Capoeira: An African Martial Art
"...Capoeira's
origins are often disputed. There are many who disagree on whether it arrived with enslaved Africans or whether Africans created
it once they reached Brazil. One theory suggest that it was a courtship dance in Angola used by suitors of young women. Another
suggests that it was a fighting system that was refined and evolved by Africans to its deadly form in the Brazilian slavery
era. Regardless, of the final outcome of these disagreements, the ultimate truth is that no one disputes that it is an African
creation....
...The actions of the Africans to practice their martial art whenever and however they could ensured the
survival of Capoeira throughout Brazil's history of African enslavement. After the banning of slavery in 1888, Brazil
continued to ban its practice and it was wildly viewed as a martial art practiced by "thugs" and "criminals".
Fortunately, many African Brazilians and other Brazilians who realized its true value and history did not allow the criminalization
of their martial art and continued to practice Capoeira.
Despite restrictions, the official ban of Capoeira could not
last and the will of the people defeated the will of the state. And without such restrictions the martial art of Capoeira
has evolved into the form which is practiced today. Elements of the dance and martial art have both survived to create an
experience which is both mesmerizing as well as instructive.
Practitioners of Capoeira gather in a circle, called a
roda, and those who surround the contestants sing, clap and play musical instruments such as the berimbau (string instrument)
and drums. Then the contestants perform a movement called the Ginga (jinga), where they move around each other, almost like
a dance, in order to disorient their opponent. After this point it is open season on both opponents, as contestants leap into
an array of deceptive offensive and defensive movements against each other. As one contestants leaves the circle another immediately
takes his place. This interaction between the group continues until the group decides to disband. I must admit that my descriptions
of this ancient African art does not do it justice.
In conclusion, it is my intention that the role of Africans in
Capoeira and in the evolution of martial arts should not be ignored, forgotten or denied. The bravery of its practitioners
in the past to protect their freedom and in the present to maintain their traditions is a testament to the fact that true
greatness can be suppressed but never destroyed."
