Capoeira originated in Brazil in the 1600s. The
only indigenous American martial art, it was developed by African
slaves in Brazil. Capoeira began to take form amongst the community of
slaves that worked on the sugar cane plantations, the docks and various
other slave works. It became a strong weapon in the life and death
struggle against their oppressors. When the owners of the sugar cane
fields realized the power of capoeira, they began to punish those who
practiced it, sometimes with death. Capoeiristas learned to camouflage
the forbidden fight with singing and clapping as though it were simply
entertainment.The fight was disguised behind the dance - a dance that
could be as graceful as a panther and as treacherous as a snake. Mestre
Bimba, with his good will and love of the art was able to take capoeira
from being forbidden by law and transformed it into Brazil’s national
sport. He along with Mestre Pastinha was the first to open schools and
the capoeira tree grew, spreading its branches across the world.
Capoeira is an art form and self-defense; with strong aerobic and dance
elements. It is a harmony of forces that gives you power, flexibilty,
endurance and self-discovery. Capoeira balances the body, soul and
mind. It is a graceful, exciting art form that teaches you to be alert.
The art keeps its strong traditions and enables you to break through
limits, revitalizing you for everyday life.