Capoeira The History of an Afro-Brazilian Martial Art [Hardcover]

Originally the preserve of Afro-Brazilian slaves, the marginalized and the underclasses in Brazilian society, capoeira is now a mainstream sport, taught in Brazilian schools and practised by a range of social classes around the world. Some advocates now seek Olympic recognition for Capoeira.
This apparent change in the meaning and purpose of Capeoira has led to conflicts between traditionalists, who view capoeira as their heritage descended from the maroons, a weapon to be used against the injustice and repression; and reformers, who wish to see Capoeira develop as an international sport.
Capoeira: The History of Afro-Brazilian Martial Art explores Capoeira as a field of confrontation where the different struggles that divide Brazilian society are played out. It contains both the first comprehensive English language review of archive and contemporary literature relating to Capoeira, as well as the first scholarly account of Capoeira's history and development.1. The competing master narratives of Capoeira history.
2. Capoeira in the context of the black atlantic
3. Capoeragem in Rio de Janeiro, c. 1800-1930
4. Workers, vagrants and tough guys in Bahia, c. 1860-1950
5. Bimba and the development of the 'regional' style
6. Pastinha and the codification of the Angola style
7. Contemporary Capoeira, 1950 - 2000
8. Conclusion: The contemporary meanings of capoeira
Bibliography

'In seven meticulously researched chapters, based on archival research, the published historical research in Portuguese and English, interviews with 17 masters, and analysis of twelve capoeira magazines published in Brazil, the USA and Germany, Assuncao contrasts the popular myths that capoeira enthusiasts share with the sober facts.'-Sport, Education and Society

'This is by a wide margin the best book yet published on the history of capoeira, in any language. Matthias Rohl“¦