The capoeira creative group in performance. - Photo by Paul Williams

Since 2004, under the guidance of Dennis 'Simpson' Eckart, a German national, Grupo Cativeiro Capoeira of Jamaica has been using martial arts/dance to bring peace and unity to inner-city communities, while at the same time nurturing the health of the minds and bodies of many Jamaicans.

Capoeira (pronounced kah-poh-ay-ee-rah), Eckart said, "represents a vibrant and exciting cultural form that was invented by Brazilian Maroons (Quilombolas) in the time of slavery in that country."

Traditional instruments, such as the berindoa, are integral to the performances as their use determines the pace of the movements. The art is alive and well in Brazil, a country with perhaps the largest black population outside Africa. It comprises traditional African movements once used by Brazilian slaves and Maroons as a form of passive resistance against the colonising Portuguese.

Nowadays it has evolved into a cultural expression that uses music and movements, incorporating acrobatics, jumping, kicking and dancing, to instil discipline. It is also an agent of social cohesion, bringing its practitioners to move in harmony. The essence of the art is to free the mind, body and soul.

"It may seem even more difficult to perform than it is pronounced to the first time onlooker who is invariably captivated by the enchanting rhythms, unusual instruments and sounds, accompanied by powerful chants but most of all the electrifying and playful acrobatic movements that hold you spellbound," Eckart said.

The group celebrates its fifth year this weekend. On Friday there was a roda (ring) and capoeira display at Emancipation Park. The graduation and Batizado (belt-changing ceremonies) took place yesterday at Girl Guides Association of Jamaica which was followed by a Brazilian party at Chilitos Mexican Restaurant on Hope Road.

The celebrations end with a capoeira beach trip today.

"Capoeira has taken Jamaica by storm since 2004 ... For many of the young participants from the inner city, capoeira and this event mean the recognition of hard work and dedication and a viable alternative to the negative influences that plague them in their daily lives," Eckart said.

paul.williams@gleanerjm.com