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HISTORY

QUICK SUMMARY:

Early Beginnings (16th century): Capoeira was born in the 16th century, during the Portuguese invasion of Brazil. The Indigenous people and African slaves, brought to Brazil by the Portuguese, were forced to work on plantations and in mines. To maintain their cultural identity and resist their oppressors, they created a unique form of self-defense, which would later become known as Capoeira.

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African Roots: Capoeira's roots are deeply connected to African traditions, particularly from the regions of Angola, Congo, and Mozambique. The art form was influenced by various African martial arts, such as "ngolo" (a form of wrestling) and "batuque" (a form of stick fighting).

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Development in Brazil (17th-19th centuries): As African slaves continued to arrive in Brazil, Capoeira evolved and spread throughout the country. It became a popular form of entertainment and self-defense among the African community, particularly in the northeastern region of Brazil. Capoeira was often performed in secret, as it was forbidden by the Portuguese colonizers.

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Abolition and Urbanization ( Late 19th century): With the abolition of slavery in Brazil in 1888, many former slaves migrated to urban areas, bringing Capoeira with them. The art form became a staple of urban culture, particularly in Rio de Janeiro and Salvador.

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Modernization and Globalization (20th century): In the early 20th century, Capoeira began to gain popularity worldwide, thanks to the efforts of pioneers like Mestre Bimba and Mestre Pastinha. They standardized the art form, creating distinct styles and schools. Today, Capoeira is practiced globally, with a strong presence in Brazil, the United States, Europe, and Asia.

NOTABLE FIGURES IN CAPOEIRA HISTORY:

Mestre Bimba (1899-1974): Developed the "Luta Regional Baiana" style, which emphasized the martial aspects of Capoeira.

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Mestre Pastinha (1889-1981): Created the "Capoeira Angola" style, which focused on the traditional, African roots of the art form.

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STUDY SOURCES:

Here are 20 books about Capoeira that you might find interesting:

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  1. "Capoeira: A History of an Afro-Brazilian Martial Art" by Matthias Röhrig Assunção (2005)

  2. "The Capoeira Handbook" by Nestor Capoeira (2002)

  3. "Capoeira: The Dance-Fight Game" by Bira Almeida (1986)

  4. "The Art of Capoeira" by Mestre Bimba (1975)

  5. "Capoeira Angola: A Journey Through the Afro-Brazilian Martial Art" by Mestre Pastinha (1994)

  6. "Capoeira: A Brazilian Art Form" by Paulo Coelho (1998)

  7. "The Capoeira Bible" by Mestre João Grande (2007)

  8. "Capoeira: A History and Philosophy" by Carlos Eugênio Líbano Soares (2001)

  9. "Capoeira: The Afro-Brazilian Martial Art" by Thomas Desch-Obi (2008)

  10. "Capoeira: A Cultural History" by Luiz Roberto Lima (2013)

  11. "The Capoeira Journey" by Mestre Cobra Mansa (2015)

  12. "Capoeira: A Martial Art and a Way of Life" by Mestre Itapoan (2012)

  13. "Capoeira: The Art of the Game" by Mestre Cangaceiro (2009)

  14. "Capoeira: A Brazilian Cultural Expression" by Maria do Carmo M. P. de Oliveira (2011)

  15. "Capoeira: A History of Resistance" by Carlos Eugênio Líbano Soares (2015)

  16. "Capoeira: A Philosophy of Life" by Mestre Bamba (2014)

  17. "Capoeira: The Afro-Brazilian Connection" by Kim Butler (2013)

  18. "Capoeira: A Cultural Fusion" by Mestre Preguiça (2012)

  19. "Capoeira: A Martial Art and a Cultural Expression" by Mestre Gildo (2011)

  20. "Capoeira: A Journey Through Time" by Mestre Peixinho (2010)​

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These books cover various aspects of Capoeira, including its history, philosophy, techniques, and cultural significance. They offer a range of perspectives and insights, from renowned Capoeiristas and scholars, making them a valuable resource for anyone interested in this fascinating art.

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