Grupo Capoeira Brasil

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Grupo Capoeira Brasil is an organization that practices, teaches, and demonstrates the Afro-Brazilian martial art of Capoeira. Grupo Capoeira Brasil practices a style of Capoeira known as Capoeira Regional Contemporanea. This style is derived from movements and sequences developed by Mestre Bimba, as well as influences and evolutions of Capoeira from the founding Mestres of Grupo Capoeira Brasil.

[edit] Grupo Capoeira Brasil

Grupo Capoeira Brasil was founded on January 14, 1989 by Mestres Mestre Boneco, Mestre Paulinho Sabiá and Mestre Paulão in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Both 3 Mestres were from the Grupo Senzala. Beyond the founding mestres, Grupo Capoeira Brasil also claim Mestres Suassuna, Mestre Itapoã, Mestre Peixinho, and the late Mestre Ezekiel as "padrinhos", godfathers who added their skill to the emerging dynasty. Today, Grupo Capoeira Brasil had spread internationally with centers and academies in South Texas, the Midwest, East and West Coasts, as well as Australia, Brazil, Germany, France, and The Netherlands.

Mestre Jelon Vieira was later invited to join Grupo Capoeira Brasil as a headmaster, but as part of an ongoing disagreement between the founding mestres, Mestre Jelon Vieira and the students under his headmastership separated from Grupo Capoeira Brasil early in 2006. They have reorganized into what is now known as Grupo Capoeira Luanda.

[edit] Graduation System

Grupo Capoeira Brasil uses eight different colors in their graduation system. They are: Yellow, Orange, Red, Blue, Green, Purple, Brown and Black. Beginner students (before become Graduados) have transitional cords between the main cords, for example: Yellow and Raw cord. The strongest color should be on the top, as shown in the image.

Raw (Beginner): Students begin their Capoeira training at this level. The Corda Crua, translated as Raw Cord, signifies that rather than being seen as inexperienced, students are seen as being full of potential for growth.
Yellow/Raw: Typically this is a cord given to students to welcome them to the world of Capoeira.
Yellow: 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.
Orange/Raw: Transitional cord.
Orange: 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.
Blue/Red (Graduado): 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.
Blue (Instrutor): At this level, students earn the title of Graduado, which means "Graduated". In a sense, this is a new beginning for students, a new "Corda Crua", 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 Graduado who begins teaching class earns the title and respect of an Instrutor (Instructor).
Green (Instrutor): 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.
Purple (Professor): 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.
Brown (Formando/Contra-mestre): Formando 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, Formando can seemlessly combine all of their skills into a fierce and relentless game.
Black: (Formado/Mestre): 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.