What is Capoeira?

Capoeira is an african/brazilian art that is a rich blend of culture, music, dance, and self-defense. It was brought to brazil by the african slaves around 1537. The slaves were not allowed to practice any type of martial arts, so they developed their traditional dances into a fighting style. The fighting was then practiced as a game between two players, the music dictating the speed and style of the game. The attacks are hidden in the dance's steps, while the fight is disguised by the music and lyrics.

Today capoeira is still practiced and is growing in popularity. Capoeira has been brought into the mainstream by the entertainment industry via commercials, movies and video games. There are numerous Nike and Reebok commercials involving capoeiristas (people who play capoeira). The movie "Only The Strong" was all about a man who started a capoeira class at a local school, and you may have played as Eddy the capoeirista in the popular Namco fighting game "Tekken 3".

What are the different styles?

Angola
More than just a kind of game, Angola is Capoeira in its most historical, raw form. It constitutes its own, completely exclusive style. The Angola rhythm is slow, and the players are extremely expressive with their bodies, playing close and low. Angola games are long, and involve mental concentration as much as physical skill. "Mandinga," which is essentially trickiness or cleverness, is fundamental in Angola. At Capoeira Brasil, a student does not begin to learn this style of Capoeira until he or she is at a higher level in their training. Because the technique and ritual is very different, a student must be graduated, having a solid base in Capoeira Regional Contemporanea before learning the language of Capoeira Angola.

Benguela
This game was created by Manoel dos Reis Machado, the famous Mestre Bimba. Played to a medium rhythm, Benguela is a game where Capoeiristas test each other, play close and develop more complex movements. As a beginner you will first learn to play to the Benguela rhythm.

Regional
This game is fast. Players move quickly, using the same types of movements as in a Benguela game, but much faster and dynamic. This is also the game in which players may explore the "fight" of Capoeira. Response and reflexes must be on point, in order to react quickly enough to the fast and powerful kicks.

Iúna
Following the tradition of Capoeira Regional, the game of Iúna is extremely technical. Only the most graduated students of the group are permitted to play this game in the presence of the master. It is a game in which the Capoeirista demonstrates their skill to the best of his or her ability. It is accompanied only by the orchestra and applause follow each game.

What style is taught?

We will be playing mostly benguela and regional according to the Axe Capoeira style. Axe Capoeira is one of the largest well-known Capoeira style in the world today.  For more information, please check out their homepage at www.axecapoeira.com.