Capoeira is a form of martial art developed by African slaves in Brazil during the 1500s that began to spread internationally during the 1970s.

History and Philosophy

Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that was developed by African slaves who were transported to South America from western Africa during the 1500s, half of them being taken to to Brazil. Capoeira was developed by these slaves as a way to preserve the cultural traditions and religion they had brought along with them to the New World.

After slavery was abolished, some of these former slaves joined or formed criminal gangs in the cities of Brazil which sprang up in response to the massive unemployment problems of the time. Capoeira became associated with criminal or anti-governmental activities and was banned in 1892. It continued to be practiced underground until 1937, when it was demonstrated in front of the Brazilian president who subsequently allowed the first Capoeira school to be opened. Capoeira has since been recognised as an official national sport.

The word Capoeira has various meanings. One describes an area of forest or jungle which has been cleared. Another comes from the Congolese word meaning to flutter and struggle, and in particular is used to describe a rooster’s movements in a fight.

Capoeira Styles

There are two distinct styles in Capoeira. Capoeira Angola, considered the true root style, is characterised by slow, low and subtle movements with a strong emphasis on the rituals and traditions of Capoeira.

The other style is Capoeira Regional – pronounced “heh-jeeh-oh-nahl” – which is known for it's fluid acrobatic style and focuses on strategy and technique. Capoeira Regional is newer and more martial than Capoeira Angola, and has developed to become more mainstream and accessible to the public. It is characterised by high jumps, acrobatics, and spinning kicks, while maintaining the trickiness and groundwork similar to Capoeira Angola.

Both styles employ feints and other forms of subterfuge, as well as extensive groundwork in the form of sweeps, kicks and even headbutts.