Capoeira is a kind of martial art style that involves music, dance and other art from apart from the basic elements of martial arts. This is the only kind of martial art style that is believed to be evolved by the slaves that were brought down to Brazil from Africa. It finds its origin back to 16th century. With the passage of time Capoeira has integrated completely into the Brazilian culture to form an inclusive cultural phenomenon in Brazil. It is the most unique art that includes various dances, fight and other artistic expressions.
Capoeira, which is now a major form of art in Brazil once had to face dire consequences that even questioned on the future of Capoeira. In 1890, Brazilian president signed a pact that prohibited anyone to practice Capoeira. Anyone found practicing Capoeira was to be punished severely. However, soon the cultural respect to Capoeira was given later. And then the official ban on Capoeira ended 40 years later in the year 1930. Mestre Bimba played a major role to end the ban posed the government officials on Capoeira. For this reason, he is also considered as the “father of modern Capoeira”. Prior to this Mestre Bimba opened various schools where Capoeira was taught. Even now his schools are running successfully.
It was during this time when Capoeira made its presence felt worldwide and it began to be considered as a sport. In the current practice in between a Roda (a round circle), 2 opponents face each other and fight with each other, while music is being played. Music is an integral part of Capoeira. Carlos Aceituno is considered as one of the major known person of the martial art form of Capoeira. Fogo Na Roupa was the academy he founded in the late 1890s; this academy has produced various known performers of Capoeira. Carlos Aceituno was a dynamic performer himself. He taught different styles of Capoeira and in the year 2001 he earned the name of Master in Capoeira.
Since this form of martial art is generally performed in group, there is a group called “Groupo Capoeira Brasil”. This group is very famous and the best performers of Capoeira form of Martial Art Style. Concisely, it is also an organization that teaches as well as performs this form of Martial Art Style. The pioneer of this group is another very popular group known as “Groupo Senzala”. Groupo Senzala was formed in around the year 1970 in Rio de Janerio. Groupo Senzala was initially started by 3 brothers. Facing a lot of difficulties in the initial stages such as no premises to practice etc, the group started performing in various shows that raised them enough funds to get a premise of their own. Slowly and steadily, Groupo Senzala became huge popular and many people joined in to learn the art of Capoeira.
With successful training over years, many people learnt the art of Capoeira from Groupo Senzala. By this time, the initial members of the groups went on in different towns and cities to spread the art of Capoeira. However, it was in the late 1980’s that the art of Capoeira gained popularity all over the world. Gropus Senzala had become the most influential and one of its kinds to teach Capoeira. Groupo Senzala was now popular all over the Brazil. Groupo Senzala also opened its learning center in cities like England and in Scotland Groupo Senzala has been running successfully since the year 2003. Slowly and efficiently Groupo Senzala had become a pioneer in the teaching of martial art style, Capoeira.
Capoeira, which is basically an Afro-Brazilian style of martial art, is now popular all over the globe. There are number of academies that are affiliated to this group; the best example being Groupo Capoeira Brasil. On the whole, Capoeira is a kind of martial art style that is very unique as compared to its counterparts since music forms an integral part of this martial art style. Since its origin and inception Groupo Senzala has effectively served the purpose to preserve this martial style art by teaching. As a result of this, Capoeira has grown tremendously over the years and it was in 1974 when it was finally recognized as Brazil’s national sport. The martial art style, Capoeira that was originally done by the slaves is now accepted by Brazil in huge masses. The role played by Groups Senzala is very important since it solely served to preserve this martial art style. However, there is also a Capoeira federation opened up that helps to preserve this music, dance and artistic expression of martial art.
