Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian art form that encompasses martial art, music, dance, acrobatics, and more. Capoeira provides a fun, high energy way to get and stay fit while learning self-defense and music. As you train capoeira, you will develop strength, agility, flexibility, and self-confidence.

The history of capoeria dates back to 16th century Brazil, where it was developed by African slaves. Although the exact origins are unknown, many believe that capoeira was developed as a way to practice martial art while disguising the moves as recreational dance. Capoeira was outlawed in Brazil in 1890, but continued to be practiced despite police oppression and severe punishment for those who were caught. In 1932, Mestre Bimba, with the permission of the Brazilian government, opened the first Capoeira Regional school. Since then, capoeria has spread throughout the world -- it is widely practiced not only in Brazil, but also throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

There are two primary styles of capoeira -- regional and angola. Angola is a slow, highly expressive game that emphasizes effective ground work and malicia (trickery or deceit). The Angola game comes from the original roots of capoeira. Capoeira Regional (pronounced HAY-jee-oh-nal) was developed by Mestre Bimba to emphasize the fighting aspects of capoeria. The game is much faster (and also shorter), and focuses on kicks, ground work, throws and sweeps, as well as carefully used floreios (acrobatic movements). At Capoeira Brasil Long Beach, we primarily train capoeria regional.

Music plays a crucial role in capoeira. At the head of the roda (the circle in which capoeiristas play), is the orchestra, which typically constists of three berimbaus (a monochord percussion instrument of African origin), an atabaque (a tall drum), and a pandeiro (tambourine). The berimbau sets the pace of the game, and the onlookers clap and sing in a call-and-response fashion, giving energy to the players and to the group as a whole. As you train capoeira, you will also learn to play each of the instruments and (gulp!) sing.

If you'd like to check out capoeira with us, check out the classes link for our class schedule. The first class is free!