Culture

Capoeira Angola: Martial Art form for the Entire Family

Tribo Afro Bahiana de Capoeira Angola Tradicional (TABCAT), our organization, teaches, supports, performs and promotes Brazilian culture. In particular, our focus is on the Art of "Capoeira." The organization strives to work with communities in Michigan to develop comprehensive programs around Brazilian art-forms. These programs are focused on developing life skills for different communities. We also support the work of Brazilian artists residing in the U.S and other parts of the world.

Capoeira evolved in Brazil 512 years ago from the traditions of the African people who were enslaved by the Portuguese. This art form was developed to bring freedom to those enslaved as a way to defend themselves against the perils of slavery. It was transformed from just fighting to a game by infusing indigenous Brazilian and African music, dance and philosophy, so enslaved Africans would not be persecuted for practicing the art and the tradition could survive over time. The transformation of this art has led to its existence today within the heart of the Afro-Brazilian communities.


Capoeira is a complete exercise for the mind, body and soul. The art physically works each muscle in the body through low to high body and leg movements. The fight is disguised through the dance and music elements that blend together to form the game. The game is accompanied by an orchestra of traditional musical instruments, steel stringed bow (berimbau), a pandeiro (tambourine), reco reco (is a bamboo scraper), agogo (two tone bell), and atabaque (drum or ingoma). The fluid movements, kicks, cartwheels and acrobatics accompanied by the orchestra of music and songs passed down from ancient masters complete what is called the “Circle of Capoeira” or “Roda.”

To better understand Capoeira, we have provided a video.
Please click photo below.

Mestre Caboquinho & Tonho Matera

For more information about T.A.B.C.A.T.
performances or workshops,

Please call: Treinel Pequenininhoho (313) 638-7379
Or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Also, feel free to visit our website: www.michigancapoeira.com
For more videos, click on:  (http://www.youtube.com/user/tabcatmestre#p/u/3/L2KKZTTkFG8)
(http://www.youtube.com/user/tabcatmestre#p/u/2/9qD6GwD0p2s)
(http://www.youtube.com/user/tabcatmestre#p/u/1/bLk7_ISVO6Y)