While training in Capoeira recently, I’d been trying to master a technique called ‘ Queda de Rins ‘ or in English, “Kidney-drop”. To execute the movement one must let their bodyweight ‘drop’ onto their elbow (which in turn braces against the kidneys) while balancing on the hands. In doing it as well as in practicing the myriad of techniques that stem from it, (such as the Meia Lua Queda de Rins ) I couldn’t help, but be reminded of a break-dancing movement called a ‘turtle‘ and had to ponder just how intertwined the history of these two movement systems actually are.

The idea that Capoeira and breakdancing have borrowed movements from each other is certainly nothing new. One need only attend any given Hoda (a gathering of Capoeiristas) to see such classic break dancing moves as freezes, 1990s or headspins and one need one watch any given break-dancing battle or music video for that matter to see Capoeira movements like the Au sen mau. (1:59)

At the same time however, the parallels do not stop here.  Both were pioneered in  predominantly African communities. Both are done to music, done outside on hard surfaces, and done in a circle. Practitioners of both are given nicknames that reflect their personality, physical attributes, or skills which aids in the development of a family atmosphere within members of the group. In the streets, when opposing groups meet to battle, both would (and oftentimes still do) lead to real fights breaking out. All of this would seem to suggest too much in the way of similarity for it to be mere coincidence.

While breakdancing is only a few decades old, Capoeira’s roots extend back to the slave trade, and many historians argue much farther than that. Although breakdancing is said to have developed to interpret the ‘breaks’ in music, and has it’s roots in the dance movements of James Brown, the Lindy Pop and the Charleston, given that New York has had a growing but ununifed Brazilian population since the 1970s, it’s entirely possible that young Capoeiristas were having hodas not just amongst themselves, but with other impoverished youth whom they were living around, and to other kinds of music. This may also explain why breakdancing evolved as the first dance system that utilizes movements on the hands (and other body parts) which are close to the ground, much like in the contemporary form of Capoeira and the traditional form, Capoeira Angola.

As compelling as all of these arguments may be however, as with the history of pretty much anything, there are still questions which may never be answered, and those who will argue for or against the argument of their choosing until they are blue in the face. Many breakers are quite sensitive about claims that breakdancing may have had it’s roots outside of the states, and get just as defensive as many Taekwondoists do when you explore the fact that TKD may partially have roots outside of Korea. Breakers often cite the fact that breaking couldn’t have evolved from Capoeira purely based on the fact that ‘pure’ Capoeira movements didn’t start appearing in breakdancing circles until Capoeira really starting emerging globally in the 1990s. ..and they have a point.

While the debate rages on however, I’m simply going to enjoy both for the incredible artforms that they are, and meanwhile continue working on my Queda De Rins.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfEq3bxb5z8

References:
History of Breakdancing (http://www.essortment.com/all/wherefindcanh_riym.htm)
Similarities of Breakdance and Capoeira (http://www.uwm.edu/~dosemag2/similaritiesofbreakdanceandcapoeira.htm)
Little Brazil, New York City – (http://www.zonalatina.com/Zldata132.htm)

Chuck Johnson is an action actor, and a martial artist of 16 years. In addition to action films, he currently teaches action, martial arts, and stretching techniques in Tokyo, and Saitama, and also works as a personal trainer.

www.chuck-n-action.com