What is Capoeira?

Capoeira is a martial art that originated in Brazil. Developed by enslaved Africans in Brazil to defend themselves, this combat-rooted discipline is now officially practised in 48 countries around the world, Brazil above all. Its aesthetic look and the absence of rigid forms set Capoeira apart from other martial arts. To many people Capoeira can be a fighting art, a self-defence system or simply a dance. For the enslaved people who created it in Brazil, Capoeira was seen as ‘the road to freedom’, and over the centuries it grew into a philosophy of life of its own. If you are interested in Capoeira, or are already a Capoeirista (someone who practises capoeira), decide for yourself what Capoeira means to you. The answer lies within you.

On 13 May 1888 (some 250 years after the first Africans were taken by force) the slaves were freed. After that day some Africans returned home. Others could not find work on the farms or in the towns, and many ended up on the margins of city life. Those who knew Capoeira put their skills to use, and many became bodyguards for politicians. In the 1890s, as some members of the upper classes also began to learn Capoeira, the politicians grew alarmed and a special police unit was formed for their protection. A law was passed whose section B listed Capoeira movements, training and related offences. Later another law was introduced so that anyone involved in Capoeira could be punished on the spot. In response, a police chief and Capoeira master named Sampio taught capoeira to all his men and in this way broke up the criminal gangs. But even this was not enough. The law banning Capoeira remained in force until 1920. People kept practising Capoeira in secret under the name of a folk dance, and so preserved much of its tradition.

In 1937 one of the great masters (Mestre Bimba) was invited to the capital to present this sport as an art. After introducing Capoeira with great success, he returned home and opened a legal Capoeira school. From then on Capoeira grew day by day into a sport known and practised across the country. In Brazil, Capoeira is now taught everywhere: in schools, in clubs and even in the army.

Capoeira Angola and Capoeira Regional

Capoeira as it is played today draws on two main styles. Capoeira Angola, associated with Mestre Pastinha, is the slower, more ritual tradition played close to the ground. Capoeira Regional is the faster, more athletic and systematic teaching method developed by Mestre Bimba in the 1930s. Many contemporary groups, including Grupo Axé Capoeira, train elements of both traditions together. In 2014 the capoeira roda was added to UNESCO’s list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

We explain the differences between the two styles in our article Capoeira Angola and Regional (in Turkish).

Basic capoeira movements

There is no fixed stance in Capoeira; the player is always moving, and kicks, escapes and acrobatics grow out of that flow. A beginner learns these movements in the first classes:

Ginga: The basic step of Capoeira. The feet keep shifting in a triangle, and every movement comes out of the ginga.
Esquiva: Escaping an incoming kick by ducking or sliding to the side.
Negativa and rolê: A low defensive position close to the ground, and rolling up out of it.
Meia lua de frente: A kick that swings the leg in a half-moon in front of the body.
Armada and queixada: Spinning and outward-swinging kicks.
Martelo: A side kick that strikes like a hammer.
Aú: Capoeira’s cartwheel and usually the first acrobatic move.

Movements are taught step by step according to each student’s level; nobody is expected to do acrobatics in the first class.

You can see what each movement is used for in the game in our capoeira movements guide (in Turkish).

Music and the roda

Capoeira is never played without music. Players gather in a circle called the roda; two people ‘play’ in the middle while the others sing, clap and play instruments. The music sets the speed of the roda and the character of the game.

Berimbau: A single-string musical bow with a gourd resonator; it leads the roda.
Pandeiro: A tambourine-like percussion instrument.
Atabaque: A tall standing drum.
Agogô and reco-reco: Small percussion instruments that enrich the rhythm.

The songs are sung in Portuguese and divided into the ladainha (opening litany), chula and corrido (fast call-and-response songs). You can find Axé Capoeira’s albums and song lyrics on our capoeira music page.

To get to know the instruments one by one: Capoeira musical instruments (in Turkish).

The cord (corda) system

In Capoeira, a student’s level is shown by the coloured cord (corda) worn around the waist. Students receive their first cord and the ones that follow at the Batizado (cord ceremony) held every year, by playing in the roda with the masters. Axé Capoeira Türkiye uses the international cord system of Grupo Axé Capoeira.

You can read what happens at the ceremony and what an apelido is in our article What is a Batizado? (in Turkish).

Benefits of capoeira

Flexibility and mobility: Its constant movement increases the body’s natural flexibility and strengthens joint health.
Strength and endurance: Bodyweight techniques give the core, legs and upper body a complete strength workout.
Coordination and balance: Flowing spins and rhythmic movements develop body control and motor skills.
Rhythm and music: You also learn to play instruments and sing; capoeira is an art where music and culture live side by side.
Self-confidence: As you learn new techniques and step into the roda, your confidence grows naturally.
Social environment: Capoeira is a community that brings people together; rodas, festivals and cord ceremonies mean new friendships.

If you think you are starting late: Capoeira for adults (in Turkish).

Capoeira for children

Because it is taught through games and music, capoeira is one of the sports children connect with most easily and stick with. While coordination, balance and attention develop, children also learn to wait their turn, respect their partner and move as part of a group. At Axé Capoeira Türkiye, children’s groups start from age 4–5 depending on the city and are divided into age groups such as 4–7 and 8–12.

We answer the questions parents ask most in our article Capoeira for children (in Turkish).

Frequently asked questions

Is capoeira a dance or a martial art? Both. Capoeira is a martial art, but it is played to music in a fluid way that looks like dance, which is why it is called a ‘game’ (jogo) rather than a ‘fight’.

At what age can you start capoeira? Children can start from age 4–5 and adults at any age. No previous sports experience is needed.

Kapoera, kapuera, capoeria: are they the same thing? Yes. The correct spelling is ‘capoeira’, and the Portuguese pronunciation is close to ‘ka-pu-ey-ra’; in Turkish it is often written kapoera or kapuera.

What should I wear to class? Classes are barefoot. Tracksuit bottoms and a T-shirt are enough for the first classes. Over time, students train in the group’s white trousers (abadá) and T-shirt.

Where does capoeira come from? Capoeira was born in Brazil. It was developed by people brought from Africa to Brazil as slaves. Today it is one of the symbols of Brazilian culture and is taught in many countries around the world.

What kind of sport is capoeira? A martial art played by two people to music that works the whole body. It includes kicks, escapes and acrobatics, but there is little contact. There are no points or knockouts; the two players keep the game going by responding to each other’s movements. We explain its effect on fitness, flexibility and strength in our article Getting fit with capoeira (in Turkish).

What is the martial art that is done like a dance? That description usually refers to capoeira. Brazilian capoeira combines fighting, dance, acrobatics and music, which is why it is also called ‘the dancing martial art’.

Is there a trial class? Yes, the first class is free. You can see class times and fees on your city’s page and reach us through our contact page. Before your first class you can read our article Your first capoeira class (in Turkish).

Capoeira in Türkiye

Axé Capoeira Türkiye has been teaching capoeira since 2003 and today has children’s and adult groups in 7 cities. To see the venues, class times and fees in your city: Istanbul, Ankara, Bursa, Antalya, Trabzon, Sinop, Şanlıurfa. Read the history of our group on the Grupo Axé page and about our founder on the Mestre Barrão page.