Video: Capoeira Circle
The story and modern state of Capoeira, the musical Brazilian martial art that began during the nation's era of slavery and grew into a global phenomenon.
Capoeira is a traditional martial art of Afro-Brazilian culture that has since spread to global popularity. Its origins trace back to African, especially Angolan, martial arts and the days of colonial slavery in Brazil. From the 16th century on, enslaved people were taken from their homes and forced mainly to work on Brazil’s wealthy sugar plantations. They developed Capoeira as a means of unarmed self defense as well as a community-based form of exercise. The martial art grew so threatening to Brazilian authorities that it was banned within the country from 1890 to the 1940s. Punishment for those caught in a roda could be severe.
In spite of, or perhaps aided by, this notoriety, Capoeira survived to find new appreciation in Brazil and abroad. Today, the sport is recognized for both its communal nature and athletic rigor. At its heart, Capoeira is part dance and part martial art. Matches are held within a ring of people, or roda, and accompanied by rhythmic music. The main musical instrument of Capoeira is the berimbau, a bow adapted for percussion. Drums, voices, and other instruments are also commonly heard in Capoeira. Because of its strong musical traditions, Capoeira is sometimes referred to as the “dance of war” or “dance of freedom.”
This video from UNESCO shows Capoeira at its finest, as well as telling the story of several adherents and how they found the sport. It explores the roots of Capoeira as a form of resistance during the era of slavery and its gradual acceptance as a valuable cultural contribution to Brazil. Today, while the martial art can be found in countries around the world, its teachers still make an effort to connect the art back to its historical founders, their legacy, and the message of diversity and tolerance Capoeira promotes.
References
Assuncao, Matthias Rohrig. Capoeira: A History of an Afro-Brazilian Martial Art. Routledge, 2005.
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