Capoeira of San Jose follows the original grading system that was once set by the Capoeira Federation. The rope system uses the "CORDÃO", a string type rope based on the colors of the Brazilian flag. Note that the colors work their way in from the outside of the flag! Not all schools use the same system or colors. The following chart lists the levels and the corresponding color(s).
“Cordao” Cord Ranking System:
- No cord: Beginner
- 1st Cord Green: Baptized
- 2nd Cord Green+Yellow: Intermediate
- 3rd Cord Yellow: Intermediate
- 4th Cord Yellow+Blue: Intermediate
- 5th Cord Blue: Graduado-Instructor
- 6th Cord Blue+Yellow+Green - Professor
- 7th Cord White+Blue+Yellow+Green: Contra-Mestre
- 8th Cord White+Green: Mestre 1st Degree
- 9th Cord: White+Yellow: Mestre 2nd Degree
- 10th Cord: White+Blue: Mestre 3rd Degree
- 11th Cord: White: Grand Mestre
So what constitutes an individual receiving a rope? The answer is Individual! In capoeira, progression in rope constitutes a greater understanding of the art as well as experience. Ropes are given at a ceremony called a BATIZADO (baptism). Each student is considered individually. When a student is baptized and receives their first rope (green in our case) they are finally considered a Capoeira player or Capoeirista. After a student receives their first rope they must then continue to not only progress in the movements of Capoeira but also learn to speak Portuguese, the history of Capoeira & music as well as the various philosophies and customs of Capoeira. With each rope advancement, the player represents a more complete & well rounded Capoeirista.
As a Capoerista rises through the ranks so shall their knowledge & experience. If the student demonstrates persistence, dedication, ability, desire & knowledge over the years, they will eventually become a graduated student & receive their blue rope. Being a graduated student means you have hit another plateau. Now the learning process takes another twist! You are ready to begin the learning process of how to become a teacher. It is important to note the learning process never ends in Capoeira! As an instructor, you can now teach under the Master's supervision & after acquiring teaching experience you will become a Contra-Mestre. As a Contra-Mestre, you can now teach class on your own, preparing your path to enter the Master's level. Once you acheive a Master's degree, you will remain under the same rope for for at least 5 years.
