Invented by African slaves (amongst whom fighting was forbidden) in the early 19th Century, Capoeira is a fluid, rhythmic form of fighting disguised as a dance. Music is integral to its performance, as the interweaving, precise, almost acrobatic movements involved are driven by the songs of the 'bateria', a percussion band similar to the kind that play samba music. They make up part of the 'roda', a group of capoeiristas who encircle the players and sing, watch and cheer them along, led by the 'Mestre', or teacher.

There are two main variations of Capoeira: 'Capoeira Regional', a modern interpretation developed by a famous Mestre, designed to make the sport more accessible and fun by focusing on the faster, more acrobatic techniques, and 'Capoeira Angola', the traditional form.

The oldest and best-known school of Capoeira in Brazil is the one in Salvador, Bahia, founded by Mestre Pastinha as a reaction to the aggression and bullying he experienced as a child in his own neighbourhood. This school still practises purely the Capoeira Angola, which is played according to very strict traditions. It is more intense, and the players movements are more tightly interwoven and lower to the ground. It is played against a background of slower music, and is said to require a higher level of concentration and a sneakier style than the more modern variants.

The Salvador school's current teacher is Mestre Valmir, and he inherited his position from four successive generations of master Capoeiristas. His school is still based around Pastinha's original idea of helping people to find their self-confidence and discover a philosophy of life from the sport.

Salvador Capoeira Angola School Website.

Written by  larapiegeler.

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