Capoeira

Brazilian martial art that integrates fluid dance like movements and traditional music. Capoeira was developed initially by slaves in Brazil, starting in the colonial period. Because slaves in this period were not allowed to learn martial arts, capoeira was developed to have the appearance of a dance. Participants form a roda (circle) and take turns playing instruments, singing, and sparring in pairs in the center of the circle. Fluid acrobatic play, feints, subterfuge, and extensive use of groundwork, head butts, sweeps, and kicks mark the game. Technique and strategy are the key elements to playing a good game.