LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Capoeira: Art
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Capoeira (Kapo - way - ra with a rolled 'r') is a unique cultural art from Brazil. It was developed by Africans and their descendants, enslaved on Brazil's vast sugar and coffee plantations. It is a fighting art integrated with music, movement, gymnastics, theatrics and play. It is a game played in constant dance-like motion, weaving kicks, showing off gymnastic moves, playing tricks and casting sly smiles in an atmosphere charged by percussion and song.
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Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art with over 400 years of history. In recent years capoeira has exploded out of Brazil and continues to grow in popularity. There are now capoeira schools in every continent except Antartica and over 2,000 schools listed on capoeirista alone.
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The beauty of Capoeira is certainly impressive ... it is, without a doubt, an art of self-defense as well. The basic movements of Capoeira were used by slaves to fight their way to freedom against armed guards in colonial times. While modern Capoeira has had acrobatic movements added to it to make it into a flowing game, its potential for attack and defense has not been diminished. Many parents sign up their children for Capoeira classes because they not only learn an art of self-defense but also undertake a fun and expressive activity.
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Most Brazilian scholars have argued that Capoeira emerged as a way to conceal the fact that slaves were practicing to fight (against their owners), concealing it with a seemingly happy dance routine. This explains why today's Capoeira appears to be a mix of both fighting techniques and flowing artful dance.
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Capoeira was banned by Penal Decree from 1890 to 1930, and during that time, it was only street hoodlums (Malandros) and members of secret societies who practiced the art. Bandits used the steps of the dance as a weapon; sometimes with straight razors held between their toes.
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Like any martial art, Capoeira is a tactic which can be used for attack or self defense. However, its main principle is not a destructive one. Capoeira aims to teach players to work together rather than against each other. Our qualified instructors are always present to guide students as to how to execute movements so that they do not pose any risks to themselves or others and ... to ensure students attempt moves only when they are experienced enough to do so. If you have any other concerns because of a past injury please speak to your instructor so that they can choose movements which are best suited to your needs.
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