Idman.biz
Capoeira is one of the most extraordinary martial arts with a rich history. Although this sport is not yet one of the most popular directions in Azerbaijan, it is developing rapidly and achieving successful results in the international arena. Recently, Azerbaijani capoeiristas returned from the "Bimba Open-2026" tournament held in Munich with three medals.
Idman.Biz assistant head coach of the Azerbaijani capoeira national team, Dilgam Seyidzade, spoke about the features of this sport in an interview.
– How does capoeira differ from other martial arts?
– Capoeira was created in the 16th century. African slaves brought it to Brazil, and it was there that it developed into the form we know today. The main feature of this martial art is that it also includes dance elements. Slaves lived in very difficult conditions and wanted to create a way to defend themselves and escape. But they had to do it in such a way that their owners would not suspect their intentions. Therefore, they used music performed on a special wooden instrument.
During training, when observers appeared from afar, the movements immediately turned into dance. When necessary, they would return to battle and try to escape. Later, thanks to Mestre Bimba in Brazil, capoeira was officially recognized as a martial art. This direction combines elements of various sports - for example, taekwondo and acrobatics. Sometimes it is even confused with break dancing. But the main point in competitions is fighting.
– How has capoeira developed in Azerbaijan?
– Capoeira came to Azerbaijan in the 90s. Since the early 2000s, this sport began to be gradually recognized at the state level, and then a federation was created. Previously, very few people knew about capoeira, but now the situation is changing. We participate in various events. The Ministry of Youth and Sports, as well as the Brazilian Embassy, support us in this matter. Recently, with the support of the ministry, we went to a tournament in Germany and returned from there with two gold and one bronze medal.
National championships are held in Azerbaijan, and based on the results of these competitions, a national team is formed. The strongest athletes participate in international competitions and become prize winners. In each group, both boys and girls train. There are 5-6 very strong female athletes in the national team. For example, one of them, Mehriban Hajibabayeva, recently took first place at the "Bimba Open-2026" tournament. She is also the European champion.
– Do specialists come to Azerbaijan from Brazil?
Yes, we hold a capoeira holiday called "batizado" and foreign guests are invited to this event (this is a solemn ceremony where beginners receive their first belts - ed.). For example, the president of the World Capoeira Federation came to us last time.
– What are the benefits of capoeira for children?
– This sport is very good for the spine. We try to develop both sides of the body equally to prevent problems such as scoliosis. In addition, we approach each child individually. We take into account their characters: if someone needs a softer approach, another needs more serious motivation.
Capoeira also helps a child open up socially. I myself was a very closed person as a child, but thanks to this sport I became more sociable. Music plays a very big role here. We play some music with amplifiers, and we play some ourselves. The concept of "ashe" expresses capoeira very well. This concept is of African origin and expresses the inner strength and spiritual energy felt in people, music, and movement.
When a person falls into this atmosphere, they move away from stress and begin to express themselves more comfortably. Parents also feel this. Sometimes they also join the trainings and we have special groups for this. I think that the main factor that attracts people to capoeira is this energy.
