The Capoeira practiced throughout the world today finds its roots in two traditional styles developed in Brazil, Capoeira Angola and Capoeira Regional.
Capoeira Angola is the earliest form of Capoeira. The most famous Angola master was Mestre Pastinha (1889-1981). It is normally played close to the ground and the rhythm of the music is slower. Traditionally, the bateria of an Angola roda has 3 berimbaus, (one gunga, one medio, and one viola), all of which play different rhythms. There are also 2 pandeiros, and an atabaque. The roda begins with a ladainha, a song that tells a story delivering a message. Players begin the games once the ladainha is over.
Capoeira Regional was created by Mestre Bimba (1900-1974), in Salvador, Bahia. The movements are more upright and are played in a medium to fast-paced rhythm. The bateria consists of one berimbau and two pandeiros. Mestre Bimba significantly changed how society viewed Capoeira. He promoted its cultural value, performing for the governor of Bahia and the president of Brazil. In the 1930s, because of the influence of Mestre Bimba, the law that outlawed Capoeira since 1890 was reversed.
Miudinho is a type of game developed by Mestre Suassuna, and it is unique to the school, Capoeira Cordão de Ouro. It is played fast, close to the ground, and in a small space. Players aren’t aiming to trick each other. Instead, they are cooperating with each other, using a lot of body expression to make the movements flow esthetically.
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