Capoeira

Capoeira

Capoeira is a martial art that is generally considered to have been developed by slaves in Brazil. There is some debate as to the origin of the name. One reason is that “capao” means castrated rooster because 2 capoeiristas can look like a pair of roosters fighting. Another explanation is that kaa and puera together mean forest clearing which would have been an ideal hiding place for escaping slaves. Capoeira fighting contains feints, acrobatics and groundwork in a way that resembles modern breakdancing. It is even thought breakdancing may have evolved from Capoeria as they both involve fluid movements and rely heavily on percussion music.

The actual fight involves strikes from the elbows, fist, head and full body however the majority of the attacks come from the legs in the form of sweeps and kicks. This is partially because arm strikes are thought to disrupt the movement of the fight and also because the slaves would have had their hands manacled when they practised.

When watching Capoeira it is easily mistaken for a dance and this was intentional because although Capoeira was originally developed outside of the plantations by escaped slaves it was brought into the plantations by recaptured slaves. When practising the martial art within the plantations the slaves had to be careful as their masters would not want them to be hurting each other (because it would reduce their work efficiency) or learning to fight well (because it would allow a revolt). The idea of intentionally concealing Capoeira as a dance to escape the law carries on until 1920 when all laws against Capoeira where abolished.

Unfortunately with the abolition of slavery a large number of Capoeiristas made criminal gangs. Their intention was to disrupt the government who had made their lives (and the lives of their ancestors) so difficult for years. Capoeira was made illegal at this point until, as mentioned above, 1920.

In modern times there are 3 types of Capoeira: Capoeira Angola (older and traditional); Capoeira Regional (newer and developed to bring Capoeira back to its fighting roots); and Capoeira Contemporânea (a mix of the previous 2 that is controversial among purists).

Here is an image of 2 capoeiristas fighting. A scene like this atop a building was once used as one of the images shown by the BBC while the announcer spoke.

Bibliography:
http://www.senzalaleicester.co.uk/
http://www.abcarticledirectory.com/Article/Capoeira-The-Graceful-Art/177642