Capoeira Malês Cord System

At Capoeira Malês, we follow a structured cord (“Corda” in Portuguese) system to recognize the progress, dedication, and evolving understanding of each student. This system uses a series of colored cords—known as cordas—to represent a Capoeirista’s (a practitioner of Capoeira) development. Each cord symbolizes not just skill, but a deepening connection to the art form, community, and values of Capoeira. Students typically receive their cords during our annual Batizado (baptism), a celebratory event where they demonstrate their growth before the community and receive their new rank.

The belt systems in Capoeira are unlike other Martial Arts and varies from group to group as it may have different order, color, or material that the belt is made out of, but most groups have the same titles for the teachers belts (Monitor, Instrutor, Professor, Mestrando, Contramestre, Mestre).

While each Capoeira school may vary in how cords are awarded or organized, our system is rooted in the traditions of Capoeira Malês and carries symbolic meaning at each stage.

Cord Progression

White
Peace, Purity, and Innocence
This is the beginner’s cord, symbolizing a fresh start and the openness to learning. Like a blank canvas, it represents the beginning of one’s capoeira journey.

Yellow
Sunrise and Discovery
Students begin to emerge with awareness—like the sun rising over the horizon—developing their basic skills and beginning to find their rhythm and place in capoeira.

Orange
Maturity and Understanding
At this level, students show maturity in movement and musicality. They begin to understand how capoeira’s elements connect and interact in play.

Blue
The Sky and Consciousness
Symbolizing the vast sky, the blue cord reflects a more conscious understanding of the long journey ahead. Students begin to approach the art with deeper awareness and intention.

Green
The Forest and Growth
This cord marks the transition toward teaching. Students are expected to plant the seeds of knowledge and begin guiding others, especially newcomers and children.

Purple
Struggle and Resilience
This level represents the mental, physical, and spiritual battles a capoeirista must face. The purple cord signifies dedication to learning, protecting capoeira’s values, and overcoming personal limitations.

Brown
Earth and Responsibility
At this stage, often held by a Contramestre, the cord symbolizes groundedness. They are tasked with teaching others with confidence and sincerity, helping maintain the academy’s foundation.

Red
Blood and Commitment
The highest level in our progression and worn by our Mestre’s (Master Instructors). The red represents a life dedicated to Capoeira. It symbolizes the fire that drives a Capoeirista and the blood that binds them to the legacy of the art.

A Journey Beyond Belts

Though cords help mark progress, Capoeira is not just about rank. It is a lifelong journey rooted in culture, resistance, rhythm, and community. Each cord reflects both external skill and internal growth—and every Batizado is a celebration of that transformation.

We welcome you to train, evolve, and celebrate with us.