The international organization of ABADÁ-Capoeira was founded in 1988 by Mestre Camisa (José Tadeu Carneiro Cardoso) and is based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The name ABADÁ is an acronym which, when translated into English, stands for “Brazilian Association for the Support and Development of the Art of Capoeira.”
Mestre Camisa developed his own philosophy and methodology for teaching capoeira by following the innovative concepts of his teacher, Mestre Bimba, the great master of capoeira regional. Mestre Camisa's vision for ABADÁ-Capoeira is to be an organization that moves forward while keeping one foot in the past, maintaining tradition yet adapting to society's changes.
ABADÁ-Capoeira prides itself on the originality and constant refinement of its style of capoeira, renown for efficiency, aesthetics, and cultural and historical relevance. The organization strives to improve and promote capoeira, allowing it to reach its full potential as an internationally respected art form while maintaining its dignity, character, history, and traditions.
Members of ABADÁ-Capoeira believe that the study of capoeira involves dedication to all the various aspects of the art: technical mastery of the physical elements of capoeira, constant evolution of the technique to improve efficiency and prevent injury, understanding and preservation of capoeira’s rich history, ability to play and sing the music and instruments of capoeira, and participation in the larger capoeira community in Brazil and throughout the world.
Click below to learn more about Mestre Camisa, founder of ABADÁ-Capoeira International, Mestra Marcia Cigarra, founder and artistic director of ABADÁ-Capoeira San Francisco and Graduada Toninho, founder and teacher of ABADÁ-Capoeira Visalia.
