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Colour: Crua (Plain / Light Grey)
Begin your Capoeira journey by immersing yourself in the rich culture, history, and traditions of Capoeira.
Acquire your first official Capoeira uniform, including the group’s t-shirt, white abadas, and Corda, to fully participate in training and events.
Learn the foundational movements, songs, and rhythms that form the core of Capoeira, building a strong base for your practice.
Develop the ability to clap along at rodas, actively participating in the rhythm and energy of the roda.
Commit to consistent training, understanding that progress is achieved through regular practice and dedication.
Embrace your role as a beginner, marking the start of your Capoeira journey with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
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Crua e Verde (Plain/Light Grey and Green)
Participate in the Graduation Ceremony: Attend and actively engage in the biggest event of the year, celebrating your progress and the Capoeira community.
Take Your First Formal Step into Capoeira: Acknowledge this rank as the official beginning of your journey in the art, committing to its practice and traditions.
Demonstrate Basic Skills: Show proficiency in foundational movements and techniques, reflecting your understanding of Capoeira’s core principles.
Explore Musical and Cultural Elements: Begin learning to play Capoeira instruments and immerse yourself in its rich cultural traditions, building a deeper connection to the art form.
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Corda: Verde (Green)
Focus on building and refining foundational Capoeira skills, ensuring a strong base for future growth.
Actively participate in rodas and group activities, demonstrating commitment and engagement in the Capoeira community.
Put full effort into every training session, boosting your confidence and contributing to the team spirit.
Begin learning and understanding basic Capoeira music instruments and rhythms, laying the groundwork for musical proficiency.
Actively engage in all training sessions, showing dedication to your development and respect for the practice.
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Corda: Verde e Amarelo (Green + Yellow)
Represents an intermediate level in Capoeira, demonstrating growth and commitment to the art.
Maintains consistent attendance and shows dedication to training, setting an example for others.
Assists beginners by offering guidance and support, helping them integrate into the group.
Takes on small assisting roles within the group, contributing to activities, events, and class organization.
Begins learning to play the Atabaque, Pandeiro, and Berimbau, developing foundational skills in Capoeira music.
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Corda: Crua e Amarelo (Plain and Yellow)
Demonstrate discipline by complying with all instructions given during classes, rodas, and demonstrations.
Support instructors and actively contribute to the Capoeira community, showcasing dedication and commitment.
Expand your knowledge of Berimbau rhythms, including Angola and Regional, to deepen your musical understanding.
Refine your skills in playing the Pandeiro and Atabaque, ensuring your musical contributions enhance the roda and class experience.
Develop problem-solving skills by thinking creatively, identifying challenges, and proposing respectful, practical solutions within the group.
Embrace growth and leadership by taking initiative, supporting others, and embodying the spirit of Capoeira with dedication and joy.
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Corda: Yellow (Amarelo)
The Yellow Corda represents an advanced student who is expected to take on meaningful leadership roles within the Capoeira community. Responsibilities at this level include:
Guide and support beginners, ensuring they feel comfortable and integrated into the group.
Take initiative to polish musical skills by practicing all Capoeira instruments regularly.
Expand Portuguese vocabulary to deepen your understanding of Capoeira culture and traditions.
Learn and master 5 to 10 Capoeira songs, enabling active participation and contribution during rodas.
Begin leading songs during rodas, fostering a welcoming and respectful atmosphere for newcomers and the group.
Assist in setting up and organizing orchestra instruments for classes or rodas.
Develop the ability to efficiently tune all three berimbaus (Gunga, Medio, and Viola).
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Corda: Blue and Green (Azul e Verde)
Assist with warm-ups when needed, ensuring the energy remains lively and engaging for the group.
Support the teacher during class, with a focus on guiding and encouraging lower-ranked students.
Play all Capoeira musical instruments confidently, including the agogo, reco-reco, berimbau, atabaque, and pandeiro.
Master at least 5 berimbau rhythms, such as Regional de Bimba, São Bento Grande de Angola, Angola, São Bento Pequeno, and Iuna de Mestres.
Observe and learn from higher-ranked members, actively absorbing their techniques and insights to improve your own practice.
Begin exploring how to plan and structure a complete Capoeira class, developing foundational teaching skills.
Deepen your understanding of the roda and the role of the orchestra within it, paying attention to its dynamics and traditions.
Identify signs in the roda that encourage traditional demonstrations or shifts in the style of play, and respond appropriately.
Embrace the balance of fun and discipline that defines Capoeira, embodying its spirit in every aspect of your practice.
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Corda: Blue and Yellow / Azul e Amarelo
Teaching Role: You are expected to teach part of or even an entire class when given the opportunity, demonstrating your ability to lead and share knowledge.
Expanded Knowledge: With your deepened understanding of Capoeira, you must actively share your knowledge with others, helping to guide and inspire lower-ranked students.
Orchestra Harmony: Develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation for the harmony of the Capoeira orchestra, understanding how each instrument contributes to the whole.
Rhythm Mastery: Master and play most Capoeira rhythms, such as Iuna de Mestres, Apanha Laranja, Angola, Regional de Bimba, Samba de Roda, and Benguela, while understanding their unique meanings and purposes.
Support Role: Act as the Professor’s right hand during training sessions, assisting with class management and providing support whenever needed.
Roda Presence: Take on a key role in maintaining the energy (Axé) and flow of the roda, ensuring it remains vibrant and engaging for all participants.
Music and Songs: Learn as many Capoeira songs as possible, and confidently sing and play instruments during the roda, contributing to the musical atmosphere.
Study Portuguese: Commit to studying Portuguese to better understand the language of Capoeira, its songs, and its cultural roots.
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Corda: Blue / Azul
Teaching: Lead a full Capoeira class from start to finish with confidence and skill, ensuring a structured and engaging experience for students.
Music Mastery: Play every Capoeira instrument proficiently while singing multiple songs. Understand the meaning, context, and cultural significance of each song.
Roda Leadership: Start and lead a Roda when the opportunity arises, maintaining its flow, energy, and adherence to traditions.
Student Development: Monitor and support students’ progress, while learning leadership skills from higher-ranking members to further your own growth.
Role Model: Demonstrate unwavering commitment to Capoeira, setting a strong example for others through discipline, respect, and passion.
Community Care: Ensure the well-being of everyone during training, Rodas, and events, fostering a safe and inclusive environment.
First Aid: Maintain an up-to-date First Aid certification to handle emergencies effectively.
Language Skills: Study Portuguese regularly and incorporate it into daily life. Teach basic Portuguese at training sessions and include it in a yearly educational plan for the group.
Historical Knowledge: Develop a deep understanding of Capoeira’s history and your group’s traditions, ensuring their preservation and transmission.
Global Connections: When possible, travel to Brazil to connect with other Masters from Integração Volta ao Mundo and other groups, deepening your cultural and technical knowledge.
Initiative: Step up to lead a Roda independently if higher ranks are unavailable or if given the opportunity by the Master.
Proactive Contribution: Actively participate in and help organize classes, events, and Capoeira activities, contributing to the growth of the group.
Problem-Solving: Think creatively, identify challenges within the group or training environment, and propose respectful, practical solutions.
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Corda Colors: White, blue, yellow, and green.
Role: Second in command, acting as the Master’s right hand in all group matters.
Leadership: Lead by example with impeccable commitment and dedication.
Position: A key member of the group’s highest ranks, respected for your advanced knowledge and skills.
Expertise: Deep understanding of Capoeira, including body movement, music, culture, and history.
Growth: Beginning your journey toward becoming a Master.
Language Skills: Capable of engaging in conversations in Portuguese with confidence.
Responsibilities: Step in for the Master when needed, handling tasks such as teaching classes, managing the group, and organizing events.
Support our Mestre in rodas, outdoor activities, logistics, marketing, and event planning, when required.
Knowledge: Mastery of all Capoeira styles, rhythms, and their fundamentals.
Authority: Serve as the second-highest authority in the group, acting as the Master’s eyes and ears in their absence.
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Corda:
- Mestre 1er Grau: white and green
- Mestre 2do Grau: white and yellow
- Mestre 3ro Grau: white and BlueRank Overview: From Mestre primer grau to terceiro grau, this rank is similar to Contra Mestre but reflects a deeper, long-term commitment to Capoeira over many years.
Time and Dedication: Progress at this level is heavily influenced by the time and effort you invest in your Capoeira journey. Consistency and perseverance are key.
Role in the Group: You are seen as a primary reference for Capoeira within the group, embodying its values, techniques, and traditions in all aspects.
Leadership and Influence: Your experience and dedication make you a guiding figure for others, helping to shape the group’s direction and culture.
Prioritize the unity and cohesion of the entire group while fostering a shared vision and goals in alignment with the Grand Master.
Commitment Level: This rank signifies a higher level of responsibility and dedication, both to your personal growth and to the growth of the group as a whole.
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Corda: Branca / White (Grao Mestre)
Highest Honor in Capoeira: Achieving the rank of Grao Mestre (White Cord) is the pinnacle of a Capoeirista’s journey. It is the ultimate recognition of a lifetime dedicated to the art.
Rare Achievement: This rank is not commonly attained and is often the result of decades of unwavering commitment, practice, and contribution to Capoeira.
Mastery of All Aspects: As a Grao Mestre, you are recognized for mastering every facet of Capoeira, including its physical techniques, musicality, history, philosophy, and cultural traditions.
Global Respect: You earn the respect and admiration of Capoeira communities and other martial arts, worldwide, becoming a symbol of excellence and leadership within the art form.
Cultural Ambassador: Grao Mestres often serve as global ambassadors for Capoeira, promoting its values, history, and traditions across borders.
Mentorship and Legacy: A key responsibility is to guide and inspire the next generation of Capoeiristas, ensuring the art form’s preservation and evolution.
Leadership in the Community: You play a central role in uniting Capoeira groups, resolving conflicts, and fostering collaboration within the global Capoeira community.
Innovation and Tradition: While deeply rooted in tradition, Grao Mestres are also innovators, contributing to the evolution of Capoeira by introducing new techniques, rituals, or teaching methods.
Symbol of Wisdom: This rank represents not just technical skill but also profound wisdom, humility, and a deep understanding of Capoeira’s cultural and spiritual essence.
Lifetime Commitment: The journey to becoming a Grao Mestre is a lifelong dedication, often marked by sacrifices, challenges, and an unshakable passion for Capoeira.
Final Rank in Grupo de Capoeira Resistencia: The White Cord is the highest and final rank in the graduation system of Grupo de Capoeira Resistencia, symbolizing the completion of a Capoeirista’s formal journey.
Role Model: As a Grao Mestre, you embody the ideals of Capoeira, serving as a role model for discipline, resilience, and cultural pride.
Cultural Preservation: You are entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding Capoeira’s rich heritage, ensuring its authenticity is passed down to future generations.
Global Influence: Many Grao Mestres establish schools, organize international events, and publish works to share their knowledge and expand Capoeira’s global reach.
Humility and Respect: Despite the prestige of the rank, Grao Mestres are expected to remain humble, approachable, and deeply respectful of Capoeira’s roots and community.
This rank is not just a title but a testament to a life lived in harmony with the spirit of Capoeira, blending artistry, combat, and cultural wisdom into a singular, transformative journey.
Progression Guide: Understanding Rank Advancement
Progress and rank advancement are significant and reflect your dedication, effort, and growth. However, it’s important to understand that not every year will result in a promotion to a higher rank. Each student has unique skills, attributes, and life circumstances.
At Resistencia, we evaluate everyone individually, ensuring fairness and recognizing our diverse paths.
While participation is essential, it does not guarantee automatic rank advancement.
Let’s break down the key principles to help you navigate your journey.
Time and Consistency: The Foundations of Progress
1. Time is Not the Only Factor
While the time you spend training is important, it is not the sole measure of your progress. Rank advancement depends on consistent improvement, active participation, and a genuine dedication to your practice. Attending classes once in a while for a certain number of months or years does not automatically qualify you for promotion. You must demonstrate growth in skill, mindset, and contribution to the group.
2. Absence Resets Progress
If you take a long break from training (e.g., one or more years), the time spent away does not count toward your rank progression. When you return, you must resume training and prove your skills and commitment before being considered for advancement. Consistency is crucial; regular practice ensures that you maintain and build upon your abilities.
3. Active Participation Counts
Only active involvement in training sessions, workshops, events, and group activities contributes to your progression. Showing up consistently, engaging fully, and supporting your fellow students are key to advancing ranks. Your continuing presence and effort matter.
4. Leadership Roles Require Commitment
Higher ranks come with greater responsibilities, such as teaching, mentoring, and leading others. These roles demand not only skill but also consistent dedication.
Long absences may result in a review of your responsibilities, as leadership requires ongoing involvement and setting an example for others.
Recognition and Promotion: A Milestone of Achievement
1. Promotion Equals Recognition
Earning a promotion to a higher rank is a significant milestone. It signifies that you have demonstrated the qualities, skills, and dedication required to meet the standards of that rank.
It is not just about moving up; it is a recognition of the effort and commitment you have already shown. You have proven yourself capable and fulfilled the necessary criteria, which is a testament to your growth and perseverance. As you progress, new challenges and expectations will arise, offering opportunities for further development and achievement.
2. Cordas Are Given as Recognition
Cordas are presented during official Batizados as a symbol of acknowledgment for your consistent dedication, effort, and contributions.
They serve as a tangible reminder of the values you have upheld and the progress you have made within our community.
Wear them with pride, knowing they represent your hard work and commitment.
Note: Beginners to Professores wear their Cordas on the right side of the hips, while Contra Mestres to Grao Mestres wear them on the left.
Individual Journeys: Respecting Uniqueness and Balance
Every student’s journey in Capoeira is unique. Life circumstances, such as work, family commitments, and other responsibilities, are always considered. We value balance and strive to support you in maintaining it.
Open Communication and Guidance
If you ever feel uncertain about your responsibilities or progression, we encourage you to seek clarity through open communication with our Master.
Regular and honest dialogue ensures harmony within the group, fostering both personal and collective growth.
Personalized Evaluation and Promotion
Our Master assesses each student individually, recognizing unique strengths and areas for improvement. This personalized approach ensures that promotions accurately reflect your actual development and readiness for the next level. Progress is not about speed but about steady growth and dedication over time.
Progress is Personal and Unique
Just as every martial artist is different, the path to mastery varies for everyone. Some may advance quickly, while others take more time to refine their skills. This is a natural part of the learning process. Focus on your journey rather than comparing yourself to others; every small achievement is a step forward. Trust in your dedication, and the rewards will come with time.
Together We Grow
In our community, we support and guide one another. Your dedication is deeply valued, and together, we continue to strive for excellence while fostering a spirit of mutual respect and encouragement.
Remember, progress is not just about reaching the next rank; it’s about the journey, the lessons learned, and the person you become along the way. Keep training, stay consistent, and embrace the challenges ahead. You are part of something greater, and your efforts contribute to the strength and unity of our group.
Keep moving forward, one step at a time.

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Mestre Bira
FOUNDER & LEADER of Grupo de Capoeira Resistência
& Integração volta ao mundo - WORLDWIDE -
Contra Mestre Sinbad
Grupo de Capoeira Resistência - Wellington, NZ.
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Contra Mestre Cabelo
Grupo de Capoeira Resistência - Cork, Ireland.
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Dende, Bandida, Marcelo Capoeira, Carlos Miranda
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Bella, Mare, Andorinha, Montanha, Boa Gente, Volta ao Mundo.
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Bola, Sharada, Exquisito, Machadinha, Biriba, Exterminator, Esquilo Voador
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Rapunzel, Castelo