What is Capoeira

Capoeira is a traditional fusion of martial arts and dance that’s kicked and twisted its way around the globe. African slaves in Brazil created Capoeira over 500 years ago. They developed the moves to convince their captors they were practising ritual dancing when really they were developing a strategic fighting technique.

Capoeira balances the body, soul, and mind. The art keeps its strong traditions and helps you break through limits, revitalizing you for everyday life. Capoeira builds your self-confidence, and the challenge is within anyone’s reach regardless of age, race, gender or athletic experience. An intense physical and mental challenge between two ‘players’, Capoeira is characterized by deceptive kicks, sweeps, trips, head butts, and elbow and knee movements.

The game’s energy, rhythm and speed are determined by music and songs. The berimbau, a single steel stringed bow, is the lead instrument. The music is completed by clapping, singing, pandeiro (tambourine) and atabaque (oblong drum). Fast tempos instigate games where the players throw fast, powerful kicks and blows at each other, with gymnastic movements. Slower tempos prompt more dance like moves, and more deception between the two players.

The Capoeira Academy in Red Deer