History of Capoeira

Capoeira originated among the African slaves in Brazil in the sixteenth century, as a form of self-defence. Disguised as a dance to escape their masters' prohibition, Capoeira developed through centuries a complex art incorporating music and movement. The deadly potential of Capoeira was hidden from the slave-masters by its dance-like elegance, baffling acrobatics, and the engaging rhythms of its music.

For the African slaves, capoeira became a tool of escape and defence, making freedom attainable and affirming strength, self-reliance and self esteem.

The survival and evolution of Capoeira is the result of the dedicated work of numerous old time masters. In the 1930s, Mestre Bimba introduced a style known as "Regional", characterized by a more upright stance, combining various grappling, kicking and striking techniques from Ju Jitsu and Batuque, and also structured training sequences of Capoeira movements designed by himself. Mestre Pastinha, the father and protector of Capoeira Angola, also had a very great influence on modern Capoeira, describing his art form as being, " Whatever the mouth eats ". Many capoeira songs that are sung in Rodas today, were written by Mestre Pastinha.

Capoeira today...

...has expanded beyond the borders of Brazil and is growing rapidly in other countries becoming popular in America and Europe.