About Capoeira

If you witness Capoeira for the first time in your life, it's hard to understand what is going on. It looks like the two players are sparring at each other in a circle formed by people. They are clapping their hands and singing unfamiliar songs to the exotic beats created by the instruments you have never seen before.

Even for a capoeirista (Capoeira player), sometimes it's hard to explain what Capoeira is due to the complexity of the art. In essence, Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian art from that combines elements of martial arts, dance, acrobatics, music and practical philosophy, but it is so much more. For some, it's simply a lifestyle.

Is it a martial art or a dance?

It can be seen as both. It is a dance that simulates a fight, or a fight that simulates a dance. A common misconception about Capoeira is that it is a non-contact sport. Some contact does occur in a game of advanced players, but Capoeira does not place an emphasis on making contact or scoring points. One does not "win" or "lose" a game of Capoeira by how many times you hit an opponent. It is "played' not fought, and the way the game is played is considered to be more important. Because of our non-competitive nature and inclusiveness of the sport, Capoeira is enjoyed by people all around the world.

Check out our FAQ's section for more info on how to start training Capoeira!

About Our Group

Grupo Cordão de Ouro

Learn more about Capoeira Cordão de Ouro Association (Associação de Capoeira Cordão de Ouro), Mestre Suassuna, Contra-Mestre Fuinha, Instrutor Duas Duzias and much more.

Graduation System

Each belt color symbolizes a stage in the development of Capoeira.

History of Capoeira

You will be able to learn the history of Capoeira. More detailed contents will be added soon. Stay tuned!

	Early History There is no written documents to indicate where and how Capoeira originated, however it is considered that Capoeira is a very unique Afro-Brazilian culture, and the form we see today was not directly carried from Africa but in bits and pieces from different African slaves.
	Capoeira Angola - Mestre Pastinha Capoeira Angola is considered to be more dance-like form of capoeira and is often characterized by deeply held traditions, sneakier movements and with the players playing their games in closer proximity to each other than in Capoeir Regional or Contemporânea. Mestre Pastinha is considered to be the "Father of Capoeira Angola" bringing this style of Capoeira into the modern setting of an academy.
	Capoeira Regional - Mestre Bimba Capoeira Regional was developed by Mestre Bimba to make Capoeira more effective and bring it closer to its fighting origins, and less associated with the criminal elements of Brazil. The Capoeira Regional style is often considered to consist of faster and more athletic play than the more traditional Capoeira Angola.
	Capoeira Contemporânea In Capoeira Contemporânea (Contemporary), students train elements of Regional and Angola as well as newer movements that would not fall under either of those styles. A lot of modern Capoeira schools practice Capoeira Contemporânea including Cordão de Ouro group.
	Miudinho - Mestre Suassuna "Miudinho (smaller)" game was developed by Mestre Suassuna.