exchange through classes, events, and community.

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Resources

Capoeira by Liz Gogerly, UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, smithsonianmag.com