Capoeira Classes

BRIEF SUMMARY

Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian form of martial arts. It was created by slaves that practiced this form of fighting while in plantations. Capoeira combines a mixture of fighting, dancing, singing, and role playing. The reason why capoeira is often called "dance-fighting" is due to its psuedo-dance movements. In reality these movements served to mask the deadly martial arts from masters of slaves who would punish them if they ever found out.

Capoeira today is "played" and not fought. "Players" are incouradged not to hit each other with their movements in order to preserve the art form of this intricate creation. But do not be fooled, Capoeira can be used as a lethal weapon and it was done so for many years in Brazil. Many slaves effectivly abolished themselves using this form of fighting. Entire capoeira communities formed in run-away slave regions and were able to survive for years by using Capoeira as their form of self-defense.

Capoeira involves several components. The musical componenent is essential to the art. The speed and intensity to which the players perform are all controlled through the music. The berimbau is the core instrument in Capoeira. It is made from a wooden rod, wire, a gourd, and played with a small wodden stick and a stone. If you've ever seen a berimbau it looks remarkably similar to a bow and arrow. Some believe the berimbau was an adaptation. The berimabau is often accompanied by drums, 2 other berimbaus of differing gourd size, and an instrument called the pandeiro.

	Movie Clip Quicktime Format Princeton Capoeira Group
	Movie Clip Quicktime Format Princeton Capoeira Group

Capoeira Class Schedule
Tues: 9-11p
Thurs: 7:30-9:30p

Email Natasha Baker at bakernf @ bc.edu for more information.