Capoeira was born in Brazil out of a need for African slaves to unite in fighting for the common goal of achieving freedom. Beginning in the 1500's, Brazil imported over two million slaves from Africa to work on the sugar and tobacco plantations found mostly in Bahia, Recife, and Rio de Janeiro. Rebelling against their masters, the mix of people from different African tribes eventually found a way to share their cultures by developing a form of combat based on various African fighting styles that required agility, strength and fast movements. Through the centuries, Capoeira has evolved into a respected art form that encompasses dance, rhythm, movement and martial arts.
The Beginnings of Capoeira
In Recife there was a powerful rebellion as slaves found a way to kill their white masters and burn down the plantations. Fleeing from the law, they headed to the nearby mountains where they were aided by the Indians of the region. They eventually reached a palm-filled area, which they named Palmares and where they created an African community of their own. It was here that the roots of Capoeira began as the various tribes that would normally be enemies in Africa found a way to share their rituals. The fusion of these rituals, which included dance and games, became Capoeira.
Capoeira as a Fight Strategy
There were several wars that took place in Brazil in the early days. When Holland invaded in the mid-1600s to get its share of the bounty, the Africans decided to use this moment to heighten the vulnerability of the Portuguese by fighting against them as well. Their method of fighting was based on ambush and here they were able to use their training in Capoeira to surprise and overcome their enemy through the fast, tricky movements that was the essence of the form. Capoeira became a symbol of freedom as the Africans used it as a powerful weapon against their oppressors.
Capoeira as a Ritual and a Deadly Martial Art
Capoeira was taught throughout the African communities, often in the disguise of a benign ritual. Because in reality it was a martial art, the addition of singing and dance allowed it to appear less deadly. However white Brazilian society was becoming more aware of the lethal potential of the form as rebellions continued through the land where more and more Africans were using Capoeira in their fighting strategy. These rebellions lasted until 1888 when slavery was finally abolished.
The Growth of Capoeiristas
After slavery was abolished, many Africans stayed in Brazil creating roots for themselves. There was little work, but many Capoeiristas (practitioners of Capoeira) found jobs as bodyguards to government officials and other important community leaders. More and more people were learning the art of Capoeira besides those in African communities, but it was always perceived as a threat to the political life of the country. Finally a law was instated to expatriate any known Capoeirista. The ruthless police chief Sampaio, was hired to rout out the Capoeira. Ironically he was a Capoerista himself and he taught his police force the form so that they could challenge the enemy when the time came.
The War Between Brazil and Paraguay
Sampaio and his men arrested a Capoerista named Juca, who was a member of established, gentrified Brazilian community. There was much controversy over this action, but finally the government upheld its edict and Juca was expatriated. This caused a huge opposition to the government by many Brazilians who were indignant over the action. At the same time, Brazil went to war with Paraguay and a black militia made up of Capoeristas was sent to the front. Due to their brilliant fighting skill, they were made national heroes once the war was won.
The Evolution of Capoeira
The law against Capoeira lasted until 1920, but it was still practiced all over Brazil. Disguised as "folk dance," the tradition was kept alive and became more acceptable to society as it included dance and song. In 1937 an invitation was extended to a famous Capoeira master, Mestre Bimba, to present a demonstration of the art to government officials. He did so and was subsequently given permission to open the first Capoeira school in Brazil. Eventually the senate passed a bill sanctioning the form as a national sport. To this day, Capoeira is practiced all over the world and is considered one of the most effective arts for creating fitness through the joys of ritual and sharing.
 |
