The History of Capoeira
Capoeira is much more than a martial art—it is the story of survival, resilience, and creativity born out of centuries of oppression.
The Roots in Slavery
Over 300 years ago, millions of Africans were brought to Brazil as slaves to work on sugar and tobacco plantations. In places like Bahia, Rio de Janeiro, and Recife, they were forced together from different cultures and languages. Despite unimaginable hardship, they preserved traditions, music, and movement that would evolve into Capoeira.
To disguise their training, enslaved Africans blended self-defense with dance, music, and ritual, creating a practice that looked like play but prepared them for resistance. On Sundays—their only day of rest—they would gather to train and keep the art alive.
Suppression and Persecution
After slavery was abolished in 1888, many freed people were left without work or support. Some turned to organized groups, and Capoeira became associated with rebellion and street crime.
The Brazilian government saw Capoeira as a threat and outlawed its practice. A special police force was formed to hunt down Capoeiristas. Practicing Capoeira could result in arrest, exile, or worse. Yet practitioners continued in secret, often using nicknames to protect their identities—a tradition still honored today.
Mestre Bimba and Capoeira Regional
In the 1920s and 1930s, Mestre Bimba, an innovative Capoeirista from Bahia, worked to change Capoeira’s reputation. He refined techniques, created structured sequences, and emphasized Capoeira as a legitimate art and form of self-defense.
In 1937, Mestre Bimba demonstrated Capoeira for the Brazilian president and later opened the first official Capoeira school. His style, known as Capoeira Regional, focused on disciplined training and athletic skill.
Mestre Pastinha and Capoeira Angola
While Bimba developed Regional, Mestre Pastinha dedicated himself to preserving the older, more traditional style called Capoeira Angola. In 1942, he founded the first Capoeira Angola school, combining ritual, music, and the playful strategy that distinguishes Angola to this day.
From Prohibition to National Symbol
By the mid-20th century, Capoeira began to be recognized as a vital part of Brazilian culture. What was once criminalized became celebrated, and Capoeira was eventually declared a national sport.
Today, Capoeira is practiced around the world by people of all backgrounds. It is known by many names—Capoeira Angola, Capoeira Regional, roda de Capoeira, and more—but it always remains a testament to freedom, resilience, and the joy of movement.