The capoeira group Chapéu de Couro was founded in 1983 by Mestre Corisco (José Olimpio Ferreira da Silva) and Mestre Birilo. Since the two Mestres parted ways in 1990, Mestre Corisco continues to lead the Capoeira group Chapéu de Couro to this day. It is the oldest active Capoeira group in Recife, Pernambuco (BR).
The group Chapéu de Couro has existed in Basel since 1993 and was led for a long time by Claudia Malvadeza - who now leads her own group called Capoeiragem. The group is now headed by Preto Velho in Basel and Conílio in Bern .
The capoeira group Chapéu de Couro adheres to the graduação das sete cordas , i.e. the graduation with seven cords. The cords, which are awarded by the master, are not only an award for the ability of the student, rather they should accompany him on his physical as well as spiritual journey through life and through Capoeira. The colors of the cords symbolize the forces of nature and their protectors, the Orixás.