History

Capoeira is an Afro-Brazillian Martial Art that combines elements of self-defense, music, dance and acrobatics. The word "Capoeira" has many meanings. One of them means "bushes," loosely translated. It has its roots in the slavery days of Brazil. African people brought to Brazil to work were kept in slave camps called "Senzalas." Sometimes, slaves were able to escape the Senzalas and reach the "Quilombos," which were communities of rescued/escaped slaves located in the heavily forested landscape of Brazil. In the Quilombos, the first manifestations of Capoeira were born. It is said that the slaves developed a unique footwork characteristic of Capoeira as a result of being shackled. When the Quilombos would attack the Senzalas in an attempt to free slaves, some of these attackers would fall back into captivity on purpose, just to be able to teach the others the forbidden art that would allow them to fight for their freedom. Over 400 years later, Capoeira has spread around the world. It is enjoyed by millions of practitioners that see it either as a way of life or as a hobby.