Capoeira

Capoeira is a combination of martial arts, dance and game practiced in Brazil. It is a sport, martial arts and a performance. Additionally, capoeira is said to be “a fitness training for survival and resistance disguised as a dance used by African slaves.”

There are two styles of capoeira: traditional and modern. The traditional form is called Angola, the oldest form. It is where modern and other forms of capoeira are based. These days, Capoeira is recognized throughout the world and been featured in television commercials. Even in modern music videos and video games, capoeira movements are showcased. Some of these video games are: Street Fighter III, Tekken and Fatal Fury.

Baztizados or baptism is a major event where groups and capoiera masters gather to baptize new members. Baptized members are given corda or cord belt and capoiera nickname. During the celebration variety of capoiera styles are showcased. Other than that, Troca de Corda is another event where baptized members are awarded with higher ranking belts in recognition of their efforts to train hard.