Origin
This style of fighting form disguised as dance has always been based on the principle of surprise and improvisation. The African people who were enslaved by the colonial Portuguese were forced to create an effective and unknown fighting form both as a means of defence and to free them from slavery.

Once free, the African Brazilian people formed hidden communities called Quilombos in the deep forest of the north east of Brazil where they were able to develop the fighting skill, which today we call Capoeira.

Prohibition
Capoeira has evolved directly as part of Brazilian culture and history. From the Quilombos to the streets of Salvador, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Capoeira thrived as an expression of life and resistance. The Brazilian government prohibited its practice until the 1930s. By 1974 the first Capoeira Federation was created and by the 90s the first Confederation in the State of São Paulo was formed.

Survival
The survival, evolution and subsequent development of Capoeira around the world was the result of the work of numerous dedicated masters.