Capoeira: Brazil’s Beautiful Weapon

Published by Touro | Filed under articles, blog, history

This is an article by Suki John about Capoeira and Mestra Edna Lima. I thought I’d add it to the site for good reading!

To the music of the one-stringed “berimbau” and voices joined in foreign song, a group of performers dressed in immaculate white run onto the stage at the United Nations. It is the opening ceremony of Amazon Week III, a multi-national effort to save the rainforest, and the Brazilian martial art/dance form, Capoeira, ushers in the diplomats. In perfect harmony the “Capoeiristas” tumble, vault, kick and turn, narrowly missing each other’s faces as they show their abilities as dancers, singers and fighters.

As the rhythm accelerates, a compact young woman takes center stage, smiling. Edna Lima, top ranked martial artist and the first female “Mestra” (master) of her form, whirls through an improvised fight with her male partner. One-handed handstands, flying kick turns and lightning-fast rolls bring a cheer from the audience. Ms. Lima signals to her students, flashes her smile again, and bounds off the stage in song. Despite her grace and charm, this is not someone you’d want to meet in a dark alley.
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