Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that was developed in Brazil during the early 1500s by enslaved Africans as a form of resistance against colonial oppression. Enslaved individuals from various African cultures, particularly from regions such as Angola, brought their traditions, dances, and combat techniques to Brazil. These elements merged with other Brazilian cultural expressions and traditions over time to form the art of Capoeira.
Mestre Pastinha playing with student
Using Capoeira, many enslaved people were able to find refuge from their oppressors, forming communities where they could create strategies of resistance against enslavement.
In the late 1800s, Capoeira evolved and became more widespread as formerly enslaved people moved into densely populated urban areas in cities like Salvador and Rio de Janeiro. Practised mainly in poor and under-resourced Black communities, Capoeira became associated with crime and rebellion, leading to a one-sided and racialised perception of the art. It was criminalised until the early 1900s, and practitioners often faced severe penalties, including imprisonment and even death.
The 1930s saw a shift in Capoeira's perception. Manuel dos Reis Machado, commonly known as Mestre Bimba, developed Capoeira Regional, a more structured and formalised style, which helped legitimise Capoeira as a national sport. Not too long after, Vicente Ferreira Pastinha, known as Mestre Pastinha, founded the Centro Esportivo de Capoeira Angola in 1941, preserving the traditional style that emphasises the art's African roots.
Today, Capoeira is recognised as a cultural treasure and was inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2014. It continues to be practised worldwide, celebrated for its rich history and cultural impact globally.
Benefits of Capoeira
Capoeira brings together a unique blend of movement, music, and mindfulness. In each class, you’ll build strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance, while sharpening your focus, discipline, and creativity. Beyond the physical workout, Capoeira offers a vibrant community where you can connect, collaborate, and celebrate Afro-Brazilian culture through rhythm and tradition. As you learn new techniques, you’ll gain confidence, self-expression, and valuable self-defence skills — all while enjoying the joy of music and movement. Join us to experience a practice that nurtures body, mind, and spirit in one dynamic flow.
Capoeira brings together a unique blend of movement, music, and mindfulness. In each class, you’ll build strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance, while sharpening your focus, discipline, and creativity. Beyond the physical workout, Capoeira offers a vibrant community where you can connect, collaborate, and celebrate Afro-Brazilian culture through rhythm and tradition. As you learn new techniques, you’ll gain confidence, self-expression, and valuable self-defence skills — all while enjoying the joy of music and movement. Join us to experience a practice that nurtures body, mind, and spirit in one dynamic flow.