About Capoeira

Understood from its ambiguous character—frequently defined as a blend of dance and fight—Capoeira is one of the most noteworthy rebellious traditions developed by enslaved Africans in Brazil. Its history is a result of its use in direct confrontation with the authorities of Brazil’s slavery until the process of decriminalization, social valuation and institutionalization.

Once banned as an illicit activity, associated with gangs and layabouts and punishable by prison and torture, Capoeira has been elevated to the status of Brazilian National Sport and officially recognized by the Brazilian government as a part of Brazil’s cultural heritage.

On its contemporary form, Capoeira is described as a “jogo”, or a game played between two people in a circle made up of fellow players. It combines strategy with wit, flexibility with speed, beauty and skill. This dramatised game is performed to the rhythm of complex percussive music played on a Brazilian form of the African musical bow and call and response singing from all participants.

Students learn the movements, music, rituals and history of Capoeira and, during classes, equal importance should be given to each of these aspects.

Capoeira’s distant roots are in Africa, but the art was truly developed in Brazil. Through Capoeira, “blacks” in Brazil reacted against the constant societal pressure set up to maintain their condition as social inferiors. Today, Capoeira has become one of the symbols of Brazil’s national identity. Its intrinsic cultural value is now recognized in Brazil and throughout the world.

CAPOEIRA VOCABULARY

*This vocabulary does not include the names of the Capoeira moves, with the exception of the Ginga.

Abadá – In Capoeira, the term “abadá” is commonly used to describe a type of pants made of polyester which is used for playing and practicing Capoeira.

Agogô – The Brazilian double-bell.

Aluno formado – Graduated Capoeira student.

Angoleiro – Someone who practices Capoeira Angola.

Arame – The metal string on the Berimbau.

Atabaque – Traditional drum used in Capoeira and other Afro-Brazilian traditions.

Bateria – The Capoeira Orchestra.

Batizado - Capoeira ceremony in which a capoeirista is initiated or evaluated.

Beriba – Type of wood of which the Berimbau is traditionally made.

Berimbau – Brazilian version of the African musical bow; the main instrument in Capoeira.

Cabaça – The gourd used on the Berimbau to resonate its sound.

Camará – Comrade, friend, fellow capoeirista.

Capoeira Angola – Traditional style of Capoeira.

Capoeira Regional – Capoeira style and set of traditions created by Mestre Bimba.

Capoeirista – Capoeira practitioner.

Caxixí – Type of shaker played with the Berimbau.

Chamada – A subroutine of the Capoeira Angola game in which one tests his/hers opponent’s attention and experience.

Chula – Section of the Capoeira singing which follows the Ladainha.

Comprar o Jogo – To “buy the game”; entering the roda by cutting in on one of the players.

Contramestre – One level before Mestre.

Cordão – A colored belt used by some schools to indicate the level or title of a capoeirista.

Corridos – Call and response songs that follow the Chula.

Dobrão – Type of coin used to play the Berimbau.

Esquiva – Escape movement.

Floreio – An acrobatic Capoeira movement.

Formatura – Capoeira graduation ceremony.

Ginga - The fundamental movement of Capoeira.

Gunga – The leading Berimbau in the Bateria; the one with the bigger gourd and deeper sound.

Jogar Capoeira – To play Capoeira.

Jogo – Capoeira game.

Ladainha – A solo usually sung by one of the senior members in the roda, by the person playing the Gunga, or by one of the players.

Malandragem – Cunning, trickery, deceitfulness.

Malandro – A capoeirista who has a deceiving and cunning game, combining deception and playfulness to lead his opponent into an off-guard situation.

Mandingueiro – A capoeirista who is skilled in trickery or deceiving others, usually giving the impression of invoking magical powers.

Médio – The intermediate Berimbau in the bateria, usually playing the opposite “toque” played by the Gunga.

Mestre – Capoeira Master.

Pandeiro – Brazilian Tambourine.

Patuá - Protective amulet.

Pé do Berimbau – “Foot of the Berimbau”, position in front of the Berimbau player.

Reco-reco – The ribbed bamboo scraper played in the Bateria.

Roda – Capoeira Circle.

Vadiar – To play Capoeira.

Vaqueta – stick used to strike the string when playing the Berimbau.

Vêrga – Wooden pole that is used as the body of the Berimbau.

Toque – Berimbau rhythm.

Viola – The Berimbau with the smallest gourd, responsible for the variations and improvisations.