Belt Requirements — Evolve Miami Team | Mangalot Capoeira
Mangalot Capoeira — Miami

Belt Requirements

For many centuries, Capoeira had no ranking system. Mestre Bimba opened the first official school and created the first ranking system in the mid-1900s. Our belt system is based on combinations of the colors of the Brazilian flag.

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How It Works

Understanding Progression

Two key events mark your belt journey. Understand them before diving into the requirements.

What is a Batizado?

A batizado is a graduation ceremony where new students receive their first Capoeira cordão, after playing with visiting masters. This is a "baptism" — when you are officially welcomed into the art form of Capoeira. This is a special event where you connect with other capoeiristas from other schools and groups.

Troca de Cordão

A troca de cordão ("belt exchange") is a ceremony for students who already have a belt and are advancing to the next level. It is a moment of recognition for your growth, consistency, and dedication. Both events are important milestones in your Capoeira journey.

Important: While called "requirements," consider this a guide. You do not need to master 100% of the list to advance. A reasonable goal is to be comfortable with at least 60% of the skills for each level. For all belts, time training and consistency in class will be the most important factors taken into consideration for you to move up.

The Learning Process

What We Evaluate

Your development is a process of consistency, proper guidance, and dedication. Improvement happens every class, all year long.

1. Time & Consistency
Consistency is the single most important factor in your progression. After your first belt, a minimum of 10 months of regular training is required before advancing to the next level. Training means showing up — at least twice a week, every week. Missing months and then training intensely does not count. We look at your attendance record, your commitment through difficult periods, and whether you keep coming back even when life gets busy. Capoeira rewards those who stay.
2. Movement Improvement
We do not expect perfection — we expect visible, honest improvement over time. Your teacher tracks how your ginga, escapes, kicks, acrobatics, and combinations evolve from belt to belt. We look at body mechanics, coordination, flow, and how naturally you move. A student who trains with focus and improves steadily will always advance over one who trains more but without attention to quality. Progress is personal — your baseline is your own starting point, not someone else's.
3. Posture & Behavior
Capoeira is a martial art with deep cultural roots — how you carry yourself matters. We evaluate your respect for the space, your teacher, your training partners, and the art itself. This includes how you behave during class (listening, helping others, staying focused), how you treat the roda (entering correctly, playing with intention), and how you represent the school outside of it. Discipline, humility, and ethics are not optional — they are part of the belt.
4. Game Skills
The roda is where everything comes together. We observe how you play the game — your ability to read your partner, control distance, use timing and strategy, apply your techniques under pressure, and respond to different styles of play. We also look at how you enter and exit the roda, how you interact with the berimbau, and whether you play with creativity and intention. A good game is not about winning — it is about dialogue, presence, and respect for the art.
5. Plus Factors
These are the elements that go beyond the mat and show your deeper connection to Capoeira. Music — learning to play instruments and sing shows cultural commitment. Events — attending rodas, batizados, and workshops outside your school expands your perspective. Language — learning Portuguese, even basics, connects you to the tradition. Community — helping newer students, showing up for the group, and contributing to the school's culture. These factors do not replace the core requirements, but they can accelerate your path.

Adults Program

Belt Requirements

Click any belt level to expand the full requirements. Each level builds on the previous one.

1st Belt
Green — Verde
Capoeira is for everyone! Be comfortable starting to play
Time Training
  • At least 6 months in Capoeira, training 2× a week
Physical Elements
  • Squat
  • Hinge
  • Plank
  • Push-up
  • Negativa push-up
Techniques
  • Ginga: 2 positions (squat and lunge), arm circles
  • All escapes and kicks from ginga, alternating sides
  • Escapes: Cocorinha, Esquiva lateral, Esquiva recuada, Esquiva baixa, Cocorinha + negativa, Decida da negativa
  • Kicks: Meia lua de frente, Queixada, Armada, Meia lua de compasso
  • Kicks from different bases: Meia lua de frente de trás, Meia lua de frente avançando, Queixada da esquiva recuada
  • Acrobatics: Aú, Bananeira, Ponte
  • Animal walks: Carneirinho, Caranqueijo, Sapinho, Macaquinho, Rolê
Partner Work
  • Ginga mirroring your partner
  • Ginga opposite your partner
  • Be able to place your kick
  • Be able to escape from kicks
  • Use arms in ginga to check distance
Roda
  • How to start
  • How to stop
  • How to buy a game
  • How to stand in the roda
Music
  • Be able to clap on the rhythm
Behavior
  • Respect for yourself, teacher, and training partners
  • Avoid drama — handle issues with ethics and integrity
Outside Activities
  • Participate (play) in at least one roda
2nd Belt
3 Green, 1 Yellow
Crawling to walk: Be able to have a simple conversation
Time Training
  • At least 6 months after 1st belt, training 3× a week
  • Ideally 10+ months after 1st belt, training at least 2× a week and coming to fundamental class
Physical Elements
  • Squat hold 1 min
  • Plank 1 min
  • Wall handstand 30 sec
  • Low squat 30 sec
Techniques
  • Ginga: lateral movement, 1st/2nd/3rd fase, arm variations 2 tempos
  • Escapes: Lateral side to side, Lateral opposite, Pendulo da ginga
  • Blocks: Galopante, Espelho
  • Cutila, Negativa variations (Troca a negativa, Senta na perna do rolê)
  • Kicks: Bençao, Martelo
  • Acrobatics: Au negativa e rolê, Au retorno, Bananeira with partner
  • Rolê 1 tempo, Rolê 2 tempos, Getting up from rolê laterally/backward
Entradas / Fintas NEW
  • Understand the difference between entrada and finta
  • Entrada de armada
  • Entrada de meia lua de compasso
Combinations NEW
  • Meia lua de trás and meia lua avançando
  • Meia lua de frente base da ginga queixada
  • Meia lua de frente e armada
  • Armada and queixada
  • Armada and meia lua de compasso
  • Meia lua de compasso and queixada
Partner Work
  • Direction: Attack in favor / against your partner
  • Distance: Work ginga, kicks, and escape distance
  • Timing: Improve your timing
Roda
  • Be able to do volta ao mundo
  • Play a 30-sec game using 2 kicks, 2 escapes, move around, do at least one acrobatic movement (au), and respond to your partner
Music
  • Be able to clap and respond the chorus
Outside Activities
  • Participate in one event outside the studio
3rd Belt
2 Green, 2 Yellow
Connections: Creating volume in the game
Time Training
  • At least 10 months after 2nd belt, training consistently
  • If from another school: at least 3 years in Capoeira and 6 months training with us
Physical Elements
  • Squat hold 2 min
  • Plank 2 min
  • Handstand 10 sec
  • Low squat 1 min
Techniques
  • All previous techniques with more fluidity
  • Ginga: 4th fase, arm variations 3 tempos
  • Escapes: Pendulo lateral, Pendulo recuado
  • Kicks: Chapa, Meia lua de compasso with variations
  • Acrobatics: Au de cabeça, Macaco, Giro
Sequences NEW
  • Sequencia do cordão verde
  • Sequencia da aranha
  • Sequencia da meia lua compasso passo a frente
  • Sequencia do currupio
Entradas / Fintas
  • Entrada de armada
  • Entrada de meia lua de compasso
  • Finta variations
Combinations
  • All 2nd belt combinations
  • Meia lua de compasso escala entra no relogio, corta capim S
  • Meia lua de compasso do outro lado desce na esquiva com balanço relogio volta por cima
Partner Work
  • Understand how to counterattack
  • Work game strategy with direction, distance, and timing
Roda
  • Play a 1-min game using combinations and sequences
Music
  • Know at least 3 corridos and sing in the roda
Outside Activities
  • Participate in one event outside the studio
4th Belt
1 Green, 3 Yellow
Similar but different: Identify subtle differences
Time Training
  • At least 10 months after 3rd belt, training consistently
  • If from another school: at least 4 years in Capoeira and 6 months with us
Takedowns NEW
  • Rasteira
  • Banda
  • Tesoura
  • Cabeçada
  • Vingativa
Techniques
  • All previous techniques with refinement
  • Identify subtle differences between similar movements
  • Ginga with variations and transitions
Entradas / Fintas
  • All previous entradas and fintas with more fluidity
Combinations & Sequences
  • All previous combinations
  • Miudinho sequences: Sequencia cocobunda, Sequencia do role, Sequencia au retorno, Sequencia carnerinho, Sequencia rasteira cabeçada, Sequence currupio na armada, Sequence au defend the cabeçada
Music
  • Know at least 5 corridos
  • Be able to clap and sing in the roda
  • Know the names of the instruments
Outside Activities
  • Participate in one event outside the studio
  • Research capoeira history
5th Belt
Yellow — Amarelo
Self expression: What kind of player do you want to be?
Time Training
  • At least 10 months after 4th belt, training consistently
  • If from another school: at least 4 years and 6 months with us
Physical Elements
  • Understand strength, mobility, speed, power, endurance, balance
  • Understand types of flexibility exercises
  • Explain how to do a push-up, squat, hinge, plank + one more exercise
Techniques
  • All previous techniques with self-expression
  • Develop your own style and game identity
  • Perform all techniques with control and fluidity
Takedowns, Entradas, Combinations, Sequences
  • All previous elements with fluidity and self-expression
  • Sequencia cordão amarelo
Roda
  • Play a 2-min game showing your personal style
  • Be able to lead a roda with your friends
Music
  • Play berimbau: São Bento Grande da Regional and sing quadra
  • Play atabaque rhythms: Congo, Barravento, Ijexa
  • Sing a ladainha, louvação, and corridos in the roda
Outside Activities
  • Participate in one event outside the studio
  • Research capoeira Angola
  • Research mestres: Besoura Mangangá, Maria Doze Homens, Madame Satã, Mestre Cobrinha Verde, Mestre Waldemar, Mestre Caiçara, Mestre Pastinha, Mestre Bimba
6th Belt
3 Yellow, 1 Blue
Creation: Explore your creativity
Time Training
  • At least 10 months after 5th belt, training consistently
Techniques, Takedowns, Entradas, Combinations, Sequences
  • All previous elements with creative application
  • Create your own combinations and sequences
  • Explore new ways to apply techniques
Roda
  • Lead a roda with your friends
  • Play a 3-min game showing creativity and strategy
Music
  • Play samba pandeiro and agogô
  • Know at least 10 corridos and sing in the roda
Outside Activities
  • Research capoeira history
  • Research capoeira Angola
  • Research all mestres listed in 5th belt
Language NEW
  • Practice Portuguese — learn basic capoeira vocabulary
Advanced Levels
Graduado — 7th Belt
2 Yellow, 2 Blue
Perform: Time to put it all together and play
Time Training
  • At least 6 years in Capoeira, or 10 months nonstop since last belt
  • If from another school: at least 5 years and 6 months training with us
Physical Elements
  • Explain differences between strength, mobility, speed, power, endurance, balance
  • Understand types of flexibility exercises and when to apply them
  • Explain how to do push-up, squat, hinge, plank + one more exercise
Techniques, Takedowns, Entradas, Combinations, Sequences
  • All previous elements performed with mastery
  • All Miudinho sequences
  • Perform all sequences with fluidity and expression
Roda
  • Lead a roda with your friends
Music
  • Play berimbau: São Bento Grande da Regional and sing quadra
  • Play atabaque rhythms: Congo, Barravento, Ijexa
  • Sing a ladainha, louvação, and corridos in the roda
  • Play samba pandeiro and agogô
Outside Activities
  • Research capoeira history
  • Research capoeira Angola
  • Research all mestres from 5th belt list
Language
  • Practice Portuguese
Monitor — 8th Belt
1 Yellow, 3 Blue
Legacy
Time Training
  • At least 10 months after Graduado belt, training consistently
All Previous Elements
  • All techniques, takedowns, entradas, combinations, sequences at mastery level
  • Perform all Miudinho sequences with fluidity
Music
  • All previous music requirements
  • Play samba pandeiro and agogô
Outside Activities
  • Help in adults class for 1 month
  • Research mestres from our school
Language
  • Write a ladainha and one corrido
Teacher Skills NEW
  • Be able to lead an adults class for beginners

Advanced Teaching Ranks

Teacher Level

These belts are not just about Capoeira skill — they represent a commitment to the art form as a way of life. Instrutor and Professor are reserved for those who have chosen to carry the responsibility of teaching and preserving Capoeira for the next generation.

The Teacher Level is a separate path within the belt system. It is not simply the next step after Graduado and Monitor — it is a conscious decision to dedicate yourself to Capoeira beyond personal practice. These ranks are for those who feel called to pass on the art, to lead a roda, to guide students, and to represent the tradition with integrity.

Reaching Instrutor or Professor requires not only technical mastery, but also a demonstrated commitment to the community, to teaching, and to the school. These belts carry weight — they are a recognition of your role as a guardian of Capoeira.

Important — Instrutor Belt: The Instrutor belt is a formal teaching title and carries specific requirements beyond regular training. It is only awarded in Brazil, at an official event with Mestre Coruja present. To be eligible, you must have completed the full Instructor Course offered by the school. This is not a belt you receive at a local ceremony — it is a formal recognition of your readiness to teach, granted by the Mestre himself in Brazil.
🇧🇷 Awarded in Brazil only  ·  Instructor Course required  ·  Mestre Coruja present
Instrutor — 9th Belt
Blue — Azul
Recognition: How to pass on what you have learned
Time Training
  • At least 10 months after Monitor belt, training consistently
Techniques & Roda
  • All previous techniques at instructor level
  • Demonstrate all techniques clearly for teaching
Music
  • Play berimbau rhythms and sing
  • Play samba pandeiro and agogô
Outside Activities
  • Research capoeira history and mestres
Language
  • Practice Portuguese — basic conversation
Teacher Skills
  • Be able to lead beginner classes for adults, kids, and teens
  • Assist the teacher in class for 3 months to learn how to teach
  • Be able to help lead the roda
Professor — 10th Belt
Green, Yellow & Blue
The highest active teaching rank
Benefits of Professor Belt
  • Access to teacher training
  • Access to business course
  • Preference in program classes around Miami
  • Support to write projects
  • Support to open or rent a space to teach
Time & Experience
  • 3 years training consistently after Instrutor belt
  • Complete online teachers course
  • Teacher under supervision for 2 months
  • Complete teacher requirements
  • Teaching Capoeira in schools and/or studio for one year
Techniques
  • Master all "balões" and "cintura desprezada" techniques
  • Understand lineages, traditions, and rules of each Capoeira style
  • Perform the "sequências" including Mestre Bimba's "esquetes"
  • Perform "chamadas de angola"
  • Knowledge of maculelê, puxada de rede, dança guerreira, samba de roda
Music
  • Play Mestre Bimba rhythms
  • Play Capoeira Angola rhythms
  • Play Miudinho
  • Play agogô, pandeiro, and atabaque
Roda
  • Play Iuna
Travel
  • Travel to Brazil at least one time
Language
  • Speak Portuguese

The Path Ahead

Master Levels

After Professor, the path continues to the highest ranks. These require at least 5 years after Instrutor belt, being over 20 years old, training consistently, developing a "trabalho" with Capoeira, and being involved with the community.

Contra-Mestre
Green, Yellow, Blue & White
Mestre 1° Grau
Green & White
Mestre 2° Grau
Yellow & White
Mestre 3° Grau
Blue & White
Mestre
White — Branco

Become a Teacher

Teacher Training Path

You can become a Capoeira teacher! You don't need a teacher belt to start this process, but you will only be recognized as an "instructor" or "professor" once you reach those cord levels. You need at least 3 years in Capoeira nonstop to begin.

01
Learning
Go through the most important tools needed to succeed as a teacher. Requires 3 years training with the teacher (or 3 years elsewhere + 1 year with us). Complete the teacher course. Accompany 1 month in the class where you want to teach.
02
Trial
After completing the Learning phase, begin your trial. Requires a criminal background report. Complete 20 hours teaching Capoeira under supervision in the studio.
03
Teaching
After completing Learning and Trial phases, you can start teaching under supervision. This does not mean you have the title of teacher — only completing each belt requirement moves you forward. Only after your Professor belt can you lead your own group.

Ready to Level Up?

The path is clear. The requirements are here. Show up consistently, train with intention, and trust the process. See you on the mat.

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