Capoeira master Luiz Henrique Guimarães, better known as Professor Mestre Gordinho, began an initiative in New York City that teaches the Afro-Brazilian martial art Capoeira to Black youth. Gordinho wanted to connect young people to the African diaspora.
Capoeira is a martial art form that was practiced by enslaved Afro-Brazilians in Brazil in the 1500s. The martial art combines acrobatics with dance movements. It is also a lethal fighting technique that enslaved Africans historically disguised as dance to practice the lethal art form and stay connected to African traditions.
“I believe that Capoeira with all its artistic and cultural complexity represents a symbol of resistance. Born on Brazilian soil by an idea of liberation, today Capoeira— through its very essence— provides an immediate identification on the part of Afro-descendants. In fact, Capoeira is for every society that claims justice and equality through discipline and respect to others.”
Gordinho, from Rio de Janeiro, partnered with the NYPD to teach Black youth Capoeira after moving to New York in 2017. He told Travel Noire that around 100 people had been trained in the martial art form so far.
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The martial arts master learned Capoeira while studying at the ABADÁ-Capoeira school under Mestre Morcego. He has since taught the art form in more than 30 countries for 30 years.
“Capoeira already has its prominence in NYC, but there is still a lack of understanding about it,” said Gordinho. “Many people ask, ‘Is it a dance? A game? Fight? Choreography?’ Capoeira can be all of these, but it cannot be defined by any of these.”
Gordinho is an instructor and principal at ABADÁ-Capoeira in New York City.
