Volto Do Mundo Bambas, in collaboration with Capoeira Brasil Los Angeles, will host its sixth elite capoeira competition and the first one outside of Brazil, on July 20th at 1:00 p.m. at the Culver City Veterans Auditorium.
Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that incorporates music, dance, acrobatics, and culture developed in the 16th century by enslaved Africans in Brazil. Its sparring style is defined by constant fluid motion, powerful kicks, and artful escapes rather than blocks. There are two main types of capoeira: angola and regional. The former incorporates more ground movements and the latter is more upright and martial.
The VMB competitors compete in Capoeira regional. Local angelino adult women’s competitor Sem Parar, who has been practicing capoeira for eight years, said, “Getting the chance to compete in VMB has been a goal of mine since its inception. I can’t wait to represent Los Angeles in the first VMB in the United States, right here in L.A.!” She added, “I’ve watched live streams of capoeira competitions in Brazil for years. Having a VMB competition in L.A. provides new opportunities for capoeiristas here.” Although capoeira movements have been used in UFC competitions, most famously by Brazilian MMA fighter Anderson Silva, historically, there has not been an elite competition setting for capoeiristas. While there have been Capoeira competitions in the U.S. before, none have gained much popularity or success from within the community or an outside audience. Partially because many do not feel that the culture of capoeira lends itself to the competitive arena.
The art form as they see it – is not about winning a game, but more so creating a meaningful conversation with another player through their movements and celebrating a rich culture. The VMB believes that competitions can augment to the world of capoeira though by providing new opportunities and increasing recognition of the sport all while honoring the unique cultural spirit of the art form. Volta do Mundo Bambas was formed in 2022 to provide a platform for younger Capoeiristas to pursue the professional athlete path without migrating to other modalities. It has also created a space for younger athletes to see the capoeiristas they look up to in action and be even more inspired. The VMB has quickly become the world’s largest and most respected capoeira competition.
To spar in capoeira known as playing a game, two opponents face each other in the middle of a circle of their peers who clap, play percussion instruments, and sing songs that dictate what kind of game they will play, whether fast or slow. The movements are fluid and circular—a dialogue between the two players. A significant concept in Capoeira is Malicia, where players improvisationally strategize to trick their opponents and catch them in a weak position. Beto Simas, head of VMB USA and one of the three founders of Capoeira Brasil, has been working hard to make this competition a reality and expand it outside of Brazil. “I want to help expand VMB competitions across the U.S.,” he says, “and Los Angeles is the perfect launching place for that.” He’s also excited to share part of his culture with the local Culver City community and increase exposure to the martial art he loves and has dedicated the last fifty years of his life to. “I have no doubt that VMB will explode”, he adds.
Volto Do Mundo Bambas is considered “the UFC of Capoeira” and is the biggest elite capoeira competition in the world. This will be the first time a VMB competition is held outside of Brazil. The invited competitors are coming from all over North America to compete for the winning belt. Viewers are in for a treat, getting to see some of the best of the best at this Afro-Brazilian art form.
Free to the Public
Competition will feature youth, teen, and adult masters (female and male) categories
For more information, please visit http://www.capoeirabrasil.com/batizado-2024-1
July 20th 12pm – Doors Open; 1pm – 3:30pm
Culver City Veterans Auditorium, 4117 Overland Ave. 90232
Megan Hayes
Photo courtesy Capoeira Brasil LA
