Capoeira
is a martial art form that originated in the sixteenth century among
slaves brought to Brazil from African nations such as Angola, Congo,
and Guinea. The New World slave masters, anxious to keep
their captives under their strict domination, imposed harsh prohibitions
and restrictions on parent forms of capoeira, often referred to as "N'golo".
To
ensure their survival, the traditional forms were infused with dance and
a new musical accompaniment. Capoeira's deadly potential was hidden from
the slave-masters by its dance-like elegance, baffling acrobatics, and
the engaging rhythms of its music.
For
the African slaves, capoeira was a literal and symbolic means of survival.
It became a tool of escape and defense, making freedom attainable and affirming
strength, self-reliance and self esteem. Subsequently, it was banned in Brazil
for 400 years, yet flourished underground-reinforcing its ritualistic elements
and its African substructure. In 1937, capoeira was legalized and recognized
as a national folkloric art by the Brazilian government. Capoeira is a testimony
to the indomitable spirit, ingenuity, and unique expression of Brazilian
culture. 
