By Daniel Haynes

THE capoeira faction in Guyana has long been silent, but not because of inactivity; it has been silent, but it has been slowly garnering support and recognition. What had initially started as just another cultural presentation at the Brazilian Embassy in 2006, soon morphed into an activity that held the interest of hndreds of Guyanese.

A BRIEF HISTORY
Capoeira, or “The Dance of Freedom”, is an Afro-Brazilian cultural practice. It is simultaneously a fight and a dance that can be interpreted as a tradition, a sport, or even an art form. Originally from Angola, in southern Africa, it was brought to Brazil through slavery, and used as a form of martial art, disguised as dance. The idea was to teach slaves how to fight, in case there was a revolt, or defend themselves in times of resistance without arousing the suspicion of the slave masters.

CAPOEIRA TODAY
However, capoeira, as the world knows it today, was adapted in Brazil and formed part of the nation’s culture. The form suffered a major setback in the early 1930s to 1940s with rival gangs in Brazil using it in gang wars, which resulted in its being banned.
It was not until the 1950s, under petition of Master Bimba, the man behind Capoeira’s success in Brazil, that the form returned to the right side of the law.

THE GAME
Capoeira players form a circle, at the centre of which two players engage each other. The other players around the circle sing, chant, clap and play percussion instruments. Capoeira circles are formed by a group of people of any gender, and comprise a master, counter-master and disciples.
The master is the bearer and guardian of the knowledge of the circle, and is expected to teach the repertoire and to maintain the group’s cohesion and its observance to a ritual code.
The master usually plays a single string percussion instrument, starts the chants, and leads the game’s timing and rhythm. All participants are expected to know how to make and play the instrument, sing a shared repertoire of chants, improvise songs, know and respect the Codes of Ethics and Conduct, and perform the movements, steps and strikes.
The capoeira circle is a place where knowledge and skills are learned by observation and imitation. It also functions as an affirmation of mutual respect between communities, groups and individuals, and promotes social integration and the memory of resistance to historical oppression.

CAPOEIRA IN GUYANA

In Guyana, capoeira has seen its steady rise due to the hard work of the sole Capoeira club here: Capoeira Mesticagem. The Mesticagem group works in tandem with an association under the same name in Suriname, French Guyane and France. However, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. The club has changed membership from other clubs in Brazil more than once within the last few years, due to the lack of follow-through from these parent clubs.
There are four masters in Guyana: Aziza Yasharael, William Gabriel Thijs, Greame Greaves and Vandyke Loncke. These four have worked fastidiously to raise the standards of Capoeira in Guyana.
According to William, who, in addition to being a teacher, is the club’s secretary, the club is not just limited to Capoeira, but also teaches Brazilian Jujitsu and MMA techniques.
“Players get the opportunity to come and learn, and be a part of a brotherhood and family that we have.
“Not only do they learn to defend themselves, but it teaches them to release their anger and to control themselves,” William said, when asked about the benefits to be derived from Capoeira.
‘Mesticagem’ is working on hosting a Capoeira championship within the next five years, and is currently making plans to host an indoor championship here. Players from around the world who practice the art will be able to come to Guyana and witness what the locals have to offer, and also take part in spars against more seasoned countries.

TRAINING
Currently, classes are held at the Brazilian Embassy, as well as at the YWCA on upper Brickdam from Monday to Thursday, and are not limited to adults, but are also open to children of both sexes.
Membership was formerly free of charge, but since taking a more serious approach to the game, it is no longer so.
As such, membership now comes in two packages, one of which is the Capoeira-only programme, which has a $1000 sign-up fee and a $2000-a-month charge.
The other programme is the Brazilian Jujitsu (BJJ) method which has the same registration fee, but carries a monthly charge of $1000.
Capoeira in Guyana is growing and on a steady course to gaining more renown within the nation, and the masters have plans to gain a spot as a national sport. With the attention to detail, effort and passion for the sport the masters display there is no fathomable reason this should not happen.