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apoeira is a unique Brazilian dance and martial art which dates back 400 years. Combining music, dance and selfdefence, it helps to increase agility, flexibility, strength, speed and coordination.
Capoeira was originally developed by slaves in Brazil. In order to disguise the martial arts aspect of capoeira, the slaves incorporated elements of dance into the movements. This allowed the slaves to continue the tradition of capoeira without arousing the suspicions of the slave owners. Despite the long tradition of capoeira in Brazil, it was for a long time associated with criminal gangs. Because of this, capoeira was illegal in Brazil for many years. Capoeiristas were forced to train and play in secret, and often had to escape at a moment’s notice from police raids. From this, capoeiristas often gave each other nicknames to hide their identity. This practise is continued today, and capoeiristas are often given nicknames within their club. Capoeira is played inside a circle of people known as the roda. The players perform kicks, jumps and acrobatics, depending on the style of capoeira, in attempt to demonstrate their skill and test their opponent. The play is almost always non-contact. Capoeira York was set up in March 2005, as part of the Brazilian Guardioes Brasileiros school. They currently have around twenty regular members attending up to four sessions a week. To find out more, go to capoeirayork.com
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