Capoeira is an art form combining martial arts, music and dance.  It has its roots in Afro-Brazilian culture and can be traced back to Brazil in the sixteenth century when it was created by African slaves.  Developed using African fighting techniques and aesthetics it is thought that it was a way of developing a form of combat disguised as dance.  Whatever its true roots, it is now enjoyed world wide as a unique and engaging art form.

Music plays a key role in Capoeira, as two opponents enter the circle formed by both participants and spectators alike.  Sparring consists of fluid sweeps, kicks and acrobatic play and less commonly slaps and body throws.  There are many forms and variations but the use of rhythmic acrobatic and athletic movements such as cartwheels, flips and handsprings are common as attack techniques with rolls and ducks forming a simple but sophisticated defence depending on the opponent’s line of attack.  Singers and musicians set the tempo for the game, singing songs of history, love or the fight itself as music and movement are tightly interwoven