Capoeira Regional was developed by Manoel dos Reis Machado, better known as Mestre Bimba. Capoeira Regional is not only an exercise in self-defense, but also in self-discipline, that can fill the  philosophical, cultural and musical needs of the modern world. It develops physical alertness, self-control, physical conditioning, adding value to self-esteem, conflict management, strategy and mastery of the body.

Mestre Bimba believed that capoeira had become too folkloric and less efficient. Already outlawed and facing extinction, Mestre Bimba developed a new methodology, philosophy and principles for capoeira, rescuing old movements and incorporating long standing African traditions to revitalize the art form.

He believed capoeira was a cooperative fight, with little emphasis on competition. The stronger player is always responsible for the weaker player and helps them to excel in their own fighting techniques. Beyond self-defense, he also saw capoeira as a means of self-control and education, believing what is learned in the academy and practiced in the roda can be applied in life.

He introduced a systematic teaching method called The Sequência, an eight-part sequence of 17 basic attack and defense movements for quickly and easily capoeira to new practitioners.

Capoeira Regional

The Methodology

Mestre Bimba teaching a student the ginga

  • The Ginga is the fundamental footwork of Capoeira

  • The Admission Exam is an evaluation of basic capoeira movements to identify a student’s ability

    The Sequência is an 8-part sequence of the 17 basic attack and defense movements in Regional

  • Berimbau rhythms for the roda

  • The Movements: broken down into several categories, including

    • Traumatizantes - various strikes 

    • Desequilibrantes - unbalancing sweeps and take-downs 

    • Projeções - various throws

  • The Centura Desprezada is a sequence of projecting movements for advanced students

  • Specialization Courses:

    Especialização I – Emboscada - a specialization course where the student learn capoeira resources for self defense and applies them in a forest ambush. Upon completion of the course, the student is presented with the lenço vermelho  –  the red scarf

    Especialização II – Curso de Arma - a specialization weapons defense course. Upon completion of the course, the student is presented with the lenço amarelo – the yellow scarf

Traditions and Rituals

  • Hold the hands when teaching the ginga

  • A chair used for training

  • The Charanga is the traditional Regional orchestra, composed of one berimbau and two pandeiros.

  • The Toques are rhythms played during capoeira games. The most important Capoeira Regional toques are ‘São Bento Grande’, ‘Banguelinha’, ‘Iúna’ and the ‘Hino da Capoeira Regional’

    1. Songs are categorizes as Quadras and Corridos

  • The Batizado, also called “Cair No Aço,” is the first game that a beginner plays to the sound of the berimbau

  • The Festa do Batizado is the initiation ceremony where the student receives their nome de guerra, their war name

  • The Formatura is a celebration ceremony for the completion of specific courses. Upon completion of the course, the student is presented the the lenço azul – the blue scarf

  • O “Esquenta Banho” – A game a students play without the sound of the berimbau where they can test their combative abilities.

  • A chair used for training

Festa de Batizado 2022 with Piranha and Risadinha

The Principles

  • Ginga constantly while playing

  • Always esquiva (dodge and evade) the opponents attacks. Do not resist

  • Always play close to your partner

  • All movements must have a purpose

  • Always keep at least one base on the ground at all times

  • Obey the rhythm of the berimbau

  • Respect when a player can no longer defend from an attack

  • Protect your partner’s physical and moral integrity

Mestre Garrincha giving a workshop