From Past to Present
Capoeira can be described as a kind of game consisting of the flow of complimentary movements between two players. The game takes place within a circle of spectators and to the accompaniment of music. The game and philosopy of Capoeira are thought to have evolved from the culture of the African people who were captured and forced to work as slaves in Brazil.
Today, the prevailing social circumstances do much to determine their style of Capoeira and equally the importance that the society places on Capoeira depends the philosophy espoused by those that play the game.
Capoeira is not so much a sport, more a philosophy of life. It is a world view - it is about understanding the rhythms of nature and life itself.
Acknowledgements: Thank you to all the those who have made Capoeira an experience that we continue to enjoy and learn from - even after so many years! Special thanks and axé to the Pegadas Na Areia Capoeira Family and the Capoeira MarAzul Tribe!
Capoeira starts in Totnes - street roda in the market
The earliest representation of capoeira. ‘Jogar capoëra ou danse de la guerre’, engraving by J.M.Rugendas
By the mid-1500s, the Portuguese colonizers expanded their successful system of sugarcane plantations to Brazil depending more on African rather than indigenous slaves.
Capoeira starts in Totnes - street roda in the market