Glossary for Capoeira

White stretchy trousers in which capoeira is practiced. A cord, the corda, is worn with them, and its color marks the grade.

Clothing Brazil

A tall hand drum of African origin. In the capoeira roda it holds the basic rhythm together with the berimbau and pandeiro.

Equipment and training aids Brazil

A ceremonial “baptism” of a new capoeirista. The student plays with a master, receives a first cord and often a nickname.

Etiquette and ceremony Brazil

A single-string musical bow with a gourd, the main instrument of capoeira. Its rhythm (toque) determines what game the players in the roda play.

Equipment and training aids Brazil

A dodge in capoeira. Capoeira hardly blocks attacks, but evades them with the body, to the side, downward or backward.

Classification of techniques, arts and schools Brazil

Cunning and craftiness as part of the capoeira game. The player deceives the opponent, changes the rhythm and sets traps.

Tactics, timing and mindset Brazil

Portuguese for master, the highest title in capoeira. Besides technique it covers music, singing, knowledge of tradition and leading a group.

Title and rank Brazil

Brazilian tambourine with jingles around the rim. In the capoeira roda it accompanies the berimbau and atabaque.

Equipment and training aids Brazil

A circle of players and musicians within which capoeira is played. Music, singing and clapping set the rhythm and character of the game.

Place and space Brazil