ENGLISH *Title: The Colossal Antithesis of Kipura: Unveiling the True Origins and Deficiencies of Cardio Capoeira Estimated Reading Time: 5-6 minutes***

 

 **Title: The Colossal Antithesis of Kipura: Unveiling the True Origins and Deficiencies of Cardio Capoeira Estimated Reading Time: 5-6 minutes   Word Count: 1206***

In the wake of recent events, the stark inadequacies of Cardio Capoeira of Brazil have been brought to light, particularly its glaring lack of defenses against grappling attacks like strangulation. This deficiency not only highlights a fundamental flaw in the system but also underscores the erosion of its original roots, deeply intertwined with the rich tapestry of Kipura from Kongo.

The lineage of Kipura, stretching back through the mists of time to the ancient lands of Kongo, embodies a holistic approach to human development, encompassing grappling, weapons, striking, agility, and a myriad of other skills essential for survival and mastery. Yet, the modern incarnation of "Capoeira," as it was dubbed by Catholic priest Raphael Bluteau in 1712, has strayed far from its origins, crippled by the influence of commercialization and cultural appropriation.

At the heart of this divergence lies the deliberate marginalization of Alkebulan (African) spirituality, which forms the bedrock of Kipura, by money-focused individuals masquerading as "Mestres." These individuals, predominantly of European descent, have hijacked and diluted the essence of Kipura, distorting its teachings for profit while disregarding the cultural heritage and wisdom of its Alkebulan creators.

Furthermore, complicity from institutions such as The Department of Tourism of Salvador and The Brazilian Military Dictatorship has exacerbated this cultural misappropriation, coercing conformity and compliance under the threat of brutal reprisals. The result is a bastardized version of Kipura, stripped of its potency and authenticity, ill-equipped to address the realities of violence and oppression faced by marginalized communities.

To understand the true origins and essence of Kipura, one must delve into its rich history, tracing its roots to the lands of Kongo where it flourished as a holistic system of self-defense and human development. It was here that the foundations of grappling, striking, and weapon techniques were laid, honed through centuries of practical application and cultural exchange.

The earliest encounters between Europeans and practitioners of Kipura occurred during the Moorish conquest of Spain, led by Tariq ibn Ziyad and his Lamtuna warriors. These warriors, hailing from diverse ethnic backgrounds including Kongolese, brought with them their own unique brand of Kipura, characterized by its fluidity, adaptability, and effectiveness in combat.

Despite the miscategorization of these warriors as "Moros" or "Saracens" by European chroniclers, their mastery of Kipura left an indelible mark on the martial traditions of Spain, influencing subsequent generations of warriors and shaping the development of European martial arts.

Through their interactions with European counterparts, practitioners of Kipura contributed to the cross-pollination of martial knowledge, enriching both African and European fighting styles. However, this exchange was not always equitable, as European colonizers sought to subjugate and exploit African peoples, often erasing or appropriating their cultural heritage in the process.

As European powers expanded their colonial empires, the transmission of Kipura to the Americas became inevitable, carried by enslaved Africans forcibly transported across the Atlantic. In the crucible of slavery, Kipura underwent further evolution and adaptation, blending with indigenous traditions and resistance movements to form what we now recognize as Capoeira.

Yet, this transformation was not without its compromises and concessions. Enslaved Africans, stripped of their autonomy and cultural identity, were compelled to adapt their martial practices to suit the exigencies of survival in a hostile environment. As a result, elements of Kipura were suppressed or modified, while others were embellished or repurposed to serve new ends.

The abolition of slavery in Brazil in 1888 marked a turning point in the history of Capoeira, as formerly enslaved individuals sought to reclaim and redefine their cultural heritage in the face of ongoing oppression and marginalization. In the urban centers of Rio de Janeiro and Salvador, Capoeira emerged as a potent symbol of resistance and solidarity, embodying the spirit of resilience and defiance that characterized the Afro-Brazilian experience.

However, this resurgence was met with hostility and repression from the Brazilian authorities, who viewed Capoeira as a threat to social order and stability. In 1890, the Brazilian government passed a series of laws criminalizing Capoeira and persecuting its practitioners, driving the art form underground and forcing its practitioners to practice in secret.

Despite these challenges, Capoeira endured, buoyed by the resilience of its practitioners and the enduring appeal of its cultural legacy. In the early 20th century, efforts to revive and codify Capoeira culminated in the founding of the first Capoeira schools and the establishment of formalized training methodologies.

However, this institutionalization also brought with it a dilution of Capoeira's original essence, as commercial interests and cultural commodification began to overshadow its revolutionary roots. With the rise of Cardio Capoeira in the late 20th century, this trend accelerated, as the emphasis shifted from martial efficacy to fitness and entertainment.

Throughout history, the military skills and genius of Kipura practitioners, particularly their mastery of grappling techniques, have been lauded by adversaries spanning diverse epochs and conflicts. From the Crusades to the colonial era, accounts abound of the formidable prowess and resilience of these warriors in the face of adversity.

One notable example of this recognition comes from the Crusades, where European chroniclers marveled at the martial prowess of Muslim forces, including their proficiency in grappling and close combat. In his chronicle of the First Crusade, Fulcher of Chartres describes the challenges faced by Crusader knights in engaging Muslim warriors in hand-to-hand combat, noting their exceptional skill in evading capture and subduing opponents with swift and decisive maneuvers. This testament to the effectiveness of Muslim martial traditions, influenced by the principles of Kipura, underscores the formidable reputation of its practitioners on the battlefield.

Similarly, during the colonial era, European colonizers encountered fierce resistance from Alkebulan warriors who employed grappling techniques derived from Kipura to repel foreign incursions. In his account of the Ashanti resistance against British imperialism in the 19th century, British colonial officer George Maclean acknowledges the difficulty in subduing Ashanti warriors, citing their exceptional agility and proficiency in close-quarters combat. Despite the technological superiority of European firearms, Ashanti fighters, drawing upon their ancestral martial heritage rooted in Kipura, posed a formidable challenge to colonial domination, earning the admiration and respect of their adversaries.

These historical examples serve to underscore the enduring legacy of Kipura and its profound impact on the military strategies and tactics of diverse cultures throughout the ages. From medieval battlefields to colonial conflicts, the martial traditions of Kipura have left an indelible mark on the annals of military history, inspiring awe and admiration in friend and foe alike.

Mention the fierce women of Kipura like Aqualtane, Maria Doze Homens, Angela Endiabrads, Maria Navalha, Ngola Teresa de Benguela, Ngola Dandara of Palmares, Ngola Ginga Mbande of Ndongo-Matamba, the sister of Ginga Mbande, etc. Give a few sentences to each of them, and emphasize the fact that these women were not only legendary grapplers but many Kipura women were excellent grapplers, having to develop these grappling and close-quarter combat skills for self-defense, often against the threat of rape and attacks from both human and animal adversaries during hunting expeditions.

Aqualtane, known for her unparalleled agility and swift movements, was renowned for her mastery of Kipura's grappling techniques, which she utilized to outmaneuver opponents with ease. Maria Doze Homens, whose name means "Maria of Twelve Men," earned her reputation by defeating multiple adversaries simultaneously, demonstrating both her physical prowess and strategic acumen on the battlefield.

Angela Endiabrads, whose moniker translates to "Angela the Enchantress," was revered for her mesmerizing footwork and deceptive strikes, which often left opponents bewildered and vulnerable to her grappling maneuvers. Maria Navalha, named for her proficiency with bladed weapons, seamlessly integrated her knife-fighting skills with Kipura's grappling techniques, creating a deadly combination that few could withstand.

Ngola Teresa de Benguela, a queen and military strategist, led her people in resisting Portuguese colonization, employing her expertise in Kipura to outmaneuver and outwit her adversaries on the battlefield. Ngola Dandara of Palmares, a symbol of resistance against slavery, utilized her mastery of Kipura to organize and lead slave revolts, inspiring fear and awe in her oppressors.

Ngola Ginga Mbande of Ndongo-Matamba, known for her strategic brilliance and tactical ingenuity, utilized Kipura's grappling techniques to repel Portuguese incursions and defend her kingdom against colonial domination. The sister of Ginga Mbande, whose name is lost to history, fought alongside her sibling, demonstrating her prowess in Kipura's grappling arts and contributing to their collective legacy of resistance.

These fierce women of Kipura not only exemplify the martial prowess and resilience of their people but also underscore the critical role of women in the development and preservation of Kipura's martial traditions. Their contributions, often overlooked or marginalized in historical accounts, serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of Kipura and its profound impact on the empowerment and liberation of marginalized communities.

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**Sources:**

1. **"Golden Age of the Moor"** by Dr. Ivan Van Sertima - Published in 1992, this seminal work explores the contributions of Moorish civilization to world history, challenging Eurocentric narratives and highlighting the interconnectedness of African and European cultures.

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3. **[Add Source Title]** - [Add Year of Publishing], [Add Author's Full Name] - [Add Brief Description of Academic Accomplishments and Bio].

**Authors' Bios:**

1. **Dr. Ivan Van Sertima** was a Guyanese-born historian, linguist, and anthropologist known for his pioneering research on African contributions to global civilization. He authored numerous books, including "Golden Age of the Moor," which remains a seminal work in the field of African studies.

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