By Ilana Cohn
Staff Writer

Capoeira Angola, developed in Brazil by African slaves, is a martial art form dating back almost 500-years. Unlike many martial arts, it is an improvised form of fighting. While there are certain kicks and attack moves standard to the game, a skilled player, beyond his mastery of the actual movements, is noted for his control of the game and his cunning. 

Music is central to Capoeira. When Capoeira is played, the music is as essential to the game as the movements of the players. The most important instrument, the berimbau, consists of a
stringed bow that is hit with a stick and accompanied by a rattle; tambourines, drums, and other instruments specific to Capoeira accompany its sound. 

Capoeira Angola has both Brazilian and African influences. While Capoeira evolved in Brazil, it derives many of its movements, principles and musical elements from Africa. Although the
players made their actions look like a joking dance, slave owners began to realize the true power it held. Therefore, for almost 400 years, Capoeira was forbidden, and slaves only practiced
the game in secrecy.

In order to hide the true strength of their martial art, slaves would incorporate into their game dance-like acrobatics. Because malicia, or trickery, is an important concept in Capoeira
Angola, players would also mask their attack moves with shifty bodily motions. Therefore, in order to trick both one’s slave owner and one’s opponent, Capoeira developed in such a
way that it does not have the appearance of a traditional martial art, but instead of an improvised, playful sparring. 

Mestre Pastinha, the Grand Mestre and patriarch of Capoeira Angola, brought the martial art in from the streets of Brazil into his Academia De Capoeira So Angola in Salvador, Bahia,
Brazil. In his school, he sought to preserve both the art and the philosophy of Capoeira. From Pastinha’s example, Capoeira is not only a sport or a game, but also a way of life.

Five years ago, Wesleyan student Matthew Lee started the Capoeira Angola group on campus. This year, Nikki Diaz ’01 teaches the group. The Wesleyan group is affiliated with the
International Capoeira Angola Foundation, which is run by Mestre Cobra Mansa from Washington, DC.

The Wesleyan group meets four times a week: Mondays and Wednesdays 7-9 pm, Thursdays 4-6 pm, and Saturdays 12-2 pm. Beginners are always welcome. Classes meet on the top
floor of Fayerweather.