Cordel or "Colored belts" represent the level of a capoeirista's skill, fitness, agility, improvement, understanding of the game and elements of Capoeira. The various colors show the Degree of MAstery attained by the student, and their level of achievement along the Capoeira Path. A student earns their first cordel in the Batizado, or "Graduation" , that symbolizes their entry into the tradition of capoeira. A Mestre or a qualified high-ranking instructor will tie on the cordel to the new capoeirista. That person becomes their Padrinho/Padirinha (Godfather/Godmother) in Capoeira