AKIN CAPOEIRA
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TRADITION AND PROGRESS

OUR GRADUATION SYSTEM

Progress in capoeira is about more than technique. Music, play, respect and commitment matter too.

FROM AGE 12

THE SIX CORDAS.

These criteria have been translated from the club document. They explicitly apply to students aged 12 and over. Any system for younger children will be added separately.

LEVEL 01

1. corda — White and yellow

Technique

  • Solid ginga
  • Basic evasions (esquivas)
  • Introductory moves: armada, meia-lua de frente and queixada

Physical ability

  • Coordination
  • Basic stamina

Musicality

  • Clapping in rhythm
  • Recognising the berimbau

Conduct

  • Respect inside the roda
  • Attention and discipline

LEVEL 02

2. corda — Yellow

Technique

  • Basic sequences
  • Aú, rolê and cocorinha
  • Understanding attack and defence

Physical ability

  • Moderate stamina
  • Body control

Musicality

  • Playing the pandeiro

Jogo

  • Taking part in the roda

LEVEL 03

3. corda — Yellow and orange

Technique

  • Combinations of attacking movements
  • Meia-lua de compasso
  • Martelo
  • First floreios (acrobatic flourishes)

Physical ability

  • Strength and mobility

Musicality

  • Playing the pandeiro
  • One toque on the atabaque
  • One toque on the berimbau

Jogo

  • Playing more freely and consciously

LEVEL 04

4. corda — Orange

Technique

  • Counterattacks
  • Advanced sequences
  • Full fluidity

Physical ability

  • Explosiveness
  • High stamina

Musicality

  • Further development on the instruments
  • Maintaining a steady rhythm

Jogo

  • Understanding the game
  • Malícia (tactical cunning)

Teaching

  • Teaching under supervision

LEVEL 05

5. corda — Orange and blue

Technique

  • Creativity
  • Advanced movements
  • Full control

Physical ability

  • High performance level

Musicality

  • Playing instruments with confidence
  • Starting or leading songs (puxar cantigas)

Jogo

  • Strategic play
  • Controlling the rhythm

Teaching

  • Teaching under supervision

LEVEL 06

6. corda — Light blue and dark green

Technique

  • Clean execution
  • Full mastery

Physical ability

  • High performance level
  • Complete control

Musicality

  • Mastering the berimbau
  • Leading a roda
  • Starting or leading songs (puxar cantigas)

Jogo

  • Complete game: technique, malícia and control
  • Adapting to every level

Teaching

  • Teaching under supervision

This page is a working translation of the club flyer. Mestre Tornado and the club owners should review current criteria and terminology before publication.

Read the club rules →