What Is Capoeira?

Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art, created by slaves and hidden through dance and music. Capoeira is played as a game between two practitioners inside of a circle of spectators, other capoeira players, and a band of musicians.

This beautiful and strong martial art came to be in the mid-1500s, when slaves were torn from Africa and shipped to the newly discovered Americas. Under the watchful eye of the slave owner, capoeira appeared as a harmless dance with music. After the abolition of slavery in 1888, capoeira survived in the poorer neighborhoods (despite persecution from police) until its legalization in the 1930s.

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Today, capoeira is celebrated and practiced around the world.

Mindful Capoeira

• a way to learn and practice capoeira that promotes longevity and a lifelong practice 

• use and mastery of capoeira's basic movements

• developing intelligence over speed and force

• emphasizing cooperation over competition

• proper technique and control over violence–uncontrolled technique, physical contact and especially violence are not permitted

• learning from the wisdom of the elder masters

• accessible to people of all ages and abilities

• building a supportive and inclusive community

• celebrating freedom and diversity