Benguela

Formerly called "Banguela", the name Benguela derives from the name of a province in western Angola.

This toque was created by Mestre Bimba. At that time, the game associated with this rhythm had not been developed yet, but Bimba defined it as a jogo de dentro, imbricated and highly technical, a close game of self-defense against knife attacks.

The main particularity of Benguela is to "transform" movements so one can get out of blockings in a fluide way. That is why it is the most technical game style of Capoeira Regional, one of the most difficult to play. In Benguela, "aggressive" hits are prohibited (like martelo, ponteira...).

Theoretically, no kick should be done higher than the waist, the game and body are very closed and suspicious, and one does the ginga as little as possible.