Capoeira: The Brazilian Martial Art
Objective
As a result of this lesson, students will be able to:
- trace the historical origins of capoeira.
- analyze the nature of the capoeira style of martial arts.
- compare and contrast capoeira to other martial art forms, particularly Taekwondo.
Material
Activities
- Place the letters K and W on two sides of the chalkboard
- Ask students to tell what they know about the martial arts, and list their comments in the “K” column.
- Follow up the discussion by asking them what they would like to learn about the martial arts, and list their comments under the “W” column.
- If the issue has not already been addressed by their comments, ask students to identify the places of origin of the martial art forms they have commented upon or are interested in. (If maps are available, you may wish to have them locate the places of origin on a map.)
- Note: If taekwondo is not mentioned, be certain to enter it as a form of martial arts developed in Korea.
- Write the letter L in the middle of the chalkboard between the letters K and W.
- Beneath the letter L, write the word capoeira. Explain that capoeira is a form of martial art, so now they can place that knowledge in the “learned” column.
- Write the word Brazil next to the word capoeira. Explain that capoeira is a unique form of martial art that developed among the slave communities of colonial Brazil but which is now practiced all over the world.
- Distribute the student handout Capoeira: A Martial Art.
