The capoeira group, Senzala, was founded in Rio de Janeiro, 1963. The continuous and dedicated search for capoeira techniques inspired by the masters from Bahia (Mestre Bimba and Mestre Pastinha) and Rio de Janeiro were extremely important to develop new ways to play and teach capoeira. Furthermore, the group was the first to adopt a system of organization and hierarchy based on the color of the c
ord (similar to the different belts in oriental martial arts). Group Senzala also played an important role in spreading the culture of capoeira outside of Brazil, especially in Europe. Unlike the traditional martial arts which focus on the ex*****on of attacks, aiming to hurt the opponent, capoeira is based on the cooperation between the ‘’opponents’’ to develop a game/dialogue based on attack and defense. The game between two players happen inside a circle of capoeiristas called roda and, the movements of the players flow at the sound of the traditional instruments played by others capoeiristas. The music has a central role in capoeira, as the rhythm determines which kind of game is requested to be played. Capoeira is also considered effective for pedagogical development in children, kids and adults, encouraging the non-violent resolution of conflicts, improving the ability and the awareness for relating with the others and promoting the importance of respect with your peers. The practice of capoeira is classified as an aerobic and anaerobic activity with the ability to stimulate our cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems. The movements trained and the activities done during capoeira classes are focused on improving flexibility, agility, coordination and the equilibrium of athletes as well as working on muscle strength and speed. During class, the students will gradually learn to play percussions and the basics of Afro-Brazilian sounds and rhythms. Practicing capoeira is also shown to have positive effect on the nervous system and it is perfect against daily stress. Capoeira is also the perfect place to make new friends and to meet and bond with people from the other parts of the world.
