Capoeira: A History of an Afro-Brazilian Martial Art

*Capoeira* is a unique Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines dance, music, acrobatics, and fighting techniques. It developed among African slaves in Brazil, blending their cultural expressions with local influences to create a form of resistance and community. Traditionally performed in a circle called a “roda,” practitioners engage in fluid, rhythmic movements that simulate combat while emphasizing agility and creativity. Over time, capoeira evolved into both a physical discipline and a cultural expression, symbolizing resilience, identity, and heritage for Afro-Brazilian communities worldwide.