How capoeira appeared, depended on the situation. Under the watchful eye of the slave owner, capoeira appeared as a harmless dance.

Many enslaved Africans escaped bondage, hid in the backlands of Brazil and formed free communities called quilombos. Here, thousands of Africans and people of mixed backgrounds lived as free citizens. Portuguese and Dutch armies were sent to destroy these defiant cities. For almost one hundred years, they were successful in fighting off the invading armies.

When slavery was finally abolished in Brazil in 1888, African Brazilians moved to the towns and cities, bringing with them their culture and traditions. Capoeira survived in the poorer neighborhoods despite persecution from police.

In the early 20th century, the first capoeira academies were opened. From a guarded tradition passed from the elder master to the young disciple, capoeira has become an art form for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Capoeira Angola is the traditional form of capoeira that emphasizes freedom of movement, wisdom over force, strategy over speed.

Capoeiristas are like chameleons, blending and adapting to their environment. The best capoeiristas appear calm when they play. Their game flows without resistance, defies gravity, and at the right moment, they strike.