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Old School Capoeira

Up until the mid-1900's capoeira was not tolerated in Brazil. Attempts to eliminate capoeira drove it underground. There were no formal schools of capoeira, it was a rough and tumble style played on the streets of Brazil's towns and cities. In the 1930's, Mestre Bimba legitimized capoeira, and soon it was being practiced in the open, across Brazil. Bimba's style brought the game back to its roots, renewing many lost moves, as well as bringing in moves from other martial arts such as Batuque. Mestre Bimba's capoeira came to be known as "capoeira regional".

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Before entering the roda to play a game, capoeiristas crouch below the berimbau to pay their respects (Comprimento no Berimbau) to the mestre, instruments and spirits of capoeira. 1950's Brazil.

Two men play in an impromptu Roda held on the streets of a Brazilian town in the mid 1950's. participants complete the circle and contribute energy by clapping their hands and singing.

Practicing on the beach of a small Brazilian fishing village.

Practice and more practice.