Capoeira is a Brazilian dance based martial art, in which groups of people combine the playing of specific musical instruments, singing and acrobatic movements. These are all elements of a unique “game” that is simple on the surface yet has very positive and powerful effects on the sense of self, while exploring the experience and value of interacting with groups of people.

This improves individuals’ self-esteem and quality of and therefore benefiting their communities. Although a very physical activity it is extremely inclusive as individuals can participate in the singing and playing of instruments as well as doing simple movements if they are unable to play an actual game.

Capoeira began  in 1500’s following the enslavement of Africans  by Portuguese migrants inhabiting Brazil. In a bid  to unite the individuals, cultures and  beliefs from the different African  countries oppressed by the Portuguese in Brazil, Capoeira was created.  This art form has survived throughout hundreds of years  of exploitation and  suffering and  to date brings huge physical and psychological benefit to those who enjoy it.

It is primarily a fun activity, and  can be  very effective in improving self-esteem and  creativity, as well as exploring aspects of martial arts, dance, gymnastics, music  and  other forms of self-expression. Capoeira has in fact started to appear within the National Curriculum as a Key Stage Three dance module.

Our Capoeira style

Capoeira has many styles just as Karate, Kung-Fu and Contemporary dance have. The most famous styles in Capoeira are “Regional” being slightly more like a martial art, and “Angola” being more of a ritualised game of tricking and teasing your opponent.

The capoeira that we play and teach, is the style of our Brazilian teacher, who’s title is “Contra-Mestre Papa-Leguas” who makes regular visits to meet all our young students. We are all part of an international group, called “Cordao de Ouro” led in the UK by Master Poncianinho in London. The group is based in Sao Paulo, Brazil  which teaches a unique blend of Capoeira styles, as taught and pioneered by our famous “Master Suassuna” since 1967.

The group name means the “Rope of gold” in Portuguese, after a legendary Capoeira player called “Besouro - Cordao de Ouro” from the 19th Centuary, who was renowned for playing neither the regional style or the Angola style, simply Capoeira as a whole.