Capoeira’s History
Tracing the Epic Journey of Capoeira Through Time
Ah, the rich tapestry of Capoeira's history, a tale that dances through centuries, embodying the spirit of freedom and resilience. Let’s go on a journey through three pivotal eras that have shaped this Afro-Brazilian martial art into what it is today
The Slavery Era (c. 1600s - 1888): A Dance of Survival
Capoeira was born on the plantations of colonial Brazil, created by enslaved Africans from the Western coast of the continent. After surviving the deadly voyage across the Atlantic, the members of different kingdoms and tribes were mixed together in the senzalas (slave quarters). After all, it’s hard to stir up a revolt if you don’t speak a common language. Even better for the oppressor if you have to share a living space with someone you’ve warred with in the past.
The diverse groups and cultures began to blend together in the senzalas and fields, with Capoeira emerging as a method of resistance to enslavement. This is where capoeiristas will usually say, “The enslaved Africans disguised their fight as a dance to hide it from the Portuguese.” While this story is a large part of our oral tradition in Capoeira, that narrative is starting to shift for a few reasons. In the 1860’s all forms of African culture were banned, including music and dance. Why hide something illegal, like knowing how to fight, in something else illegal? Also, the view that dance is frivolous and something to be ignored is a very European viewpoint. Dance has a place in many parts of African culture, so why not in fighting styles? Either way, Capoeira emerged as a rhythmic dance-fight accompanied by music, with martial elements from the different cultures brought to Brazil.
The Post-Slavery Era (1888 - 1937): Outlaws and Hitmen
Fast forward to when slavery was finally abolished in Brazil with the Golden Law in 1888. Even with slavery gone, there wasn’t a place for the capoeirista in Brazilian society. So they made their place. Using their wit, trickiness, and martial skill, the capoeiristas carved a niche as outlaws, with maltas (gangs) forming in Rio de Janeiro. Politicians and government officials saw these nimble fighters as a way to chill their opponents, sending capoeiristas to raid polling places and attack their rivals. Capoeiristas and police often got into fights, and there are tales of famous capoeiristas taking on full groups of officers and beating them up.
Not all capoeiristas were gangsters and hitmen, though the art still operated in the shadows. Capoeira was outlawed, and even the peaceful Capoeiristas needed a way to avoid the police. This is where apelidos (nicknames) came into play. Now, nicknames are pretty common throughout the world. In Capoeira, they served an additional purpose: to hide the identity of the capoeirista. It’s pretty easy to find and arrest John Smith. It’s a whole different story to find and arrest “Green Snake”. This tradition of apelidos carries on to this day.
The Modern Era: Legalization and the Capoeira Diaspora
Capoeira’s story changed once more in the 1930’s. Mestre Bimba, creator of the Capoeira Regional style, established the first brick and mortar academy in Bahia. In his academy, students trained in structured courses to grow their skills. At the invitation of the Brazilian government, Mestre Bimba did a presentation to federal officials and Capoeira was legalized.
At the same time, another famous master was working to preserve the traditional form of Capoeira: Mestre Pastinha. Chosen by his fellow masters to be the guardian of Capoeira Angola (the new name for the Capoeira that existed before Regional), Mestre Pastinha carried on the legacy of the old masters.
As Capoeira continued to grow in Brazil, it left the land of its creation in the 1970’s. Mestre Jelon brought Capoeira to New York City with his traveling performance troupe. That opened the floodgates, with Capoeira pouring out of Brazil to bring this rhythmic and culturally rich martial art to the globe.