Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that has its roots in the fighting techniques of the African peoples during the time of slavery in Brazil. It differs from other martial arts in that it is playful and often acrobatic. The feet are used extensively in combat, although other parts of the body can also be used, such as the hands, head, knees and elbows. Capoeira is performed and/or fought at different levels of the floor and at different speeds, usually accompanied by instruments, songs and hand clapping.
Manuel dos Reis Machado, better known as Mestre Bimba, played a key role in the recognition and development of capoeira. In 1930, he founded the first capoeira school in Salvador de Bahia and created the ‘Capoeira Regional’ style. This initiative aimed to clean up the image of capoeira by dissociating it from delinquency. In 1937, the Brazilian government recognised capoeira for its cultural, educational, creative and artistic value.
Today, capoeira is taught and practised not only in schools and on the streets, but also in universities, theatre workshops, contemporary dance schools, circus schools and sports centres in Brazil, the United States and, for some years now, in Europe.
The aim of capoeira classes is to teach the fighting techniques, songs and music associated with this martial art. The courses focus on the spiritual, physical and social development of the participants. Practised regularly, capoeira improves physical resistance, motor coordination and a sense o
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Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that has its roots in the fighting techniques of the African peoples during the time of slavery in Brazil. It differs from other martial arts in that it is playful and often acrobatic. The feet are used extensively in combat, although other parts of the body can also be used, such as the hands, head, knees and elbows. Capoeira is performed and/or fought at different levels of the floor and at different speeds, usually accompanied by instruments, songs and hand clapping.
Manuel dos Reis Machado, better known as Mestre Bimba, played a key role in the recognition and development of capoeira. In 1930, he founded the first capoeira school in Salvador de Bahia and created the ‘Capoeira Regional’ style. This initiative aimed to clean up the image of capoeira by dissociating it from delinquency. In 1937, the Brazilian government recognised capoeira for its cultural, educational, creative and artistic value.
Today, capoeira is taught and practised not only in schools and on the streets, but also in universities, theatre workshops, contemporary dance schools, circus schools and sports centres in Brazil, the United States and, for some years now, in Europe.
The aim of capoeira classes is to teach the fighting techniques, songs and music associated with this martial art. The courses focus on the spiritual, physical and social development of the participants. Practised regularly, capoeira improves physical resistance, motor coordination and a sense of rhythm through music.
The course programme includes group warm-up and stretching exercises, followed by a series of combat exercises based on attacking, dodging and moving movements.
Sessions often conclude with a RODA DE CAPOEIRA, where what has been learnt is put into practice, and personal improvisations are also encouraged.
