Capoeira dates from the 1500s, when African slaves brought to Brazil began developing a system of unarmed self-defense out of necessity. To avoid punishment by their superiors, the slaves had to disguise their martial movements as dance—hence the arts rhythmical nature and musical accompaniment. It places a heavy emphasis on using mobility to evade attacks.

Capoeira includes numerous acrobatic kicks, punches and flips. Some techniques, such as the cartwheel kick, were created because the slaves often had their wrists and ankles bound by chains to prevent escape. In the 1800s, Brazilian authorities outlawed capoeira, but that law was eventually rescinded and the art continues to grow as Brazilian masters spread it around the world.


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