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CapoeiraHistoryCapoeira is a fairly old form of martial art that combines music, dance, singing, and acrobatics in order to create an artistic style of self-defense. Dating back to the years of the slave trade, about 400 years ago, it was invented by African slaves in Brazil. The need for some sort of self-defense along with the need to suppress oppression brought the different aspects of African culture together. This mixing and combining of different cultures eventually created the unique martial art form of Capoeira. Since the slave owners forbade their slaves from practicing any form of martial art out of the fear of an overthrow, the slaves disguised their new form of self-defense into a dance. With this cover, Capoeira began to spread throughout the slave quarters and even allowed for the survival of African culture. With the abolishment of slavery it grew even more in Brazil but then in 1892 it was outlawed due to the fact that it was associated with crime; however, it was still practiced by many in secret. Finally, in 1937 through the appeals of Mestre Bimba, a Capoeirista who managed to convince authorities of its cultural value, the ban on this martial art was lifted. To this day, Capoeira continues to grow as new schools are surfacing everywhere and as its uniqueness and splendor are attracting more and more people. Summarized from these websites: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capoeira, http://www.ithaca.edu/capoeira/pages/history.html, http://www.capoeirasa.co.za/history.asp, http://www.capoeirauniverse.com/capoeira_history.html  Basic TenetsCapoeira was created out of the need for a form of self-defense amongst the African slaves in Brazil. Eventually it not only allowed African culture to survive but it lifted the spirits of many slaves. Throughout the ages, Capoeira has changed slightly but its dance like form has survived along with its many traditions. Strength, flexibility, artistry, control, and grace still continue to be the tenets of this exceptional martial art. To this day, Capoeiristas continue to play within circles called Rodas. The Roda’s shape keeps the focus on the players and musicians and maintains the energy created by the Capoeira game. Furthermore, after about 400 years of development, music still plays an important role in Capoeira. It is played during games around the Roda and is made up of both instruments and song. The main instrument in Capoeira is the barimbau which is a bow like instrument that leads the bacteria or group of musicians. Other instruments like tambourines and conga-drums are also used. The songs sung in Rodas are usually sung in call and response and are often in the form of a narrative. Music is essential to Capoeira since it sets the tempo and style of the game that is played in the Roda. In conclusion, the tenets of Capoeira and its artistry were preserved along with its traditions. Summarized from these websites: http://www.fodors.com/world/south-america/brazil/rio-de-janeiro/feature_30008.html, http://modern-martial-arts.com/2009/01/22/capoeira-the-grace-the-art-and-the-mystic-connection-to-the-invisible/, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capoeira  
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