See it, Feel it, Be Part of it Omulu Guanabara Capoeira!
660 Osborne Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Ph. (204) 333-2244
Em. guanabara@me.com
|
|
History of Capoeira |
PDF |
| Print | |
E-mail |
The Secret Art that Survived all Odds Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian blend of martial art, game, and dance created by enslaved Africans in Brazil during the 16th Century. Portugal shipped slaves into South America from western Africa and Brazil was one of the many American destinations for African captives. These Africans brought their cultural traditions and religions with them to the New World. Capoeira emerged as a way to resist oppression, secretly practice art, transmit culture, and lift spirits.
Most Brazilian scholars have argued that Capoeira emerged as a way to conceal the fact that slaves were practicing to fight (against their owners), concealing it with a seemingly happy dance routine. This explains why today's Capoeira appears to be a mix of both fighting techniques and flowing artful dance.
After slavery was abolished in 1888, the freed people often moved to the cities of Brazil. With employment scarce, many joined or formed criminal gangs. They continued to practice Capoeira, which in time became associated with anti-government and criminal activities. As a result, Capoeira was outlawed in Brazil in 1890. Capoeira continued to be practiced, though it was forced to move further underground.
Capoeira practitioners (Capoeiristas) also adopted apelidos or nicknames which made it more difficult for police to discover their true identities. To this day, when students are baptized into Capoeira at the batizado ceremony, they are often given an apelido as a matter of tradition.
Legal persecution of the art eventually began to fade, thanks in large part to the work of Mestre Bimba. He made a major contribution to the preservation of the art by establishing the first Capoeira academy in Brazil. A notable example of Mestre Bimba's influence took place in 1937, when he and his students were invited to perform at an event attended by the Brazilian President Getulio Vargas. Vargas was so impressed with the discipline and devotion of Mestre Bimba's students that he declared Capoeira the national sport of Brazil. MusicMusic is integral to Capoeira. It sets the tempo and style of game that is to be played within the roda. The music is composed of instruments and song.
Capoeiristas sing about a wide variety of subjects. Some songs are about history or stories of famous Capoeiristas. Other songs attempt to inspire players to play better. Some songs are about what is going on within the roda. Sometimes the songs are about life, or love lost. Others are lighthearted or even sung just for fun.
Some of the instruments are the Berimbais, Attabaque, Pandeiro, Agogo, and clapping.
Roda, Jogo and GingaThe roda ( Ho-Dah ) or "Roda de Capoeira" is the circle of people within which Capoeira is played. Its circular shape is maintained to keep focus on the players and musicians and retain the energy created by the Capoeira game.
Capoeira does not focus on injuring the opponent. Rather, it emphasizes skill. Capoeiristas often prefer to show the movement without completing it, enforcing their superiority in the roda
The ginga (literally: rocking back and forth; to swing) is the fundamental movement in Capoeira
Attacks and Defenses
Capoeira primarily attacks with kicks, sweeps, and head strikes
Capoeira defenses consist of evasive moves and rolls. A series of ducks called esquivas, which literally means "escape", are also a staple of a Capoeiristas' defensive vocabulary.
Now that you're ready – come and join us!!!
|
|
