Capoeira
Capoeira originated in Brazil in the 1600s. The only indigenous American martial art, it was developed by African slaves in Brazil.
Capoeira began to take form amongst the community of slaves that
worked on the sugar cane plantations, the docks and various other
slave works. It became a strong weapon in the life and death
struggle against their oppressors. When the owners of the sugar
cane fields realized the power of capoeira, they began to punish
those who practiced it, sometimes with death. Capoeiristas learned
to camouflage the forbidden fight with singing and clapping as
though it were simply entertainment.The fight was disguised
behind the dance - a dance that could be as graceful as a panther
and as treacherous as a snake. Mestre Bimba, with his good will
and love of the art was able to take capoeira from being forbidden
by law and transformed it into Brazil’s national sport. He along
with Mestre Pastinha was the first to open schools and the capoeira
tree grew, spreading its branches across the world.
Capoeira is an art form and self-defense; with strong aerobic and dance elements. It is a harmony of forces that gives you power, flexibilty, endurance and self-discovery. Capoeira balances the body, soul and mind. It is a graceful, exciting art form that teaches you to be alert. The art keeps its strong traditions and enables you to break through limits, revitalizing you for everyday life.
Capoeira originated in Brazil in the 1600s. The only indigenous American martial art, it was developed by African slaves in Brazil.
Capoeira began to take form amongst the community of slaves that
worked on the sugar cane plantations, the docks and various other
slave works. It became a strong weapon in the life and death
struggle against their oppressors. When the owners of the sugar
cane fields realized the power of capoeira, they began to punish
those who practiced it, sometimes with death. Capoeiristas learned
to camouflage the forbidden fight with singing and clapping as
though it were simply entertainment.The fight was disguised
behind the dance - a dance that could be as graceful as a panther
and as treacherous as a snake. Mestre Bimba, with his good will
and love of the art was able to take capoeira from being forbidden
by law and transformed it into Brazil’s national sport. He along
with Mestre Pastinha was the first to open schools and the capoeira
tree grew, spreading its branches across the world.Capoeira is an art form and self-defense; with strong aerobic and dance elements. It is a harmony of forces that gives you power, flexibilty, endurance and self-discovery. Capoeira balances the body, soul and mind. It is a graceful, exciting art form that teaches you to be alert. The art keeps its strong traditions and enables you to break through limits, revitalizing you for everyday life.
