The Origins

Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art. However, this definition succeeds only partly in defining the peculiar nature of this discipline. The African origins are to be traced back to the slave period, when different ethnic groups were uprooted from their African homelands and forcefully transferred to Brazil, to be used in the plantations, mines and houses of their owners.

A fighting and personal defense technique, Capoeira became a true instrument of defense for the slaves, giving them the opportunity to respond to the violence they endured, and to escape and reach the “Quilombos” - the Republics set up and organized by runaway slaves, where Capoeira was freely practiced. Etymological studies of the word “Capoeira” take us to a concept of “clearing”, “sparse woodlands” and “cleared terrain”. Oral traditions speak of such places as places where Capoeira was practiced and as the type of terrain where it was best to confront the “capitaes do mato” who tried to capture the runaway slaves, before continuing the escape. Other sources compare the game of Capoeira to cock-fighting or to the male of a type of partridge called “capoeira”, very jealous and very aggressive when fighting with rivals. Yet other sources point to the possibility that Capoeira became identified with “capoeiras” (baskets) containing poultry, which the slaves carried to the markets - thus linking to these baskets carried by slaves the game practiced by these same slaves.

The Spirit of Capoeira

Capoeira provides a precise and complete athletic preparation which allows the capoerista to use all the various movements during the game - basic, offensive, defensive and acrobatic movements. The comparison with other martial arts emerges from the common use of certain movements in such a manner as to confront the opponent, but the originality consists in following the rhythm of the instruments and transforming the encounter into a moment of true creativity. The spirit of a Capoeira confrontation lies in the study of the opponent, in the observation of the rival using “malandragem” (astuteness, shrewdness), and in using one movement to spark off a whole succession of further movements. The moment of confrontation is a moment of play. Each person can experience Capoeira in a different manner: as dance, as combat, as a game. The Roda becomes a place of confrontation, of ability, of communication. It is a moment of experiences gained, a moment of exchange. A complete form of art, Capoeira can be practiced at any age. A complete discipline because, aside the athletic opportunity, it holds within itself a high potential for a creative development of the personality and of the capacity to socialize. Respect for the Maestro as holder of a precious knowledge (which the pupil in turn will have to know how to pass on), respect for the opponent, the capacity to respond to a more or less critical situation using skill and within the boundaries of a correct and fair game - these are the foundations of this art. Each situation within a confrontation represents a unique moment, distinctive and unrepeatable. Each personal performance adds ability and experience, enriching each capoerista’s growth. The Roda is a world - or better, the World - which needs to be faced with some kind of philosophy. That philosophy, that way of life, is Capoeira.