Capoeira Angola Capoeira Angola is an African-Brazilian art form - a fluid rhythmic martial art; a ritual; a dance of deceptive vulnerability, wit, and grace. The intricate movements of Capoeira Angola weave African tradition, history, spirituality, and philosophy into a uniquely beautiful "game". Like many African based traditions, it is orally transmitted from masters to students. While the Bantu origins of Capoeira (called N'golo) were relatively peaceful, early forms of Capoeira Angola were used by enslaved Africans in Brazil to combat the colonial opression of Portugese rulers. Its practitioners used the art as a weapon of resistance during revolts and in defense of the Quilombos -- communities/nations of formerly enslaved Africans. The use of Capoeira was outlawed by the Portugese and for almost 400 years it was practiced only in secret. Not until the 1930's was it made leagal to teach and practice Capoeira Angola. It survivies because of the wisdom and dedication of a handful of mestres. Played in a circle, the roda (game) of Capoeira Angola is an infinitely varied combinaton of movements, a mix of acrobatics, choreographed rituals, and dance: humor and seriousness, fun and struggle are entwined in a metaphor of motion and flourished pauses. Interesting Links KBCS-FM One World Report Local Radio Interviews our group. KCTS Currents Streaming Video (lo-res) Local Seattle PBS Film featuring our Capoeira Angola group KCTS Currents Streaming Video (hi-res) International Capoeira Angola Foundation(FICA) Washington D.C. Headquarters Articles, history, classes, calendar of events, biographies and more. ICAF-Austin, TX ICAF-Chicago, IL ICAF-Middletown, CT ICAF-Philadelphia, PA ICAF-Los Angeles, CA ICAF-Oakland, CA ICAF-New York, NY University of Washington Newspaper "The Daily" Article on Seattle ICAF Capoeira Angola Encounter Events at UW. Capoeira Angola Center of Mestre João Grande School of one of a very few remaining Angoleiros who were dedicated students of the legendary Mestre Pastinha. An article by Mestre Pastinha written in the 1960's for Blackbelt Magazine

Updated 16 Oct. 2008