{mosimage} With the absence of tangible facts on the origin of capoeira, many different versions of its origins are still debated today. The most common supposition  is that Capoeira originated in colonial Brazil amidst the African slaves fight for freedom and evolved as a way to resist the opression of the slave masters. Secretly practicing their fighting skills, the slaves were able to transmit their culture and empower themselves.

Forbidden from carrying weapons, the slaves resorted to using their bodies as fighting tools. While developing a series of fatal moves they cunningly used music, singing and dancing to disguise their training sessions and often found their masters foolishly entertained by the beauty of their potentially dangerous training sessions.

Capoeira was outlawed in 1892 and people caught playing or practicing capoeira were severly punished. Capoeira was often played in areas with plenty of escape routes, and a special rhythm called 'cavalaria' was added to the music to warn players that the police were coming. Capoeira was later legalised in the  early part of the 1900s but under strict conditions and over time it became more accepted and accesible.

Capoeira is popular throughout the world today  The elements of disguise, which have become an integral part of Capoeira, have throughout the centuries helped to distinguish the art from other forms of martial combat and dance. The unmistakeable rhythms of the berimbau, Atabaque (conga drum) and pandiero (a tambourine)  and the beauty and grace of its acrobatic moves and dances have awed every continent.

Information provided by our Capoiera hosts: SINHÁ BAHIA de CAPOEIRA