Abada-Capoeira 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. Our philosophy is to present our culture to all social groups and classes. By doing so, we want to keep our roots alive and flourishing.

Philosophy and Pedagogic Approach

Abada-capoeira incorporates a multi-level 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 pedagogic tool, as well as an artistic and cultural resource; and the transformation of student into teacher, through teacher-student exchanges and reciprocal enlightenment, thus keeping alive the original value systems of the early Capoeira masters, their culture and their life experiences.

Cultural and Human Values

Abada-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. Abada-capoeira also seeks to instill good character, dignity and strong personal values in its students.

Ancestral Roots and Future Vision

We at Abada-capoeira understand that Capoeira is, and always was, both an ancestral and future-oriented art form. It is the living expression and embodiment of a people that fights 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.

Foundational Focus

Regional and Angola
The main focus of the Abada-Capoeira philosophy is to be found in both Mestre Bimba’s Capoeira Regional style and the lessons of Capoeira Angola. It is at this junction where the evolution of Capoeira lies, and where its future is discovered hidden in its past.

Style and Innovation
Abada-Capoeira prides itself on the originality and constant refinement of its style of Capoeira, renown for efficiency, athletics, and cultural and historical relevance. The original style of Abada-capoeira seeks to incorporate both Capoeira Regional and Capoeira Angola, and embraces the modernizing innovations of the legendary Mestre Bimba without losing sight of the history and philosophy of the ancient art.

Study and Practice of Capoeira

Abada-capoeira believes that the study of Capoeira involves dedication to all the various aspects of the art, including the relentless pursuit of technical mastery of the physical elements of Capoeira; constant evolution of the technique to improve efficiency and preventing injury; understanding of and reverence for Capoeira’s rich history; individual competence and knowledge of the music and instruments of Capoeira; preservation and recovery of the instruments, rhythms, and games of Capoeira; and participation in the larger Capoeira community, in Brazil and throughout the world.

Teaching Methodology

Abada-capoeira’s teaching methodology is both challenging and supportive, rooted in the belief that encouragement and positive role-modeling enable Capoeira to enrich the lives of all students, regardless of level or background. Abada-capoeira provides all students with leadership skills and tools to develop into competent professionals.

International Organization

Abada-capoeira in the Washington area shares name and philosophy with the international organization of 60,000 members, founded in 1988 by Mestre Camisa, and based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The acronym Abada-capoeira, translated into English, stand for “Brazilian Association for the Support and Development of the Art of Capoeira”.

Global Presence

Today, Abada-capoeira is the largest and most successful Capoeira organization in the world. It is represented throughout Brazil and in over 50 countries — including Angola, Israel, Japan, Tahiti, Morocco, Spain, France, Italy, England, Belgium, Holland, Austria, Germany, Sweden, Portugal, Poland, Russia, Mexico, Australia and the U.S.A.

Leadership and Legacy

Mestre Camisa developed his own philosophy and methodology for teaching Capoeira by following the innovative concepts of his teacher, the great Master of Capoeira Regional, Mestre Bimba. Mestre Camisa’s vision for Abada-capoeira has been to create an organization that strives to move forward by keeping one foot in the past and one foot in the future, maintaining tradition while adapting to society’s changes.

The organization strives to improve and promote Capoeira — allowing it to reach its full potential as an internationally respected martial art, while maintaining its dignity, character, history, and traditions.

The organization is driven by the life-long commitments of Mestre Camisa, his brother Grão Mestre Camisa Roxa, and the highest-ranked Abada-capoeira artists who have achieved the level of “Mestre” or “Mestrando/a.”