Da’Mon Stith of Austin Warrior Arts recently posed a series of thought-provoking questions on his Facebook page regarding the resilience of martial traditions. These inquiries struck a chord with me, prompting a deep reflection on the nature of our practice. I felt it was essential to move beyond a simple social media reply and instead craft this blog post to thoroughly explore the implications of his questions.

Allright, let’s do this.

If capoeira were illegal to practice, would you still practice it?

Short answer: Hell yeah!

Long answer: Honestly, it took me a significant amount of time to reach a definitive conclusion. One might wonder why anyone would dedicate themselves to studying an illegal martial art when there is a plethora of legal alternatives available that could arguably make you just as effective a “fighter.”

However, after much consideration, I realized that capoeira’s value transcends legality.

The choice to continue practicing, even under the threat of illegality, stems from the realization that capoeira is far more than a mere sport or physical activity. For those of African descent, it represents a unique lineage of skills, power, and hope, embodying the resilient spirit of a warrior that has historically survived through periods of intense suppression. Beyond its immense cultural significance, the art provides vital health benefits, effective self-defense capabilities, and a profound pathway toward self-knowledge and spiritual grounding. This dedication to preservation is reflected in the work of practitioners like Da’Mon Stith of Austin Warrior Arts, who explores various Historical African Martial Arts (HAMA) to keep these traditions alive.

If so, why would you continue to practice, and how would you go about practicing it?

Practicing an illegal art in a modern context would necessitate a strategic transition to a sophisticated underground network, effectively reviving the historical “malandragem”—the art of deception and survival—that once protected capoeira during its years of prohibition in Brazil. Following the clandestine example set by the Old Mestres, I would seek out secluded, out-of-the-way locations such as dense woods, private basements, or forgotten urban corners to train with a tightly-knit, trusted circle of capoeiristas, all of whom share a deep understanding of the stakes involved. This hidden environment would require a heightened level of collective intuition and deep communal trust, as every roda would become a deliberate and dangerous act of cultural resistance, an intimate gathering where we would not only hone our physical skills but also share stories, music, and the rich heritage that binds us together. As we moved in sync to the pulsing rhythms of the berimbau, each kick and dodge would resonate with the legacy of those who fought to keep capoeira alive. In these moments, our training would transcend mere self-defense; it would transform into a powerful statement against oppression, allowing us to reclaim our identity and resist the encroachment of cultural erasure in an increasingly homogenized world. The very act of practicing in secrecy would reinforce our solidarity, reminding us of the weight of our ancestors’ struggles, and each session would further solidify our commitment to preserving this vital form of expression.

In my public life, I would ensure my martial knowledge remains carefully concealed, preserving the art’s most potent secrets through coded movements and subtle discipline, ensuring that the essence of capoeira survives even if its outward expression is forced into the shadows. Ultimately, the practice would serve as a vital engine for community empowerment, acting as a beacon of resilience amidst adversity. By cultivating personal strength and a warrior’s heart, I would aim to provide tangible security and spiritual inspiration to my family, friends, and neighbors, thereby creating a supportive network that thrives on mutual respect and shared values. This art form would transcend mere physical practice, transforming into a dynamic platform for cultural exchange and community engagement, uniting individuals from diverse backgrounds under a common purpose. In this way, I would endeavor to turn the art into a living foundation for a better world that prioritizes ancestral heritage over restrictive, unjust mandates, reaffirming our commitment to freedom and self-expression in every movement and interaction.

And now, for the bonus question:

What would you use it for?

I would use it to make the world around me a better place. I mean my family, my friends, my community. This practice is not just about individual skill; it is about building a foundation of strength that radiates outward. By cultivating the eye and heart of a warrior, I can provide a sense of security and inspiration to those closest to me. This internal development serves as a beacon, guiding others toward their own paths of resilience and fortitude. Such a foundation ensures that the art is not just a personal pursuit but a vital engine for community empowerment, allowing the practitioner to offer tangible security and spiritual inspiration to their neighbors.

Furthermore, the deep-seated knowledge of self and the comprehensive health benefits gained from the art allow me to be a more present, intentional, and capable member of my community. By drawing upon the power and hope inherent in our shared heritage, I can actively work to uplift everyone I encounter, transforming individual practice into a communal asset. By mastering the rigorous discipline required by the art, I become significantly better equipped to navigate and handle the multifaceted stresses of daily life, offering a stable and grounding presence for my neighbors, peers, and family members alike.

The physical vitality and mental clarity derived from consistent, focused training ensure that I possess the sustained energy and sharp focus required to contribute meaningfully to collective efforts and communal projects. This creates a nurturing environment where our shared ancestral heritage becomes a powerful catalyst for collective growth, resilience, and socio-cultural empowerment. Ultimately, this mastery transforms the individual into a more effective and capable member of society, leveraging the resilient, unyielding spirit of the warrior to navigate modern challenges with grace and to prioritize the preservation of ancestral heritage over any restrictive or unjust mandates.

Well, that was my response to the profound questions raised by Da’Mon. I am deeply committed to the survival of capoeira, legal or not. I view it not merely as a physical discipline but as a vital connection to a resilient ancestral heritage that deserves to be protected and passed on, regardless of external legality.

Please show your support for Da’Mon Stith! He hosts a significant community event called the “Rooted in Resistance” Summer Intensive, every year in June which highlights various traditional systems such as Haitian Tire Machet; and Colombian Esgrima de Machete, and we highly encourage you to check it out! This event serves as a vital platform for the preservation and celebration of Historical African Martial Arts (HAMA), fostering a deeper understanding of the resilient spirits that forged these combat arts. By attending, you directly contribute to the continuation of these unique lineages of skill and power. You can find more information about his work and the event at the following link:

https://rootedinresistanceatx.com/