Capo-what? Capoeira (pronounced ka-poo-eh-ra) is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines dance, music, percussion, song, ritual, self-de­fense technique, and acrobatics. It is an athletic stream of consciousness. It is a dance; a rhyth­mic dialogue with a partner set to the music of traditional instruments. It is a fight; a strategic match of throwing and dodging kicks, sweeps, and defensive movements. It is an acrobatics dis­play; with back flips and handstands possible at any moment.

 Capoeira developed over four hundred years of the slave trade to Brazil. Enslaved Africans were taken by Portuguese colonists from various cul­tures in Africa, particularly those derived from the country of Angola. In Brazil, slaves used ca­poeira to fight to escape and resist capture, but concealed its combative purpose through music, song, and dance. After the abolition of slavery in Brazil in 1888, capoeira was illegal and its prac­titioners were socially ostracized for over forty years. The legendary capoeira "Mestre," or Mas­ter, Mestre Bimba rescued the art form by open­ing Brazil's first legalized and official school in 1932.

 Capoeira was born as an expression of resis­tance and resilience, and brought spiritual and emotional empowerment to the oppressed. The cultures of enslaved Africans, Brazilian indig­enous peoples, and Portuguese immigrants all contributed to the art of capoeira.  The art form is a reflection of the cultural and social integra­tion of the diverse peoples comprising modern-day Brazil. Capoeira is now an internationally respected art of grace and strength.

True to its historical roots, capoeira today is a means of empowerment for its practitioners and a forum for social and cultural exchange. With its basic movement of ginga and its connection to Brazilian dances such as samba, axe', and forro, capoeira is a celebration of the joys of move­ment, music, physical expression, and strategy. Capoeira has gained respect as a martial art form throughout the world. Increasingly visible in popular culture and mainstream media, capoeira has attracted millions of individuals from every part of the globe.

In fact, capoeira is so well diffused that one can practice capoeira right here in Milwaukee.  There is a world-reknowned capoeira master teaching classes all over the city, and (beginning April 27th) even at Bucketworks!  Sundays from 5-7pm, Mestre Azulão of Grupo Maculele Milwaukee will be giving classes for all ages.  Hope to see you there!