What is Capoeira?
Capoeira Angola has its roots in Bantu tradition and was used by the enslaved Africans of Brazil as a form of revolution. In keeping with African war strategies, Capoeiristas masked the art's effectiveness from plantation overseers. Then and today, to uninformed onlookers the art appeared to be a harmless demonstration of dance, acrobatics, play and music. The International Capoeira Angola Foundation is an Afro-Brazilian Cultural Arts group in Baltimore where you can learn the basic movements of Capoeira Angola, as well as the music and history of the Art. You will learn to play an instrument, sing in Portuguese, and perform Capoeira moves.
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| You may have even seen Capoeira in movies or video games (Eddy Gordo from Tekken), so you may have some ideas as to what is going on in the Roda (circle where Capoeira is played). However, popular culture?s interpretation of Capoeira does not even scratch the surface of Capoeira Angola. Capoeira falls under the umbrella of ?Martial Arts?, but one who plays Capoeira is more than just a ?fighter?. A Capoeirista, or more specifically an Angoleiro, is also an artist, musician, singer, and philosopher of sorts. Furthermore, if you ask an Angoleiro ?How do you fight?, their first response is going to be, ?I don?t fight, I PLAY Capoeira". As you learn more and more about the history and the philosophy behind Capoeira Angola, you will understand the concept of ?Playing?. All you have to do is wear a tee-shirt, loose pants and tennis shoes and this whole new world will open up for you! So come on out and PLAY!!!!
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