Progression is guided, not automatic — attitude, experience and human factors matter as much as attendance.
The Troca de Cordão, or ceremony for a new belt, is not a systematic or mathematical calculation. Attitude, experience, and other human factors are taken into account.
In our school, to receive a new belt at our Batizado event, a student needs to have attended at least 75% of available classes, with an average of 3 classes per week throughout the year.
Introduction belt
Given to any capoeirista as a welcome into the capoeira community at their first Batizado — in some cases, it can also be given outside of a Batizado.
Given to a student at their second Batizado, or in some cases at the first if the student has been training for some time and already shows an understanding of the basic movements, music and roda.
Ginga, Rolê, Aú, Queda de rins, Bananeira, Ponte, Negativa, Troca.
Cocorinha, Esquiva Lateral, Esquiva Baixa, Esquiva Diagonal, Esquiva pra Trás, Resistência.
Meia Lua de Frente, Meia Lua de Compasso, Queixada, Armada, Martelo, Bênção, Cabeçada.
Sequência de Mestre Bimba.
Understands what the roda is, and its basic rules and etiquette. Able to play with someone in the roda without getting hurt or hurting anyone, and knows how to fall down properly.
Sings the chorus, bate palma, pandeiro, and starts to learn one song.
Intermediate student
The three belts at this level are transition belts between green and yellow, used to encourage students and help them progress toward the yellow belt. It isn't necessary to pass through all the belts of these colors, and a belt isn't necessarily given every year.
Understands the different types of games played in the roda.
Able to play all capoeira toques on the pandeiro. Basic knowledge of Atabaque, Berimbau, Agogô and Reco-reco.
Upper intermediate student
Escorpião, Camaleão, Queda Batido, Fuga, Macaco, Macaco em Pé, Macaquinho, S-Dobrado, Aú Batido, Volta por Cima.
Chapa de costa, Chapa no chão, Chapa Giratória, Martelo no chão, Aú Xibata, Chapéu de Couro, Meia Lua Solta, Parafuso, Gancho.
Able to demonstrate a good understanding of the game and be a good example for beginners. Able to be the lead singer in the roda while playing berimbau.
Able to play all the instruments with good technique. Able to lead part of a class as an assistant teacher.
Sequência Rodada.
A transition belt toward blue and yellow. At this level the student reflects, with their teacher's help, on what they need to improve to reach the next level. In musicality, the student should be able to play different toques on the berimbau such as Iúna, Maneira and Miudinho, among others. In jogo, the student should be able to play in any type of roda, regardless of the "style" of capoeira being played.
Beyond being an example to other students, it's also important that the student sees themselves as part of a bigger picture — supporting the group and the capoeira community in general, and understanding the different rituals that exist in capoeira and other Afro-Brazilian traditions.
At this level, capoeiristas may baptize other students during Batizado. They should have a deeper understanding of the styles within capoeira and display more expression in their game. Students are expected to visit Brazil at least once to gain an understanding of the cultural roots of capoeira, and should demonstrate the ability to play any instrument and sing the Ladainha.
The student is able to lead by example within their community, has a deep understanding of capoeira rituals, and is able to transmit this knowledge to others. Involvement in supporting the art within the community — and beyond the Maloca group — is also an important point to develop at this stage.
Sequência Maneira.
At this level, the student has become an Instrutor and may baptize other students at Batizado. They conduct their own research into capoeira to understand what it truly means to be a capoeirista, and are ready to give lessons.
Support for the community grows even further — the Instrutor understands that helping students grow is key to the development of capoeira as an art, keeping in mind that the growth of the group and community happens through interaction with students, other groups and Mestres.
