*Unveiling the True Origins of the Capoeira Technique "Role" - Nyani Rahisi: A Journey from Kongo to Brazil*

 






**Title:** *Unveiling the True Origins of the Capoeira Technique "Role" - Nyani Rahisi: A Journey from Kongo to Brazil*


**Introduction**


The ineffective Cardio Capoeira role:



The highly effective Nyani Rahisi created for Njia Uhuru Kipura by Mwalimu Mtaalam Ras Fletcher




The history of the Capoeira technique known as "role" is a fascinating journey that traces its roots back to the region now known as Kongo, in the continent of Alkebulan, historically miscalled as Africa. This technique, known in its original form as "Nyani Rahisi," is a testament to the ingenuity, creativity, and agility of the Kongo warriors who developed it. However, over time, this remarkable martial art technique underwent a transformation and became known as a technique from the "Brazilian art" of Capoeira, thanks to linguistic twists and historical events.


In this article, we will delve into the rich history of Nyani Rahisi, its migration to Brazil through the transatlantic slave trade, and its revival by contemporary martial artist Mwalimu Mtaalam Ras Fletcher. Under his guidance, Nyani Rahisi has been reconstituted, refined, and modernized as part of the innovative Njia Uhuru Kipura system, meaning "Kipura's Way/Path/Means/Road of Freedom."


**The Birth of Nyani Rahisi in Kongo**


Nyani Rahisi, often referred to as the "role" in modern Capoeira, originated in the Kongo region of Alkebulan. It was an integral technique found in Kipura, a self-defense and human development system practiced by the Kongo people. The name "Kipura" was later mispronounced and mislabeled as "Capoeira" by Raphael Bluteau [ a racist Catholic priest from Brazil ]  in  the year of 1712, leading to the enduring misnomer we know today.


The Kongo warriors were known for their intelligence, creativity, incredible hardiness, grace, amazing agility, speed, tremendous mind-body coordination and keen observation of nature. They drew inspiration from the movements of every animal they observed...a truly diverse array of Nature's creatures which populated the land we know as Kongo. The Kipura warriors of Kongo who created the technique of Nyani Rahisi drew inspiration and comprehensive analysis of the entire category of simians, specifically monkeys, and extracted combat applications from these observations. Nyani Rahisi was born from this deep understanding of natural movement and its adaptability in combat situations.


**The Transatlantic Journey to Brazil**


The tragic transatlantic slave trade brought Nyani Rahisi to Brazil, where it underwent significant changes and adaptations. Enslaved Africans, who carried their cultural practices and traditions with them, introduced Nyani Rahisi to the Brazilian soil. However, the harsh conditions of slavery forced the martial art to evolve, blending with other African and indigenous Brazilian influences.


In Brazil, Nyani Rahisi became known as a technique that is part of Capoeira, a misnomer born from the true name of Kipura that encapsulated a complex fusion of martial art, dance, music, and cultural expression. The European enslavement trade, marked by cruelty and oppression, led to the loss of many original elements of Nyani Rahisi within the practice of Capoeira. Over time, the martial aspect became veiled beneath the dance and acrobatics for which Capoeira is known.


**Rediscovering Nyani Rahisi - The Work of Mwalimu Mtaalam Ras Fletcher**


Despite the transformations and adaptations of Nyani Rahisi into Capoeira, the essence of this ancient skill, technique and the art of Kipura from which it was derived lived on, hidden beneath the surface. Mwalimu Mtaalam Ras Fletcher, the leader of The Atacx Gym Street Warriors, took on the monumental task of uncovering, reconstituting, and revitalizing Nyani Rahisi.


Mwalimu Mtaalam Ras Fletcher's journey involved in-depth research, drawing from the knowledge of dozens of international scholars and the life experiences, self defense training, scholarship, and family lore passed down through multiple branches of his family. He embarked on a quest to restore, stress test, refine, improve, functionalize, and modernize Nyani Rahisi. This effort extended not only to the technique itself but also to the thousands of other principles, concepts, and practices that form the foundation of his innovative Njia Uhuru Kipura system.


**Njia Uhuru Kipura - Kipura's Path to Freedom**


Njia Uhuru Kipura, meaning "Kipura's Way/Path/Means/Road of Freedom," represents the culmination of Mwalimu Mtaalam Ras Fletcher's laborious efforts. It is a comprehensive system that incorporates Nyani Rahisi as a central component but goes beyond to encompass a wide range of techniques and principles for self-defense, personal development, and physical fitness.


Within Njia Uhuru Kipura, Nyani Rahisi takes its rightful place, no longer obscured by the layers of history and cultural transformation. It has been adapted, refined, and modernized to meet the needs of contemporary practitioners, offering a valuable tool for self-defense and personal growth.


**Conclusion**


The history of the Capoeira technique "role" or Nyani Rahisi is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of martial arts through time and across continents. From its origins in the Kongo region of Alkebulan to its transformation into Capoeira in Brazil, this technique has survived and evolved.


Thanks to the dedication of Mwalimu Mtaalam Ras Fletcher and his Njia Uhuru Kipura system, Nyani Rahisi has been resurrected from the annals of history. It stands as a symbol of cultural heritage, human creativity, and the enduring spirit of martial arts. As we embrace the Nyani Rahisi of today, we honor the warriors of the past who developed this technique and celebrate its continued evolution in the hands of modern practitioners.

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