The history and philosophy of the Capoeira Brasil group
January 14, 1989
The group was founded on January 14, 1989 (year of commemoration of 100 years of abolition of slavery in Brazil) in Niteroi by three masters from the Senzala group (a large group that revolutionized capoeira in the 1970s): Mestre Paulão ( from Fortaleza, state of Ceará), Mestre Boneco (from Barrà, state of Rio),Mestre Paulinho Sabiá (from Niteroi, state of Rio de Janeiro).
The inauguration, sponsored by a council of legendary Masters representing different organizations, marked the beginning of an incredible Capoeira dynasty, which to this day is one of the greatest in the world.
The "Padrinhos" (godfathers) of the Capoeira Brasil Group include Masters Suassuna, Itapoan, Peixinho, Ezequiel, Gato and Tabosa.
Goals
The group's objective is to promote and safeguard the culture of capoeira for a better social and cultural understanding of Brazil.
The few masters, as well as the teachers and instructors trained within the group teaching capoeira both in Brazil and in many other countries around the world, have the mission of contributing to the cultural and physical enrichment of their students by transmitting to them the philosophy and the contribution of their own personal experience.
The group's motto is to train professionals at an indisputable technical level, with the educational resources necessary to teach the art of capoeira to individuals of all ages.
The group now has a branch in most states of Brazil and also in Rio de Janeiro/Los Angeles (Mestre Boneco), in North America (Mestre Jelon Viera), in the Netherlands (Mestre Paulao), in Niterói/Paris ( Paulinho Sabia) and in Australia (Mestre Peixe). In addition to these masters, new black strings were awarded: Mestres Cabeça, Naval, Indio, Girino, Cibriba, Kim, Envergado, Espiga, Curumim, Cal (Belgium), Azul (Switzerland) and Léo Pivete (niteroi,RJ) . Grupo Capoeira Brasil constantly updates its moves and songs. Any changes that take place are carefully considered before being introduced. Only if they improve the game will the Maesters consider the change.
The group now has a style that is a unique combination of traditional movements and philosophies mixed with new elements. This group strongly respects the foundation and traditions that built Capoeira and still continues to use them in its teachings. Technical perfection, rigor and enthusiasm, respect for the knowledge of elders and of the person, student or teacher, are the characteristics of GRUPO CAPOEIRA BRASIL.
The group now has a style that is a unique combination of traditional movements and philosophies mixed with new elements. This group strongly respects the foundation and traditions that built Capoeira and still continues to use them in its teachings. Technical perfection, rigor and enthusiasm, respect for the knowledge of elders and of the person, student or teacher, are the characteristics of GRUPO CAPOEIRA BRASIL.
Master Paulão Ceara
Mestre Paulão Ceara was born on January 14, 1961 in Fortaleza in the state of Ceara. He has been practicing Capoeira since the age of 14. In February 1994 he moved to the Netherlands to publicize the work of the Capoeira Brasil group and to begin developing it throughout the world. Since then, he has brought several teachers to the Netherlands, as well as other European countries to continue to develop Capoeira. In 1994, he was voted best capoeirista and won the Brahma trophy. He has also given numerous Capoeira demonstrations, notably for Alceu Valença, Banda Reflexus, Olodum, Daniela Mercury and Kaoma. He organized the largest Capoeira congress in Brazil. He is also co-president of the World Capoeira Federation. Today, based in Budapest, he organizes a capoeira seminar every year in February and travels around the world to participate in different festivals, some of which he supervises, and to share his knowledge.
Master Paulinho Knew
Mestre Paulinho Sabia started capoeira at the age of ten in the streets of Niteroi in 1969. It was in the streets that he saw it performed as a child and where he began to learn. In 1972 he joined the Rio Antigo group. At the time, capoeira was a discriminated practice reserved for the marginalized and the poor (which, in a country where social appearance matters a lot, posed problems of advocacy). It was a capoeira called “suburban capoeira”. Some had had contact with Master Bimba. They mimicked what they had seen without being of any style.
For several years Mestre Paulinho Sabia has been involved in a project that is close to his heart: helping and training very disadvantaged children.
Mestre Paulinho Sabia continues to teach in his academy in Niteroi and travels to different festivals to share his knowledge and expertise.
Doll Master
Practical Mestre Boneco trained for 15 years with the Senzala group, then he decided to found the group with Masters Paulinho Sabia and Paulão. He received his black rope in 1989 in the presence of the biggest names in Capoeira. He has since been recognized as Master by his group and others. In 1998, he moved to the United States. Today he supervises several teachers and develops work in South America, the United States, Australia, Europe and Asia. In the United States, the Capoeira Basil group is present in the 10 largest cities. He resides in Los Angeles where he is the artistic director of Benção Brazil, a non-profit Brazilian cultural center that hosts the group Capoeira Brasil. It has been sponsored by CNN, FOX, ABC, NBC, Univision news shows, and Extra Hollywood to name a few. He has also trained numerous actors for films such as Hale Berry for Catwoman or Wesley Snipes and capoeiristas for commercials. In addition to being the program director of UCLA Capoeira in the Recreation Department, he oversees Capoeira projects at numerous public and private schools in Los Angeles. Its new program, ALL ACCESS, aims to help disadvantaged teenagers. Master Boneco also gives Fitness classes and has a degree in Physical Education from Gama Filho University in Rio de Janeiro.
Graduations
The graduation system was introduced into capoeira by Mestre Bimba, through scarves (a tribute to the ancient capoeiristas who wore silk scarves around their necks in the belief that they were thus protecting themselves from the cut of razor blades). Even if the scarves were not used by the students, each of them kept it after receiving it.
Nowadays, the graduation system passes through ropes attached to the belt to hold the abada (pants) and can vary from group to group.
The grading established within the group is based on the strength of the colors, from the lightest to the darkest. The black rope, the highest ("formado" or master) pays homage to Zumbi Dos Palmares and the slaves, fundamental figures in the history of capoeira.
To see the details of the capoeira brasil group ropes, follow the following link:
Master Carlos
was born on September 5, 1973 in Roubaix. He started capoeira in September 1996 in Bruges Belgium with Mestre Cal Matos who was at the time red rope blue.
Before starting capoeira, Mestre Carlos practiced different sports: gymnastics for 10 years, French boxing for 4 years as well as American and Thai boxing; When he was younger, he also played a team sport, handball, for 2 years. Coming from a family of musicians and of Portuguese origin, it was quite natural that he was interested in capoeira with its acrobatic side mixed with combat all in music.
Today, Mestre Carlos still teaches capoeira in Lille and he has been able to train several instructors and professors who teach capoeira under his supervision. Mestre Carlos obtained his black rope on June 12, 2022 in Lille, from the hand of his Mestre and friend, Mestre Cal Matos. Demanding and rigorous, Mestre Carlos maintains his physical condition by practicing bodybuilding in particular and continues to work on his capoeira and to bring his knowledge and energy to the various festivals in which he participates.
Master Cal Matos
In construction
