The Brazilian Martial Art:

Capoeira is a centuries old, unique Brazilian Martial Art that is incorporated with music and dance. The art was developed by African Slaves brought to Brazil to work on the various plantations for the Portuguese Landowners.

Capoeira was developed around the African music and fighters performed their moves to the beat. The art is said to have originated in Rio de Janeiro, spreading to other parts of the Country. The initial purpose of Capoeira’s emergence was to boost the Slaves morale, remind them of their homeland through music and to defend themselves against aggression from their owners. The art of Capoeira is uniquely identified by Swinging hips, arm stands, head butts and sweeping feet movements. The art required a good level of agility and core strength.

The practice of Capoeira was banned in 1892, though in 1937 it was made legal and is today a unique identifier of the Brazilian Culture. There are a number of Capoeira training schools in Brazil. The art is also taught in a number of countries around the world.