Our group aim at teaching the essence & art of Capoeira, its philosophy and respect. It is an enriching mix of music, dance, martial arts and Afro-Brazilian culture.

Some people say Capoeira is a dance with an element of fight, some say that it is a fight with an element of dance.

 ” Capoeira  e tudo o que a boca come!” – Mestre Pastinha

 

Capoeira History

Although there are few official history records, it is known that Capoeira was created nearly 500 years ago in Brazil by African slaves (mainly from Angola). Taken from their homes against their will and kept in slavery, they started inventing fighting techniques for self-defense. To cover their inside combats from their prisoners, the African slaves used their traditional music, singing and dancing. Thus, the Capoeira continued its development and soon became not only for self-defense but for rebellion.

 

Capoeira Through the Years

At first, Capoeira was considered illegal in Brazil and everyone playing was arrested. However, a man known as Mestre Bimba did not let Capoeira down. He placed great efforts in convincing the Brazilian authorities that Capoeira has a great cultural value and shall become an official fighting style. He succeeded in his endeavor and created the Capoeira Regional style. In 1932 he created the first Capoeira School – Academia-escola de Capoeira Regional at the Engenho de Brotas in Salvador-Bahia. Thus, Mestre Bimba made what was once considered illegal an official martial art.
In 1942 was created the first Capoeira Angola school – Centro Esportivo de Capoeira by Mestre Pastinha. At this time, Capoeira was still practiced by poor black Brazilians. Few years later, however few Capoeira Mestres began to teach Capoeira in the United States and Europe.

Source: http://www.capoeira-world.com