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| raiz [hi-eez] (Portuguese) roots n. the state of establishing a personal affinity for a particular culture, society or environment |
Capoeira
Rooted in the rich African cultures brought to Brasil by
slaves, Capoeira's history, mostly oral, is a subject of
much debate. It is the teachings of old masters and a
few surviving documents that tell the story of this
singular art. Capoeira's origin dates back 500 years to
the beginnings of Brasil's slave trade period.
Throughout the 488 year slave trade the Congo, Bantu,
and Angolan tribes met and intermingled in the
senzalas (slave quarters) and in the quilombos (escape
slave nations). From this intermingling of cultures came
a melding of traditions and rituals, and Capoeira was
born.
Capoeira and its practitioners persevered through
centuries of marginalization and discrimination and
today the art has evolved from cultural ritual to martial
art to way of life. This once clandestine vehicle of
physical and spiritual empowerment, has transformed
itself into a staple of Brazilian society. What was once
Rooted in the rich African cultures brought to Brasil by
slaves, Capoeira's history, mostly oral, is a subject of
much debate. It is the teachings of old masters and a
few surviving documents that tell the story of this
singular art. Capoeira's origin dates back 500 years to
the beginnings of Brasil's slave trade period.
Throughout the 488 year slave trade the Congo, Bantu,
and Angolan tribes met and intermingled in the
senzalas (slave quarters) and in the quilombos (escape
slave nations). From this intermingling of cultures came
a melding of traditions and rituals, and Capoeira was
born.
Capoeira and its practitioners persevered through
centuries of marginalization and discrimination and
today the art has evolved from cultural ritual to martial
art to way of life. This once clandestine vehicle of
physical and spiritual empowerment, has transformed
itself into a staple of Brazilian society. What was once
outlawed by police is now an international phenomenon. Across the globe in fitness circles, artist communities, on print
and television film we see Capoeira's legacy.
In the last few years, Capoeira has taken the world by storm. In the United States it is in demand, rapidly becoming the
most sought-after art form and means of creative self-expression. Capoeira promotes diversity and tolerance, teaches
discipline and respect for tradition, insures amazing fitness, and encourages investment in culture. At the current time
Capoeira schools exist in over 50 countries. From coast-to-coast, continent to continent, Capoeira is captivating people
of all ages and walks of life.
How it works...
A circle is made, called a roda. Music is played, and everyone sings and claps while two players interact in the center.
The leading instrument is a berimbau. Also played is a drum called an atabaque and a pandeiro (tambourine). A
berimbau is a one stringed, bow shaped instrument with a gourd attached to one end to give resonance.
"This circle is the most exciting part of Capoeira" - Instructor Itabora, Santa Cruz.
"The game of Capoeira requires the use of intuition and foresight and does not rely solely on the use of physical
strength. During the game the capoeiristas skillfully expose the limitations of their opponents and engage in playful
attacks and counterattacks thus better enabling themselves to discover their personal power" - Professora Marcia
Cigarra
"It's subtle blending of gymnastics and dance moves make the capoeira game unique in the world of martial arts. The
challenge for the player is to harmoniously meld together in a powerful flow the balance and flexibility of acrobatics,
the grace and strength of dance, the speed and cunning of the fight, and the rhythms of the music. If these
components are isolated, the essence of capoeira is lost" - McGuire, East/West Journal
Let Luciano guide you through Capoeira step by step as he gently tours you into the root and soul of the game.
And remember Capoeira is meant to be "played", not fought.
AXÉ (Portuguese) = Good Vibrations
and television film we see Capoeira's legacy.
In the last few years, Capoeira has taken the world by storm. In the United States it is in demand, rapidly becoming the
most sought-after art form and means of creative self-expression. Capoeira promotes diversity and tolerance, teaches
discipline and respect for tradition, insures amazing fitness, and encourages investment in culture. At the current time
Capoeira schools exist in over 50 countries. From coast-to-coast, continent to continent, Capoeira is captivating people
of all ages and walks of life.
How it works...
A circle is made, called a roda. Music is played, and everyone sings and claps while two players interact in the center.
The leading instrument is a berimbau. Also played is a drum called an atabaque and a pandeiro (tambourine). A
berimbau is a one stringed, bow shaped instrument with a gourd attached to one end to give resonance.
"This circle is the most exciting part of Capoeira" - Instructor Itabora, Santa Cruz.
"The game of Capoeira requires the use of intuition and foresight and does not rely solely on the use of physical
strength. During the game the capoeiristas skillfully expose the limitations of their opponents and engage in playful
attacks and counterattacks thus better enabling themselves to discover their personal power" - Professora Marcia
Cigarra
"It's subtle blending of gymnastics and dance moves make the capoeira game unique in the world of martial arts. The
challenge for the player is to harmoniously meld together in a powerful flow the balance and flexibility of acrobatics,
the grace and strength of dance, the speed and cunning of the fight, and the rhythms of the music. If these
components are isolated, the essence of capoeira is lost" - McGuire, East/West Journal
Let Luciano guide you through Capoeira step by step as he gently tours you into the root and soul of the game.
And remember Capoeira is meant to be "played", not fought.
AXÉ (Portuguese) = Good Vibrations
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