Capoeira [cah-po-way-dah] is one of the fastest growing cultural art forms in the world, and as far as we’re concerned, by far the most exciting. It is a physically and mentally challenging game of trickery and strategy, an energetic culture of music and dance, an intense aerobic and strength-building workout, and author of some of the most spectacular acrobatics in the world, complete with high-flying flips, airborne spinning kicks, intricate ground movements, and more.

Created by African slaves in Brazil, Capoeira is unique in the world of performing arts in that it combines elements of self-defense, acrobatics, dance, music, language, and culture all in one art form. Capoeira served dozens of purposes for its creators. It provided hope and unity to those bereft of both. It was a pastime beloved by its participants and continues to be so today. It is a unique sport where you don’t have to keep score and where there are multiple ways to win. It has been said that Capoeira is a tool to help make people better members of society.

Click here to learn more about Capoeira and its history at VirtualCapoeira.com.

Those experienced in Capoeira are familiar with the terms Capoeira Angola, Benguela/Banguela, and Regional de Mestre Bimba. While all of these disciplines are styles of Capoeira, they differ in their look, feel, and emphasis. The style of Capoeira that is most widely recognized today has evolved dramatically from what it was when it was first created, and has even evolved from the style Mestre Bimba created as he helped to bring Capoeira into mainstream Brazilian culture. Capoeira continues to change and evolve, new movements and strategies are still being created, and like most modern Capoeiristas, LearnCapoeira.com is interested in making our Capoeira the best it can possibly be.

LearnCapoeira.com teaches what has come to be known as contemporary Capoeira. Contemporary Capoeira is the most generally recognized form of Capoeira and is by far the fastest growing segment of the art. Contemporary Capoeira is more widely practiced than any other style and can be described as a more modern version of Mestre Bimba's Capoeira Regional.

Contemporary Capoeira encompasses the cutting edge of the art. As leading Capoeiristas innovate and create new movements, sequences, and strategies, they fine tune old Capoeira techniques and make them more efficient and fundamentally sound. Contemporary Capoeira also incorporates the most exciting and entertaining acrobatic movements and kicks for which Capoeira is famous. It maintains old traditions and music, but also introduces new songs and lyrics that teach the history of the game.

At LearnCapoeira.com, we are dedicated to making the world of Capoeira as good as it can be. We revere all that has been done by the great mestres that have made this art what it is, and want to make it available to everyone who wants to learn Capoeira. We believe that in providing Capoeiristas around the globe with a place that they can learn, interact, and share ideas and Capoeira techniques, we will help all Capoeiristas achieve their full potential, and in the process, elevate the art as a whole. We are creating a living documentary of the history of Capoeira as we go, and hope that by doing so we pay homage to legendary figures like Mestre Bimba, Mestre Pastinha, and other pioneers who did so much to bring Capoeira out of the darkness of slavery and into modern culture. As Capoeira continues to improve, we want to help in the natural evolution of the art while remembering and celebrating its cultural roots.

As with movements in any art form, Capoeira moves can look challenging to those who aren’t familiar with the simple techniques that make up each movement. Though previous martial arts and gymnastics experience can be helpful in learning some Capoeira moves, they are by no means required in order to excel at Capoeira. Do not, however, try advanced Capoeira moves and acrobatics, particularly those labeled with warning notices at the start of each video, without having sufficient physical conditioning, strength, or skill, as serious injury may result. Be sure to use qualified spotters when practicing Capoeira moves and always train on soft mats and surfaces when practicing acrobatics to avoid injury.

Capoeira is very unique in the world of performing and martial arts. It is a multifaceted discipline incorporating elements of self-defense, acrobatics, dance, music, language, and culture. Capoeira allows students to become well-rounded and develop skills taught in gymnastics, dance, and martial arts classes all in one art form. Unlike many popular performance and martial arts rooted in Asia, Capoeira is unique in that it originates from African influences in Brazil. Because of its origins, Capoeira is often taught in association with traditional Afro-Brazilian dances, including samba, maculêlê (Afro-Brazilian sugar cane dance), and other cultural rhythms and rites.

Though Capoeira is part martial art, dance, and cultural expression, it is above all a fun and intensely challenging game requiring physical stamina and mental strategy. Capoeira “players” train moves, attacks, defenses, sequences, and acrobatics individually with the intent to adapt and fit them together with other students. When players “face off” or spar, it is not uncommon for them to never actually make contact. Capoeira players focus on being able to control their bodies and “show” strikes and takedowns in the game without connecting with an opponent and disrupting the flow of the game itself. There are many sub styles or games within Capoeira, some slow, some fast. Some styles focus on complicated and beautiful acrobatic Capoeira moves while others are played with the intent to train martial kicks and takedowns. Capoeira players change their intensity, style, and focus depending on the rhythm of the music.

Capoeira is the author of some of the most spectacular acrobatics in the world. It is becoming famous for its high-flying flips, airborne spinning kicks, intricate ground moves, and more. Hollywood movies, music videos, television commercials, and video games have been showcasing Capoeira’s popular and flashy movements. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to do a round-off back flip, a hand spin, a 360 flip or barrel roll, Capoeira is for you. As part of Capoeira training, you’ll be exposed all levels of acrobatic movement from the unique perspective of the Capoeira style. Beginners often start with basic acrobatic moves like cartwheels and head stands, and follow with mind-bending flips, kicks, spins, and aerial sequences. Whether you are an experienced gymnast or just learning a cartwheel, you’ll experience a new twist in acrobatics in your Capoeira training.