Two Capoeiristas playing on the river bank and mestre fantasma on the Berimbau

Capoeira has always been rich and beautiful. We find everything in capoeira: life philosophy, self-defense, art and culture. We find part of religion in capoeira if we seek it. The word religion means ‘to re-link oneself,’ so everything to which we link ourselves would be a religion. We shouldn’t learn capoeira in order to cause trouble with it, but instead use it in the hour of defense when necessary. After all, in its life philosophy capoeira is love, celebration, and also joy.

Joao Pequeno

What is Capoeira?

Capoeira is a game between two people. It’s like a game fight to music & song with skill, strategy, dance, and acrobatics. Playing capoeira involves a spontaneous and spectacular exchange of non-contact attacking and defensive movements, where the two players try to create an opportunity to trick, trip or show they could kick their partner. There is no official winner but players and spectators will each decide who played the best game!

Capoeira combines dance, martial arts, music, drama, acrobatics, socialising and much more. Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian artform that was born out of the struggle for freedom of the slaves in Brazil. It’s origins are old and now it has evolved and spread across the world in a variety of styles and movement philosophies (see Cultural London and capoeira below).

Cultural London and Capoeira

It’s difficult to find any culture not represented in London’s busy streets or quiet suburbs.  A wide diversity of age, race, colour and culture is here and has claimed a little piece of London as its own.  This now includes Capoeira.
Capoeira has been here continually since the late 80’s and has many different styles, groups and flavours.  A unique scene has developed in London largely due to the Urban Ritual rodas that can see masters, teachers, students, friends and family joining together from different groups to play this Brazilian fight game. Great contribution has been made by the street rodas of Brick Lane, Camden Lock, Liverpool Street and Southbank.

Capoeira is here. It’s being played in the streets, it’s being used in contemporary dance, it influences film, street dance and other fighting systems, and it is practised by many to help balance their normal life.
London’s diversity can now be seen within its own capoeira scene.

News

Thursday 22nd August

Open class – Kings Cross The Crossing.
6:45/7pm Start
£10

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Urban Ritual Open Roda London

Urban Ritual Open day
18th August
Coal drops Yard kings cross
2pm & 4pm – free class
https://fb.me/e/8sNORWQdB

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Visit Brazil Salvador Bahia & Reconcovo Baiano

A cultural study trip 4th – 20th March 2024
Want to Join ? Call 07779031273 for information

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Monday Capoeira class & Roda

Mondays we have a pair-work class studying timing, distance and application of moves.
The Crossing Kings cross – Anyone welcome
message 07779031273 for more info

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Events

Jogando no Pé do Berimbau

Come and learn how to play on the floor, close to each other in the observastion phase.

Full info and online booking

Or Call 07779 031 273

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A modern vision of capoeira’s golden age

27th January 2019 come change your game for the better

On line payment and full info

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Capoeira is treachery

 

Mestre Bimba

“Apart from a skill, it also lays down rules which benefits those taking part. It offers positive benefits through developing respect for others. It’s also great fun.”

Andrew Boff. Greater London Authority

“Capoeira is a riddle and there is no answer.”

Capoeira student

“I like capoeira because it is a full body workout, I feel strong. When I play I feel excited and motivated. I would tell anyone considering capoeira to join…its good.”

male 17 years old

Life is a struggle? Life is a battle?
 The player sees that capoeira is teaching him to dance within and during this fight.

Nestor Capoeira

“It’s a group thing – we all learn off each other”

Musician, male, 38yrs

“Capoeira reminds me who I am, and reminds me of my uniqueness and what I can do with it.”

ELC student

“Entering into training or a roda, nothing else matters, everyone is equal and everyone shares the same experiences.”

East London Capoeira Student