For many if we heard or read the word “Capoeira,” we’d just shake our head and possibly think it was just another misspelled word. It just happens to be one of the most unique forms of art throughout our World at the time.

If I were to give you the recipe for Capoeira, it would go somewhat like this – throw in a large amount of rhythmical music, a wee pinch of acting, moisten it well with some acrobatic dance and a large portion of martial arts and enjoy. Here is an example of Capoeira as recently shown on the BBC. Capoeira.

There seems to be several people who are credited with the creation of Capoeira, but lets go back in time about 400 years ago to Africa where this art form originated - shortly thereafter, slaves in Brazil introduced it.

Although I refer to Capoeira as an art form, it was camouflaged with music and dance, but actually almost created as a human weapon so slaves might protect themselves from their masters.

Very likely if you were to study the history of this art, you’d discover several different people claimed fame as the originator. Most people say, Manuel dos Reis Machado in the late 1800’s after learning the intricate precision of Batuque (a distant martial art) and Capoeira Angola is the man of the hour. Machado worked as a stevedor and taught many of the street people how to defend themselves by avoiding violence.

Capoeira was banned from some countries, because street gangs used it for violence and killing. Now in the 21st Century, it is becoming a martial art form practiced all over the World. In Brazil, it remains an important part of culture and is in grade schools, Colleges and many military academies.

Scotland is saturated with schools, clubs and various organizations that practice and teach either Capoeira Angola or Capoeira Regional. This combination of martial art, dance, acrobatics and play concentrates on sweeps, kicks, head butts and groundwork.

Many segments of this art form have been used in games, music or plays and academies that teach martial arts rave about the intricate movements and grace of Capoeira.