Capoeira: A Unique Brazilian Sport

Welcome Back! In this segment, I would like to talk about the Brazilian sport of Capoeira. By examining this martial art, we can analyze the debate on if it is actually a sport to learn more about the nature of sports. We can consider the history of the activity to learn more about the societal role that sports fill as well as how they can be used to deal with trauma.

Capoeira differs from other types of martial arts from around the world through its utilization of dance and music. Music is essential to Capoeira as the nature of the game and the playstyle is dependent on the rhythm created by live instruments. The pandeiro is a tambourine-like instrument that can be tuned to the artist's liking. Along with instruments like the berimbau, a single-stringed bow, and the atabaque, a tall hand drum, the artists work in unison to create music. A fast tune can be played to create a lively match, while a slower tune can be used to create a mellow match. The songs are used to tell stories that are illustrated through the movements of the two fighters. The musical components of Capoeira exemplify the rich culture and tradition that helped to form the sport

The history of Capoeira starts in 1530 when African slaves were brought to Brazil. Enslaved people created Capoeira as a form of entertainment. They utilized instruments that they were already familiar with such as the atabaque to continue to play the music that reminded them of their heritage. The sport allowed them to continue their expression of their native culture and was combined with Brazilian culture to create a unique form of self-expression. Since Capoeira was associated with slaves and slave culture it was seen as 'bad' by many in Brazil. However, in 1888 when slaves were emancipated, the sport was slowly accepted as prejudices towards Afro-Brazilians began to wane. Now Capoeira is practiced around the world, continuing to spread the unique culture it represents.

Capoeira, the hybrid dance, and martial art is unique because it not only incorporate instruments and live music but also reflects the culture and experiences of Afro-Brazilians during the 16th-29th century. Capoeira is a prime example of how cultural experiences can be continued through sports.

Works Cited

Starn, Orin. "Capoeira." Sports and Society, 15 Jul. 2020, Duke University, https://www.coursera.org/learn/sports-society.