A partner of 
Martial arts from around the world had always captured my admiration during my late teenage years. Every martial art has a rich history and social values that can fascinate us. Growing into my college days, I had the privilege to study martial arts in-depth and further explore the art of Brasilian Capoeira trained by Brasilians.
I remember the first time I showed the beautiful, artistic, and soulful movement to my family members. The appearance of Capoeira failed to amuse my family members at first sight. In the fearing eyes of my family, they assumed that I might easily get hurt during the practice. In other cases, Capoeira’s style can be misperceived out-of-norm for a lady.
A Distinct Artistic Culture Can Be Elegant
Capoeira’s energetic movements are unlikely to amuse a typical person who is not an admirer of art, music, dance, or culture. Moreover, some Capoeira moves are so elaborate in technique that the acrobatic movement appears similar to “break-dancing.” Capoeira can be misperceived as an activity that is typically masculine in nature or, in other words, a martial art suited for men by some individuals who identify as feminine. The origins and history of Capoeira can captivate one if one keeps an open mind and studies it carefully.
I was 100% certain that this Brazilian martial art was transforming my life. Capoeira left a positive impact on me since the moment I played its related musical instrument, the Berimbau.
Martial Arts Roots
Starting in the 16th century, Capoeira was born from cross-communication and cultural sharing among African as well as Brazilian natives. In the olden days, limited resources were available for creating martial arts defence tools, attires, or musical instruments. In fact, during colonialism, it was considered forbidden to learn self-defence, so the martial art was camouflaged by dancing movements.
Thus, Capoeira started as a very intense, growing form of social art. This social art captured a variety of physical body movements. In addition, the movements symbolized a person as a warrior, keeping in defence from an opponent’s attack. As society became more progressive, Capoeira continued to develop in all sorts of artistic forms. The Capoeira dance was accompanied by musical instruments, bringing together the diverse local communities in groups.
While playing to a set of berimbau, pandeiro, atabaque, agôgô, and reco-reco, the artists will chant choir-like Capoeira songs to suit the Capoeira dance rhythm. If you listen to Capoeira songs, you can interpret the lyrics indicating music of native ways of life and cheering in combat. Similar to the originality of Capoeira’s songs, Capoeira’s musical instruments are rich in culture. It is better to source high-quality Capoeira musical instruments from Africa or Brazil. In these countries, we can witness the remarkable local workmanship which has been handcrafted over a long history.
Rich in Culture & Art
Noteworthy, Capoeira also has many categories or types. Angola, Capoeira Regional, and Capoeira Contemporânea styles are the three commonly practised styles of Capoeira. Each style varies in the pace and technique of movements. I often found beauty in the variety of Capoeira styles. Capoeira, in general, showcases values of resiliency and community with other artists. It is very challenging to practice Capoeira alone. When practising Capoeira with a group or in a community, there is a sense of respect and collegial connection.
The Beauty of Capoeira
Capoeira has several positive characteristics. In advocacy for the World’s Indigenous people, it is currently one of the surviving martial arts whose legend is still alive among Indigenous people around the world.
- In the Indigenous community and society of the heritage era, important values were instilled for continuation into the future. The lyrics of Capoeira carry positive moral teachings. On the other hand, the sense of association and familial relationship with a Capoeira group marks valuable social values such as family, teamwork, respect, unity, and peace.
- While Capoeira can appear fast-paced at times, it is not an actual harmful martial art. An artist can perceive the mastery of musical instruments through acrobatic moves and tedious discipline as an elegant skill. Looking beyond the typical perception that a martial art comprises “fighter”. In this sense, Capoeira comprises “artist”.
- Capoeira has a similar culture to “education”. The grand master of Capoeira can earn the title of “Mestre” and “Professor or Professora”. Capoeira demands hard work and discipline from the artist to earn its title. The artist must regularly study, master, and share the teachings of Capoeira with other communities. Therefore, Capoeira is a way of “education”, also proven by the different colour belt cords that students of Capoeira wear when they graduate.
- There is purity in martial arts practice. Most Capoeira artists wear “white” outfits. Around the world, Capoeira attire is white. This uniform represents acceptance of each artist’s profile. Each artist wears white outfits that make the art form synchronized. Anyone can practice Capoeira without limitation based on religion, race, or social class, as this martial art embraces diversity.
- Capoeira is an all-rounded martial art that keeps our body and mind perfectly healthy. This martial art enriches our body and mental health as well as uplifts our spirits through physical exertion. Capoeira activity arouses the senses of people and music companies to a greater extent.
Concern About The Sustainability of This Culture
Mestres, who lived in the past, often left us with the historical Capoeira movements and teachings. However, society’s lack of wide participation in Capoeira prevents the transfer of its rich values and precious techniques to the new generation. The present and future generations are at risk of not being able to grasp the traditional heritage of Capoeira.
Capoeira around the world, mainly outside of Brazil and Africa, are confronting societal transition. Some societies may view Capoeira as a short-term physical fitness activity, while others may view it as an awkward martial art to commit to fully. Capoeira is often not considered necessary in society’s eyes in the post-development era. One reason is that people are preoccupied with various priorities and other forms of leisure activities. Nonetheless, cultural preservation efforts are in place, starting with Capoeira becoming Unesco’s intangible cultural heritage.
Empowering World Culture As Best Livelihood Practices
August 3 is Capoeirista Day in Brasil. This day commemorates the importance of this national martial art, and it is a symbol of national identity. Reflecting on my own professional experience with Capoeira after a decade since I first attuned myself to this activity has left me feeling very poignant with this martial art. For one reason, as a former capoeirista myself, I cherish how valuable this martial art is in the world. Secondly, I recognize that societal shifts have limited access to such rich Capoeira culture and exceptional examples. In fact, some of our legendary Professors or existing Masters are now significantly ageing, leaving only footsteps and dances from the new generation to take over. I have sincere hopes that the legend of Capoeira will continue while society continues to empower Brazilian culture.
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these third-party sites, we may earn a small commission at NO ADDITIONAL cost to you. These commissions are a necessary source of income to cover our costs, allowing us to continue bringing relevant information to all our users. Learn more here.
