Graduation System

1. Verde (Green)

A capoeirista attends his/her first batizado at this grade. To achieve this belt, the student must have knowledge of the ginga and other basic movements, kicks and escapes from kicks. S/he must have a basic understanding of the game, the etiquette of the roda, and s/he should have learnt how to fall correctly.

2. Verde/Amarelo (Green/Yellow)

The student must have a greater understanding of the different styles of Capoeira: Angola, Regional and Miudinho. S/he must also have a basic knowledge of the instruments played within the roda.

3. Amarelo (Yellow)

The student must be able to demonstrate the Seqüências de Mestre Bimba. S/he should also be able to play the instruments competently and be able to sing within the roda at solo level.

S/he starts to learn the basic movements of the Miudinho sequence at this level.

4. Amarelo/Azul (Yellow/Blue)

The student must have a deeper understanding of the styles within Capoeira. S/he must display more expression within his/her game and show an understanding of Miudinho. A student will also be expected to visit Brazil at least once to gain an understanding of the cultural roots of Capoeira.

S/he must have the ability to play the instruments (berimbau, atabaque and pandeiro) and to sing the ladainha at this stage.

5. Azul (Blue) - Instructor

An instructor must know the complete Seqüências de Mestre Bimba and Seqüências de Miudinho. Beyond having ability to play the different rhythms for all of the instruments (berimbau, atabaque and pandeiro), s/he is also expected to know Maculelê and Samba de Roda.

S/he must study and conduct own research about Capoeira to understand the meaning of being a true capoeirista, and be ready to give lessons.

6. Verde/Amarelo/Azul (Green/Yellow/Blue) - Professor

This grade is the "formado" (graduate). A professor must present a sequence of advanced movements and be able to play a typical Angola, Regional and Miudinho game, as well as all types of rhythms for different games.

A professor also has to demonstrate the Seqüências de Mestre Bimba, Balões de Mestre Bimba (throws), Quedas (take-downs) and Cintura Desprezada (movements where a player is launched high and s/he needs to fall in foot) with clean techniques.

7. Verde/Amarelo/Azul/Branco (Green/Yellow/Blue/White) - Contra-Mestre

At this stage, a Capoeirista will be judged not only on his/her own skill and ability, but also by the work s/he does with students.

8. Verde/Branco (Green/White) - 1st Degree Mestre

The masters of 1st to 3rd degree must have developed independent works and have had graduated students. They need to be patient to teach humbly and must always take the capoeira as a way of peace and loyalty.

9. Amarelo/Branco (Yellow/White) - 2nd Degree Mestre

The masters of 1st to 3rd degree must have developed independent works and have had graduated students. They need to be patient to teach humbly and must always take the capoeira as a way of peace and loyalty.

10. Azul/Branco (Blue/White) - 3rd Degree Mestre

The masters of 1st to 3rd degree must have developed independent works and have had graduated students. They need to be patient to teach humbly and must always take the capoeira as a way of peace and loyalty.

11. Branco (White) - Grand Mestre

The color white symbolizes the peace and the wisdom. This is the highest grade in Capoeira. The Grande Mestre will supervise other mestres.

1. Verde-Claro (Light Green)