History of Capoeira: A Simple Introduction

Capoeira is an artform which can be described in many ways. It encompasses Afro-Brazilian culture, art, music, language, and movement into one cohesive whole. The result is at once beautiful yet dangerous, smooth yet powerful.

At its purest level, Capoeira simply becomes a conversation between two bodies in motion, and at this level it truly becomes a sight to behold. The music controls the focus of the game, and from the music the movements of Capoeira flow. The berimbau leads the "roda" (circle) and dictates the type of "jogo" (game) that the two "capoeiristas" (people who play capoeira) must play. They, and everyone else playing in the roda must essentially follow the rhythm of the berimbau.

The jogo is played inside the roda with the instruments positioned at the top. The musicians and instruments are the focal point of the roda and all play begins from the area in front of the musicians.

There are two predominant styles of Capoeira. The originating style, Capoeira Angola , remains closer to the roots of the original style, and is a slower game with more emphasis on technique and strategy, rather than blinding speed and acrobatics. Capoeira Regional originated in the 1930's, with a focus on the fighting aspects of Capoeira, and utilizes a faster beat, flashy high kicks, and incredible acrobatics.

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