ARE UNIFORMS IMPORTANT?
Salve, família!
You feel the beat of the berimbau in your chest, the energy of the roda, and the joy of nailing a new sequence. You’re growing, and it’s natural to wonder, “What’s next? How does progress work here?”
The answer lies not in a simple checklist, but in the very heart of what Capoeira is: a marriage of art, history, and community. Your journey is built on two unwavering pillars: Commitment and Respect.
Let’s explore what this path truly looks like.
The Unfolding Map: Why Progress Isn't a Yearly Race
Imagine learning a beautiful, complex poem. The first lines come quickly. But as you go deeper, you discover layers of meaning, history, and nuance. The further you get, the more time you need to truly understand and appreciate each stanza.
This is the journey of Capoeira.
Earning your first cordas is about building a strong foundation, the basic movements, rhythms, and culture. This growth can happen quickly with consistent effort.
But as you advance, the "syllabus" expands. It’s no longer just about knowing moves; it’s about mastering them with precision, power, and malícia. It’s about understanding the history behind the songs, culture, bateria, developing your unique style, guiding newer students and much more.
Think of it this way: The journey from beginner to intermediate is learning the alphabet. The journey from intermediate to advanced is writing poetry with it. You can’t rush poetry. Each new cord is a deeper chapter that requires more time to live, learn, and embody. It’s a sign of the art’s depth that the highest levels are not reached quickly, but are earned through a lifetime of dedication.
At Resistência, we honour your unique journey. Life, work, and family are part of your story. You are evaluated individually, with fairness and care for your path. Not every year will bring a new corda, and that’s okay. Some years are for rapid growth; others are for deepening your roots.
What matters is consistent, sincere effort.
Respect in Action: The Unspoken Language of Capoeira
Respect isn’t just a feeling; it’s a verb. It’s something we do. It’s the silent language that tells your teacher and peers, "I value this. I honour this space. I am here fully."
We speak this language through three powerful actions:
Your Uniform: Your Armour of Respect.
Showing up in your official full white abadás and group t-shirt is more than a dress code. It’s a symbol of unity that erases ego and reminds us we are part of something greater. It shows respect for the tradition and pride in your família. And don’t forget your cordão! Wearing it shows you honour the recognition you’ve earned and the journey you’re on.The Gift of Punctuality.
Arriving on time is one of the simplest yet most profound acts of respect. It respects your teacher’s preparation, your fellow students’ focus, and, most importantly, your own training. It means you are ready to engage fully from the first note of the berimbau.Honouring the Space.
The gym, dojo or even if you train at a public open space, don’t forget that it’s our sanctuary. It’s where we sweat, struggle, and triumph. Using this space solely for training (unless advised otherwise) protects its energy and purpose. It shows you hold this practice and community in the highest esteem.
These actions might seem small, but together, they create the culture of respect that transforms a group of individuals into a true família.
More Than Fabric: The Sacred Story of Your Uniform & Cordão
Your uniform and cord are not just items; they are woven with history and meaning.
The White Abadá: A Canvas of Culture
The traditional white pants, or abadá, connect deeply to Capoeira's roots. The word itself comes from the Yoruba language, referring to a garment worn in sacred ceremonies. There’s also a practical history: the malandros and early capoeiristas of Bahia often wore white as it was affordable and practical.
When the legendary Mestre Bimba founded Capoeira Regional, he formalised the white uniform. For him, it was a symbol of discipline, purity, and professionalism, a way to elevate Capoeira into a respected art and create equality within the roda.
From Lenços to Cordas: The Evolution of Recognition
Before cords, Mestre Bimba used a system of colored silk scarves, or lenços, tied around the neck (white, light blue, blue, and red) to denote a student's level.
As Capoeira grew, the scarf system proved impractical for such a dynamic art. In the mid-to-late 1960s, pioneering groups like Senzala in Rio de Janeiro began adopting the system of cordas (cords) worn around the waist, inspired by martial arts like Judo. This was more secure and allowed for the expanded, nuanced ranking system we use today.
Why Wearing It All Matters: Every Class, Every Roda
Understanding this history makes wearing your full uniform a profound act of participation.
You Honour the Lineage: You are a living link to Mestre Bira and Resistencia.
You Strengthen Unity: The uniform is a great equaliser, creating a visual of one família.
You Prepare Your Mind: The ritual of putting it on signals a shift from the outside world to the world of the roda.
Your Cordão Tells Your Story: Every mark on it is a badge of honour, a memory of training earned and lessons learned.
Your Journey is Your Own
Keep embodying these principles of patience and respect. Your progress, while not always marked by a new cord every year, will be deep, meaningful, and truly earned.
If you ever have questions about your path, talk to us. Open communication keeps our community strong.
Remember, progress isn’t just about the next cord. It’s about the person you become along the way.
Keep training, stay consistent, support each other, and trust the process. Together, we grow.
Axé!
Instrutor Volta ao mundo, Resistência - Marlborough