ABADÁ Capoeira Workshop

Come join our introduction workshop for Youth 8 - 17 years old. We will guide you through warm-up exercises, movement and music of Capoeira.

Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that encompasses fight, movement, acrobatics, music, and other art forms. It was developed by African slaves who were brought to Brazil in the 16th century. Capoeira enabled slaves to preserve their cultural practices while practicing to resist and protect themselves from their captors.

After the abolition of slavery in 1888, capoeira was outlawed in Brazil. However, in the early 20th century two figures emerged in Salvador, in the state of Bahia, who changed the perception of capoeira. One was Mestre Bimba, who created the more combat-oriented Capoeira Regional and opened the first capoeira academy. The other was Mestre Pastinha, who professionalized traditional capoeira, now commonly referred to as Capoeira Angola. Capoeira was decriminalized later in the 20th century and became a national sport.

Today, capoeira is practiced around the world. Our school, ABADÁ-Capoeira, is represented in over 60 countries worldwide. Capoeira is not just a martial art but also a vehicle for exporting Brazilian culture around the world. Capoeiristas not only learn the physical movements of capoeira, but also its music, language, culture, and history.