What is capoeira?

Capoeira has been around for at least 400 years. Its ritual is rooted in African traditions, which over time have been adapted to Brazilian street culture.

Capoeira in Brazil has been a way for people from poor communities to gather. It was part of celebrations and performed in parks and farmers markets. Eventually, teachers from Brazil started migrating with a dream to share their culture and passion. Over the past 30 years, in an increasingly globalized environment, capoeira has experienced explosive worldwide growth.

As it is taught today, capoeira embodies a unique approach, blending martial arts with acrobatics, music, and Brazilian culture. Playful elements help students gain confidence and make classes more fun. Capoeira is always played to music, which brings a good energy and a cultural awareness to the class.

Just as there are different schools of painting with distinct styles, there are different schools of capoeira reflecting different lineages – some with more martial arts influence and some with more acrobatic movements (“floreios”), for example. There are many forms of expression within the same art form.

How does the game of capoeira work?

Capoeira uses a unique circular flow. Whereas other martial arts focus on direct contact with strikes and blocks, in capoeira we escape from kicks. This makes the fight – which we call a “game” – look like a dance, especially since it is done to music. Capoeira is not just a fight or just a dance; it is these things and more.

The game of capoeira can take many forms. It can be slow, requiring the capoeiristas to show their body control and use trickery, or fast, producing lots of kicks, take downs, jumps, acrobatics movements, and agility. Sometimes the combat is obvious, and sometimes it is disguised. Capoeira can be theatrical and playful, with fakes and feints and misdirection. It can be acrobatic, with one person calling his opponent to a challenge, like in hip-hop.

The capoeirista can play close to the ground, using the hands and feet for stability, creating movements that resemble animals, and working core strength and mobility. Or the capoeirista can play standing up, using the legs for a strong base, throwing many kicks, and moving in a graceful, agile manner.

The game is a conversation, a series of questions and responses. Some games have a high level of complexity, but capoeira can also be played with a basic vocabulary of simple movements. This makes capoeira perfect for anyone, at any age, in any condition.

Is there ranking in capoeira?

Yes.  Similar to the belt systems in traditional martial arts like Karate or Taekwondo, there is a colored "cord" system in capoeira.  The colors of the cords are based on the colors of the Brazilian flag.  Students advance in rank at a traditional ceremony called the "batizado" held semi-annually.

Can I do this?

Yes.  We'll be honest, capoeira can be hard.  Students train a variety of disciplines.  Capoeira movements are challenging.  But, at Evolve Miami Team, we believe that the challenge is part of what makes capoeira so engaging.  You don't need to have any specific level of fitness or musical or acrobatic experience to start capoeira.  

You do need to have a good attitude and a willingness to try to things and to step out of your comfort zone.

We believe you can use capoeira to build your fitness, your music and language skills, and your cultural awareness.  You'll be surprised what you can accomplish.