HISTORY
These martial arts began in the slave plantations in Brazil around 1770. A revolt freed the slaves, and they formed a new community called Palmares, where the first forms of these martial arts originated. Today, thanks to Mestre Bimbam, an important martial arts master and martial arts propagator of capoeira, these martial arts are now taught all over the world. In Brazil, capoeira as a form of martial arts and as a symbol of culture is integrated in everyday life.

PRACTICES
The martial arts of capoeira is a Brazilian form of self-defense, but can it really be called a martial art? Because it blends music, dance, acrobatics, rituals and martial arts all in one, it is difficult to say whether capoeira is strictly an aspect of Brazilian folklore, or a spiritual form of martial arts based on artistic fighting.
The presentation of the martial arts of capoeira is very artistic. A circle is formed for these martial arts called a roda. Then, the two martial arts masters, or capoeiristas, fight in the center while music is played and the people around the martial artists clap and sing.
Good capoeiristas are like actors on a stage: with a combination of strength and cunning, they are martial art actors performing for their audience. They can be playful in their display of martial arts-an oxymoron when considering that martial arts is viewed as a deadly self-defense sport. There is no blocking allowed in capoeira, therefore these martial artists can only escape their opponent through tricks and traps. All the while, they disguise their attacks through a series of dance moves and skillful motions, making this martial art a crafty game.
These martial arts experts display great acrobatic feats of flexibility and maneuvering. Most of the time, they use their legs for different martial arts moves, however, their hands are important because it gives them their balance.