Brazilian Martial Arts
Brazil has an old history of a special type of Martial Arts. Capoeira is one type of Martial Art that was originated in Brazil. So, Brazilian Martial Arts mainly involves the art of Capoeira. Capoeira employs a degree of flexibility consisting of kicks, head butts, elbow strikes and sweeps. Another popular Brazilian Martial Arts is
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Nevertheless, this martial art did not originate in Brazil, it was adopted from Japan.
Capoeira can be described as “Martial Dance” that consists of music, dance, athletic movements, martial arts and combat theories altogether. African slaves in Brazil developed this Martial Art about 400 years ago. The slaves practiced Capoeira as a way to protect themselves. Later, it grew and developed by the ex-slaves as a way of protection on the streets. At that time it was not a legal art and the practitioners were forced to hide its practice. They even gave each other nicknames to hide their actual identities.
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Now, it has become a form of ritual. Capoeira has taken an important place in Brazilian Martial Arts. It is considered to be a ritual art form of expression and freedom. Capoeira is a martial art combined with a traditional dance from. It requires immense acrobatic fitness, endurance, and body flexibility.
There are several types of Capoeira. The oldest version of this Brazilian Martial Arts is called “ Capoeira Angola.” It is usually practiced at a slower place where practitioners are close to one another other. Then there is “Capoeira Regional,” which is a faster and swifter version of “Capoeira Angola”. Capoeira Regional was the first Brazilian Martial Art to use a ranking system. It also featured many changes to popularize the unique art. The journey of arts started from Capoeira Regional.
Although there’s tons of dispute as to who actually started Capoeira, two people are credited with it’s introduction. They are Mestre Bimba and Mestre Pastinha. Bimba was the first person to teach this unique form of Brazilian Martial Art as an authorized teacher. Mestre Pastinha opened the first Capoeira School in 1942. He produced many talented students to expand this Brazilian Martial Art throughout Brazil and the rest of the world.
Music has an important role in this special art. Various types of beats and rhythms are used according to the pace of the match. Both instruments and voice are used in Capoeira music. The song can be a solo number or a chorus song of question answer type. Many people find it to be one of the most entertaining forms Brazilian Martial Arts.
Capoeira is not only limited to Brazilians. It has expanded to many countries throughout the world. Children and adults alike can participate in classes and take lessons. The Olympic Committee also has accepted this Brazilian Martial Art as a sport. Capoeira is not only a Brazilian Martial Art; usage of songs in this art has made it a cultural symbol of the nation. It has become a replica of historical and cultural life of Brazil.