The European Capoeira Championship

Celebrating 10 years of existence in Brussels 2008

I. What is Capoeira?

Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art created by enslaved Africans during the Portuguese colonization in Brazil in the 17th century as a form of resistance.

However, Capoeira is much more than a martial art, using foot kicks, hand punches, sweeps, kicks, and head-butts. It is art that involves many other arts like music, dance and acrobatics… .

The Capoeiristas form a circle, play music with a minimum of one instrument. This instrument is called Berimbau (an African instrument), meanwhile two other Capoeristas enter the circle and play Capoeira together to the rhythm of the music. Whilst these two are playing, the others in the circle clap hands and sing songs.

II. What are the “Jogos Europeus de Capoeira”?

The European Capoeira Championship.
Every year at Easter, the Capoeristas from the Association Abadá Capoeira meet. For the Capoeristas this is a major event. And this year even more so, because 2008 the event is celebrating it's 10th anniversary.

For years now, Abadá have held their European Championships in Brussels. Although the very first was held in Munich. The event also took place in Madrid, Gothenburg and Paris.

Why Brussels?

Brussels, being the centre of Europe has good infrastructure, which is perfect for this event. Also the sport minister of Brussels is always very obliging to help the association and offers the trophies.

III. The Location

The main location is the “Palais du Midi” close to the “Gare du Midi” railway station. The finales last year was held at the theatre in Place Flagey. This year, the finals will be in the Palais du Midi. Futher venues are Six Jetons and Salle Omnisport rue de la Roue.

IV. The participants

In 2007 there were more than 500 students taking classes at the Jogos Europeus. This year the organization expects about 1000 students.

Each year there are more countries participating. Here are a few countries:

V. The Price

For the three days students pay €. 100,00.
For 2 days it's € 70,00 and for 1 day € 60,00.
Children pay € 40,00, and can stay for as many days as they like.

Visitors pay 5 Euros for the finales.

Competition

VI. The Aim

Beside the fact that this is a championship tournament, it is also an opportunity for the top competitors to see each other again and make new contacts in the world of Abadá Capoeira. Also, with the return of the top
graduated Capoeristas and the open invitation extended toward some of the best Capoeristas from Brazil, the students of Capoeira have the chance to get a real taste of what an advanced Capoeira game looks like: fluid
acrobatic play, feints, subterfuge, and extensive use of groundwork.

But it is also very important for the Association to promote Capoeira through the championship, for this reason the finals are open to public. Everybody can come and see the best Capoeira-players of Europe this
year.

Journalists are also invited, and last year for the finale the Mayor of Brussels and the Brazilian Ambassador were special guests.

VII. The styles

Angola
Benguela
São Bento Grande
Iuna

VIII. The rules

The competitors are distributed into groups of 4 participants, in which they all take turns against one another. The points are given to the games and not to the individuals. Only those 2 with the best score will proceed to the next phase. At every phase, the Capoeirista will play three times, each to a different rhythm: São Bento Grande, Iuna and Angola or Benguela. Each style demands its own characteristic.

Increased de-characterization of the play equals the loss of 1 point Intentionally hitting an opponent and/or clutching equals the loss of 2 points in the individual's score. (If the opponent is incapable of proceeding in the competition, the aggressor will be eliminated.)

‘May not only the best but the most complete Capoeirista win.’

IX. The rounds