Capoeira
Capoeira was founded in Brazil by escaped slaves that had been brought from Africa by the Portuguese in the 1500s. It was practiced as a means of self defense, but made to look like a dance. Click here to tell us about your club. Many believe many aspects were brought over from various tribes in Africa. These techniques were blended along with moves learned from Brazilian and Portuguese cultures. Slavery was abolished in Brazil in 1888. Many poor now ex-slaves were forced to move to the city slums and it became the preferred fighting technique of criminal gangs. In 1890 the Brazilian president made it illegal to practice; those caught practicing it faced severe punishment. Capoeira was practiced in secret, often disguised as another dance in the presence of authorities. Mestre Bimba created a new style in spite of the ban, called Capoeira Regional. He was able to demonstrate the cultural value of the practice to authorities and the official ban ended in the 1930s. He started the first legal school for it and is considered the father of modern Capoeira. Not only is it a Martial Art, but a dance set to music, therefore an art form as well as a game. It is played within a circle of people called a "Roda". The circle maintains the focus of the players and musicians and helps retain the energy of the game. Music is essential for the game. Songs are song by the members of the roda and preformed by musicians playing instruments such as: - Berimbau: a musical bow with a gourd at the end
- Pandeiros: a tambourine
- Agogo: two iron bells
- Atabaque: barrel hand drum
The row that the instruments are played in is called the bateria and is located at the mouth of the roda, where the two players enter. The roda represents the microcosm of life and the world. Philosophy plays a large part of the game. A good instructor will stress respect, safety and freedom. The Ginga (rocking back and forth) is the basic movement of the game. Attacks are primarily kicks, sweeps and head strikes. Although punches and hand strikes are taught by some schools, many view these techniques as inelegant and disruptive to the flow of the game. Another possible explanation is the common Wes African belief that hands are for creation and feet are for destruction. Acrobatic and athletic movements are used to maneuver around the opponent. It is a beautiful art form. Halle Berry studied and preformed it in the movie "Catwoman" (one of my favorites when it comes to demonstrating a woman’s strengths) .
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