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 Photo by Pierre Verger History of Capoeira Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian form of martial arts that began as a means to stop the oppression of African slaves in Brazil. It is a hybrid of African fighting techniques and native Brazilian folk dance styles that has grown into a celebrated global art form. Capoeira's roots were sprouted in the region of Recife in the late 1770's after a group of African slaves escaped from their plantation and fled inland. With the help of the native Indians, the group of slaves found refuge amongst the palm trees in a mountainous region they named Palmares. As more and more slaves escaped and fled to Palmares and surrounding areas, long standing communities formed, and Capoeira was born. Incorporating dance, music, agility, strength and acrobatics, Capoeira was the primary form of defense used by the refugees to combat plantation owners and European settlers that attempted to take over the refuge communities until the abolition of slavery in 1888. With the abolition of slavery, the refugees moved back into the towns, but upon their arrival, found only unemployment, political unrest and prejudice. Many turned to gangs to create their own safe haven, but politicians quickly viewed Capoeira as threat and deemed it illegal in the 1890s. Capoeira was outlawed for about 20 years until Reis Machado (Mestre Bimba), the founder of Capoeira Regional, performed his art form for President Getúlio. Realizing the cultural significance and importance of Capoeira after Mestre Bimba's performance, President Getúlio lifted the ban and Mestre Bimba was given permission to start his own school. Years later, the government officially recognized Capoeira as a national sport. Beginning in the 1950's, capoeiristas traveled around their world sharing their art form. Capoeira expanded exponentially in the 1970s when Mestres, Contra-Mestres, and Professors began to emigrate abroad on a more permanent basis and establish schools. Today, there are over 2,000 Capoeira schools on every continent, excluding Antarctica. |
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