ABOUT
N'GOLO CAPOEIRA ANGOLA
Capoeira Angola (pronounced Cop-way-da Angola) is ancient martial art and danced-fight, comprised of playful sparring, movement and music, incorporating style, wit, flexibility, and strategy. The artform carries tremendous respect for tradition and above all, there is a reverence for the wisdom and profound knowledge attained by the masters and practicioners of Capoeira. The mark of a true Angoleiro is one who practices the art form of Capoeira Angola and aspires for a higher level of physical and spiritual enlightenment by exercising the basic principles and techniques related to Capoeira Angola.
​
The basic pillars of Capoeira Angola are the Ginga, the Jogo and the Roda. At the heart of Capoeira Angola is the music, led by the Berimbau, a wooden, steel-stringed, bowed instrument with a gourd resonator. When Capoeira Angola is practiced or played in the Roda, the music signals the beginning and the end of each game. The music is an intricate part of the art form as it also governs the style and speed of the Jogo.
​
Capoeira Angola is infinitely varied with an unlimited combination of physical movements and expression. An alternative, total-body integrated sport, Capoeira is a unique, powerful, and deceptive martial art using the legs, arms, torso, and head.
​
HISTORY
Born in the Kongo (Congo) or Western Region of Africa or present-day Angola, a beautiful dance-fight was constructed with complexity and finesse, although inherently secret, powerful, and deadly. N'golo or 'zebra dance' was eventually changed to Capoeira Angola in Brazil. As Angola was South America's main hub for the slave trade and free labor, the word 'Capoeira' is indigenous to Brazil meaning "the clearing of land burnt for agriculture." It was tradition and often rights of passage for young boys entering manhood.
​
During the times of slavery in Brazil, Capoeira Angola was a powerful weapon used to defend themselves against slave masters and revolts of the Quilombos (independent self-preserved African communities of the escaped slaves).
​
N'golo Movement Arts [NMA] formerly N'golo Capoeira Angola Atlanta was founded in 2004 under the guidance of Contra-Mestre Tacheon "Tac" Baker, a teacher, practitioner and certified personal trainer for over 15 years. Tacheon began studying Capoeira in 1997 with Grupo de N'Golo Atlanta under Mestre Jamie Brown, a respected elder and teacher of Capoeira Angola for over 30 years.
INSTRUCTOR
CONTRA MESTRE
Tacheon
(pronounced Tak-E-On)
​
CONTRA MESTRE TACHEON'S MISSION
Our Mission is to preserve the fundamental elements of Capoeira Angola and all of its principles, pillars and aspects through ancestral song, history, philosophy, physical practice, exercise, diet, and core values. Our goal is to instill, enhance and strengthen our Capoeria Angola communities all while building a strong relationship between other organizations and institutions dedicated to empowering the youth and adults.
