Cords are Capoeira's version of belts as in other Martial Arts and are givin only once a year in Capoeira Nzambi at a graduation ceremony called a Batizado. This is a celebration to welcome new students to the group and a time for old students to move to different levels if they are ready. The Batizado is the only time cords are given. 

Kids Cords- 11 years old and under  

 Raw
Raw-yellow tip 
Raw-orange tip 
Raw-blue tip 
Raw-green tip 
Raw-purple tip

Raw-brown tip 

Adult Cords 

Raw -Student

Yellow -Student

Yellow/Orange -Student 

Orange -Student

Red/Blue (Monitor) Students earn the title of Monitor at this level. Monitors study class from an outside perspective as they themselves begin learning how to teach, and may even be able to teach under the supervision of their instructor. They also aid any lower-ranked students in need of assistance. As Capoeiristas, students at this level now fully incorporate a large variety of kicks and acrobatic movements, have a large repertoire of songs, and can play any instrument.

Blue (Graduado) At this level, students earn the title of Graduado, which mean "Graduated", respectively. In a sense, this is a new beginning for students, a new "Corda Cruda", because, as mentioned before, assessments are based more on teaching ability, which is a new step for students. They must learn to share their own knowledge with other students. It is for this reason that students at this level are encouraged to begin teaching a class on their own, under supervision. A Graduado who begins teaching class can earn the title and respect of an Instrutor (Instructor).  

 Blue/Green (Instructor) At this level, Capoeiristas continue to improve on their skills overall, which now includes the ability to teach on their own. They are very strong in the roda, and are equally as strong when teaching a class. Their strength comes from their ability to incorporate Malicia, or deviousness, into their game. It's malicia that gives Capoeiristas their ability to surprise and confuse their opponents.

Green-Instructor 

Green/Purple-Instructor

Purple (Professor) To reach this level, Capoeiristas must not only have proven themselves to be skilled martial artists, but also proficient teachers. Professors are regarded very highly, as they have come very far and have devoted their lives to being part of Capoeira. Their malicia skills continue to increase, since they now have the ability to apply the knowledge they've gained within the roda to their dealings in the outside world, and vice-versa.

Brown (Contra-Mestre) Contra-mestres are not only some of the most important figures of their group, but in the world of Capoeira itself. They are the right hand of the Mestres within their group, and are so esteemed and honored that, even at this level, they are respected as Mestres. Formidable players in the roda, Contramestres can seemlessly combine all of their skills into a fierce and relentless game.

Brown-Contra-Mestre 

Black (Mestre)  This is the apex for practitioners of Capoeira; the highest and hardest level to achieve. Mestres are legendary for their skill, wisdom, and tact both inside and out of the roda. They have solidified their Capoeira games by consolidating all of the physical skills they've learned through their years of training with the cunning and trickery they've learned through their life experience. Mestres comprise the top echelon of all Capoeira groups, and it is therefore their right to oversee and supervise the on-goings of the group they lead.