ABADÁ-Capoeira incorporates a multi-leveled philosophy
for the development of capoeira.
The philosophy includes the relentless pursuit of
the technical mastery of capoeira,
on both student and teaching levels;
the utilization of the art of capoeira as a valuable pedagogic tool,
as well as an artistic and cultural resource;
and the transformation of student into teacher
through the enlightenment and transfer from the student to the teacher,
thus keeping the original value systems of the early capoeira masters,
their culture, and their life experiences.
ABADÁ-Capoeira seeks to promote cultural and human values
based on respect, socialization and freedom.
It hopes to accomplish these goals by spreading the art of capoeira in and
through universities, schools, clubs, associations and diverse communities.
It also hopes to emphasize the lessons inherent in its Brazilian cultural
and historic roots, and by doing so,
promoting social integration between people of
different backgrounds and classes.
While keeping sight of its social goals,
ABADÁ-Capoeira also seeks to instill good character,
dignity, and strong personal values in its students.
We at ABADÁ-Capoeira understand that capoeira is, and always was,
both an ancestral and a futuristic art form.
It is the living expression and embodiment of
a people who fought for liberty.
In this light, we believe it should be practiced with reverence,
and it deserves from our part the same respect and attention
it was given by its originators.
We also realize that capoeira must not cease to evolve.
While preserving the values involved,
our work points toward the future,
embracing changes and advancements,
seeking to give capoeira the space and freedom it demands
for it to develop to its full potential.
The art of capoeira, like the chameleon,
seeks change as a way to preserve its own essence.
ABADÁ Capoeira is a non-profit group whose main objective is
to promote capoeira and Brazilian culture,
and to use it as an important vehicle and example
for social integration and individual growth.
It is part of our philosophy to present our culture
to all social groups and classes, and by doing so,
we hope to keep our roots alive and flourishing.
Abadá Capoeira Cord System
- Crua / Crua-Amarela / Amarela
- The rank of crua is a raw cotton cord, with no color yet.
The beginner transitions through crua-amarela
to an amarela (yellow) cord, which represents gold
and the value of the new student and what is to come.
- Amarela-Laranja / Laranja / Laranja-Azul
- The orange laranja cord represents the sun
and the awakening of the consciousness.
- Azul / Azul-Verde
- The graduated student wears the azul cord,
which has the color of the ocean to represent
the realization of how immense the path is ahead.
The graduado may have his or her own students
and begin to work to give back to the group.
- Verde / Verde-Roxa
- Green is the color of the forest, the lungs of the world.
At this level, the student focuses on making the group grow,
and solidifying his or her instruction.
These students work to maintain the foundation of the group.
- Roxa / Roxa-Marron
- The instrutor wears the purple roxa cord.
This is the reflection of the continuity of capoeira.
At this level, the capoeiristas seek to overcome physical,
emotional, and spiritual pains in the search for knowledge about capoeira,
and supporting the group philosophy.
- Marron / Marron-Vermelha
- The brown marron cord represents our style, the chameleon.
It is from this level that future
Mestrandos, Mestres, and Grão Mestres are made.
- Vermelha
- The ruby vermelha cord worn by the mestrando
represents fairness.
It is at this level that a capoeirista acquires a consciousness of
his or her responsibility to capoeira and seeks to live,
teach, and make decisions with fairness.
- There are currently only nine mestrandos, seven men and two women,
who have made this life-long ocmmitment to the art of Capoeira.
- Mestrando Morcego, Rogério Francisco da Silva
- Mestrando Charm, Jorge Gomes Martins
- Mestranda Edna, Edna Lima
- Mestranda Márcia Cigarra, Márcia Treidler
- Mestrando Duende, Carlos Eduardo dos Santos e Silva
- Mestrando Canguru, Waldec Velasco Cota
- Mestrando Tucano Preto, Ricardo Oliveira
- Mestrando Peixe-Cru, Paulo Rogério Yoneiama
- Mestrando Pernilongo, Sidney Maurício Tempesta
- Vermelha-Branco
- The level of the mestre (master).
The top of the mestre cord is now a pure white.
At this level, the capoeirista works to develop all of his or her potential
in the sense of bringing together and maintaining the ideas and philosophy of
the group.
This level is a transformation where the capoeirista is preparing
to move to the highest rank in the ABADÁ organization.
For that, it is necessary to make decisions with
certainty, precision, honesty, loyalty,
and above all wisdom and impartiality.
- Only four very important people have attained
the rank of mestre in ABADÁ-Capoeira.
Mestre Nagô
Mestre Cobra
- Branco
- This level represents the diamond,
the mineral that reflects all other colors.
It is the hardest and most resistant stone.
It is in the color white that all colors unite.
It is through wisdom, patience, humility, loyalty,
and the sureness of purpose that our
philosophy, traditions, and fundamentals are maintained.
The branco cord is worn by the Grão Mestre;
at any time there is only one Grão Mestre in the group.
All of the attributes are concentrated in one person
who has the most responsibility in deciding the destiny of the group.
Camisa Roxa was our first Grão Mestre; currently our founder
Grão Mestre Camisa has the title.
Grão Mestre Camisa
Mestre Camisa Roxa
