Capoeira Essay

The modernize approach of religion and traditions of the old African culture now converted into an Afro-Brazilian culture that still has an impact and exists today which is also still celebrated in Brazil. I believe that without slavery, many of the importance of both sides of society selling slaves and buying slaves would not have shaped humanity in the modern world. “Two centuries had seen African and European cultural religious and linguistic habits merging into unique Afro-Brazilian social and religious customs, music, and storytelling (Nellis 62).” The cultural influence of Afro-Brazilians has persistently grew from celebrations like carnaval into a mainstream popular culture. Brazil holds a variety of different ideas, culture and people. These ideas and traditions include musical interests, dancing, different food dishes, literature and art, festivities, and religious practices.

Growing up. Tiradentes witnessed the injustices that resulted from Portugal’s control of Brazil. Under the Europeans’ orders, Brazilians in his hometown were tasked with mining for gold, diamonds, and other precious gems. However, all of the valuables was then shipped overseas. The Brazilians resented that their land’s wealth are making the Portuguese rich. Even worse, Brazilians had to pay extra taxes to Portugal in years when Portuguese leaders were unsatisfied with the amount of gold they received.

Capoeira is the mixture of martial art, fighting and dance. It's been created by African slaves brought to Brazil and their descendents.

According to most people who show interest in cultures and especially in the culture of Gouro ethnic group, Zaouli, a popular mask dance, was created in the fifties. The Gouro ethnic group is the midwestern part of Ivory Coast / Cote d’Ivoire, West Africa. According to what people say, there are diverse legends regarding the origin of the Zaouli mask and dance; yet, all come to the agreement that such legends were inspired by a very beautiful girl - “Dzela Lou Zaouli” - daugther of Zaouli.

Mixed martial arts have been around for a long time. It was first introduced in the original Olympic Games in Athens. In the beginning, fighters used a combination of

Afro Brazilians have had to deal with centuries of oppression. During these times, Afro-Brazilians have had to deal with various methods, and strategies designed to keep entire communities oppressed. Many of these methods have had effects so profound, they are still affecting many Brazilians till this day. Political oppression is one of the oldest methods known to man, along with unleashing a forceful police force mimicking military forces. Authoritarian rule also played a major role in the shaping of the country. Furthermore, an inept biased justice system will fail those who need protections, and justice the most. These four key modes will be objectively examined, as well as the efficacy of each of these repressive strategies, and the impact that they have had or still have in the Afro-Brazilian communities.

-In West Africa, there was much anticipation for the Portuguese. When thePortuguese did come they did so peacefully, and obtained permission

To better appreciate Samba, one must understand the history of the country and the people that gave it life. Brazil's individual national character and rich musical tradition are the result of a profound mingling of races that has been ongoing in the country since the landing of Pedro Alvares Cabral in April 1500. Even before this event the indigenous Indians of Brazil had an already established musical culture; they sang solo and in chorus, played whistles, horns, and flutes, and beat out rhythms with hand-clapping, foot-stamping, rattles, beats, and drums. With the Portuguese invasion came the piano, violin, guitar, clarinet, and tambourine. These were incorporated into the musical forms of moda, modinha, acalanto, fofa, and fado, which were songs of sentiment, lullaby, and dance. The Portuguese also brought religious festivals and pageants such as the reisado and bumba-meu-boi. The former in celebration of the Epiphany and the latter an elaborate enactment of the death

Notorious on the streets of NYC, under the infamous name; 52 blocks/hands (Or jail house boxing etc.) and is one of the true native fighting arts of this country America.

Some ancient African styles or forms of fighting maybe evident, with records dating back thousands of years; while other martial styles are Mystical and Esoteric, therefore the lessons are for spiritual (Mental) development and identification. The FOA practitioner’s spoke about and exemplified many strange and imaginable styles that they believed had been lost or forgotten through time but to them were the basis of a true martial art by mere thought (Knowledge). The FOA brothers referred to these styles as the-

The Portuguese left a legacy in Brazil in terms of demography mainly through the extermination of much of the indigenous population, the bringing in of the African slaves and the miscegenation that is a quintessential feature of Brazil. As mentioned earlier, the Portuguese tried to enslave the indigenous natives, but approximately 90% of the 11 million native Brazilians had perished by 1600 (Brazilian Indians). The native indigenous population is substantially lower in present-day Brazil, with approximately 900,000 claiming an indigenous native identity. These people comprise about only 0.4 of the country’s total population. The Portuguese maltreatment of the indigenous peoples has carried on through the course of Brazilian history, as

One day at a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym, a newer white belt was feeling overwhelmed with the many techniques involved with the martial art and was wondering if there is an infinite amount of techniques in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He thought about the fact that it takes, on average, roughly ten years for a person to achieve a black belt and knowing this, he started to believe that there is not an infinite amount of techniques and the list of moves is just finite. He still wasn’t sure so he decided to ask his black belt instructor.

Starting in 1538, nearly four million Africans were taken from Ghana, Nigeria, Angola, Congo and Mozambique to be forced into slavery in Brazil’s sugar plantations and mining industries. The slave trade was eradicated in 1850, and by 1871 the Brazilian legislature passed the Law of the Free Womb. This law was designed to grant freedom to slave’s newborn children and served as a precursor to the abolition of slavery in 1888. They made home for themselves in Brazil, as it had the largest amount of African diaspora. Former slaves and their descendants established an Afro Brazilian culture and the cultural traditions, notably musical, brought along with them inevitably mingled with those of Brazil. They brought new rhythmic complexities and melodic patterns with them, and were recognized for using music as way of bringing people together through communal participation. Their musical traditions have maintained very well preserved and were legitimate contributions to Brazil’s culture. Afro Brazilian influences became fundamental components for a new generation of musicians in Brazil, and pride in their African roots flourished for the first time.

When I went to the Capoeira class, I was not really sure what to expect. I saw the dancing from videos, and I knew for a fact that I could not pull off any of the gymnastic moves most professional Capoeira dancers can do easily. When we first started, I was surprised by the beginning basics of it. The easy side steps were, well, “easy” until you stayed in that crouched position for long, then you started to feel it. The next day, my back really felt that constant back movement. Anyways, the beginning moves of defense and kicks were easy enough for someone who has been kicking in her dance classes for years. Overall the experience was extremely fun and interesting to learn.

Another theory suggests that capoeira originated from a courtship dance in Angola by the young pretenders, or at least was one of the components that formed it, however, this is one of many theories. There is controversy about whether the game arrived with enslaved Africans or whether Africans refined a preexisting Brazilian game. Regardless, the catalyst for capoeira was the homogenization of African people under the oppression of slavery. Capoeira emerged as a form of resistance to oppression, an art practiced in secret, a transmission of culture and spiritual stimulation.