Capoeira Brazilian martial art created more than 300 years ago by African slaves and banned by the government for most of its history. Capoeira is beautiful to watch, encompassing such moves as back flips, cartwheels, sweeping movements, and spectacular kicks. The majority of its techniques are elusive and devoid of blocking motions. Capoeira practitioners are very skilled at escaping an opponent’s attack, and countering it with several number of hand or foot attacks. Many of the foot techniques involve leg sweeps, leg blocks, and kicks executed while in a handstand position. Even though most of capoeira consists of leg movements, the hands must also be trained, particularly since they were often used to help the practitioner’s poise while upside down.

Capoeira was originated by African in Angola, who presented the movements as a religious dance. During the 16th century, slave traders brought many of these people to Brazil, where they continued to practice their “dance". Because of the brutality of many slave traders, the blacks soon converted the capoeira moves into a self-defense system. Because their hands were regularly chained, they developed leg and head-butting techniques.

In the 17th century, a considerable number of slaves formed their own state, but were ultimately suppressed. Many were killed or escaped to cities and villages around Brazil, disseminating the practice of capoeira wherever they settled. The art reached its height in the 19th century, when many capoeira practitioners wandered the streets in criminal pursuits. At one point during the early 1800’s, the art once again rose in popularity; by 1890, however, the threat of imprisonment was decreed against anyone practicing it, and many capoeirasts were deported.

In 1928, finally capoeira was formally recognized by the Brazilian government and in 1972, it became an allowed Brazilian sport, at which time rules and regulations for its competitive aspect were employed. Only in the 1970’s did capoeira begin to reach outside of Brazil. There are now a small number of schools teaching this art in the United States. For more information go to: www.kuksul.com