Grupo Capoeira Brasil was founded on January 14th, 1989 in Rio de Janerio by Mestre Boneco (Rio/LA), Mestre Paulao (Ceara/Amsterdam), and Mestre Paulinho Sabia (Niteroi/Paris).
The inauguration began an amazing Capoeira dynasty which today is one of the largest in the world. The “padrinhos” or godfathers of grupo Capoeira Brasil include Mestre Suassuna, Itapoan, Peixinho, and the late Ezekiel.
Since its founding, Grupo Capoeira Brasil has grown internationally with centers and academies in New York, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Antonio, St. Louis, Gainesville, Boston, Amsterdam, Sydney, Paris, Marseille, and all over Brasil. Each Mestre compliments the Capoeira Brasil family in their own unique way; each having individual programs with numerous graduated students assisting in the cultivation and evolution of the group’s work.
Mestre Boneco moved to Los Angeles in 1998 and formed Grupo Capoeira Brasil, Los Angeles. In its short history the group has grown and evolved tremendously. Under the positive guidance of Mestre Boneco the Los Angeles crew is a close-knit, friendly, and social group that hosts events in addition to teaching/training Capoeira.
Grupo Capoeira Brasil, Los Angeles is an artist/athlete community whose work is present throughout Southern California. The group a fundamental part of Bencao Brasil, a non-profit Brazilian Cultural Center and arts collective that serves the greater Los Angeles community.
Students develop differently over the years. Promotions are not only based on the amount of time a student spends in class, but also on the skill level of that student. So, two students who have trained for the same amount of time may not receive the same corda, or cord, at a Batizado. This is why there are overlaps in the number of years it takes to receive a cord in the following table.
Students begin their Capoeira training at this level. The phrase Corda Cruda, translated as Raw Cord, signifies that rather than being seen as inexperienced, students are seen as being full of potential for growth.
Typically this is a cord given to students to welcome them to the world of Capoeira.
At this level students begin to demonstrate an understanding of the Capoeira game, and have a basic knowledge of the movements, such as kicks and ground techniques, as well as music. Students know the choruses to many songs and are starting to practice instruments.
At this level students have a much deeper understanding of the Capoeira game. They now begin utilizing many different kicks and acrobatic movements. At this level, students are also capable of singing solos during a roda and playing many different instruments.
At this level students have a much deeper understanding of the Capoeira game. They now begin utilizing many different kicks and acrobatic movements. At this level, students are also capable of singing solos during a roda and playing many different instruments.
Students earn the title of Monitor at this level. Monitors study class from an outside perspective as they themselves begin learning how to teach, and may even be able to teach under the supervision of their instructor. They also aid any lower-ranked students in need of assistance. As Capoeiristas, students at this level now fully incorporate a large variety of kicks and acrobatic movements, have a large repertoire of songs, and can play any instrument.Students earn the title of Monitor at this level.
At this level, students earn the title of Formado or Graduado, which mean "Formed" or "Graduated", respectively. In a sense, this is a new beginning for students, a new "Corda Cruda", because, as mentioned before, assessments are based more on teaching ability, which is a new step for students. They must learn to share their own knowledge with other students. It is for this reason that students at this level are encouraged to begin teaching a class of their own. A Formado who begins teaching class earns the title and respect of an Instrutor (Instructor).
At this level, Capoeiristas continue to improve on their skills overall, which now includes the ability to teach. They are very strong in the roda, and are equally as strong when teaching a class. Their strength comes from their ability to incorporate Malicia, or deviousness, into their game. It's malicia that gives Capoeiristas their ability to surprise and confuse their opponents.
To reach this level, Capoeiristas must not only have proven themselves to be skilled martial artists, but also proficient teachers. Professors are regarded very highly, as they have come very far and have devoted their lives to being part of Capoeira. Their malicia skills continue to increase, since they now have the ability to apply the knowledge they've gained within the roda to their dealings in the outside world, and vice-versa.
Also referred to as Formando (Forming), Contramestres are not only some of the most important figures of their group, but in the world of Capoeira itself. They are the right hand of the Mestres within their group, and are so esteemed and honored that, even at this level, they are respected as Mestres. Formidable players in the roda, Contramestres can seemlessly combine all of their skills into a fierce and relentless game.
This is the apex for students of Capoeira; the highest and hardest level to achieve. Mestres are legendary for their skill, wisdom, and tact both inside and out of the roda. They have solidified their Capoeira games by consolidating all of the physical skills they've learned through their years of training with the cunning and trickery they've learned through their life experience. Mestres comprise the top echelon of all Capoeira groups, and it is therefore their right to oversee and supervise the on-goings of the group they lead.
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