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A Short History of Capoeira
The Capoeira we know today as a Brazilian Martial Art that combines elements of dance, fighting, music, ritual, and philosophy, arose from the numerous traditions and customs left behind by the African slaves that were taken to Brazil during the colonial and early post-colonial period.
The adverse conditions under which the African slaves and their Brazilian-born descendants (slaves by birth) were forced to live, work, and survive in Brazil, stimulated these same slaves to create an art of fighting and defense that would, over the years and centuries, begin to transform and gain structure.
At some time during this transformation, possibly around the later years of the eighteenth century and the early years of the nineteenth century, the art received the name "Capoeira".
In the 1930's, Capoeira was legalised in Brazil. Since then it has become a world wide phenomenon. Groups have grown not only all over Brasil, but also in Europe, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan and Russia. In recent years Capoeira has also enjoyed a return to it's roots - Groups in Africa are now growing in polularity.
What is Capoeira?
According to the Great Master Pastinha Capoeira is "tudo que a boca come" - or "everything that a person can eat"
When I first heard this phrase I found myself laughing, yet at the same time rather puzzled. After a while, I realised that what Great Master Pastinha wanted to say was that Capoeira is not simply an amalgamation of different cultures and traditions; Capoeira is also how we use our life experiences to engage with, understand, and express these different cultures and traditions. As such, when trying to define what Capoeira is, one risks defining what Capoeira is not.
When Grand Master Pastinha said that Capoeira is "everything that a person can eat" he meant that Capoeira is anything and everything we, as individuals and as members of Capoeira groups, want it to be. If we want it to be a fight, it can be. If we want it to be a sport, it can be. And if we want to broaden our knowledge on the various cultures and traditions in the world, Capoeira can do this for us too.
Grand Master Pastinha's definition of Capoeira is a philosophical one. Technically and aesthetically, however, Capoeira is a combination of fighting, dance, music, ritual, and play. For a better idea, have a look at our videos or come along to one of our classes.
Project InfoCap
Grupo Negaça Capoeira is dedicated not only to teaching its students the practical side of Capoeira, but also to encouraging an intellectual exchange between Capoeiristas.
Project InfoCap is a project aimed at providing information about the various aspects of Capoeira from an intellectual perspective.
We will regularly post articles and interviews by Master Chitaozinho and other Capoeira Masters.