Why should I train Capoeira?

Capoeira develops full-body flexibility, rhythm, and creativity while connecting you to a rich cultural tradition. Learning the ginga (basic movement) and playing in the roda (circle) makes it as much a community as a martial art.

What should I expect at my first Capoeira class?

Wear comfortable white clothing if possible. Expect a warm-up with ginga (basic movement), kicks, and acrobatic drills. You will likely participate in a roda. Classes run 60-90 minutes.

Capoeira — Martial Arts Guide

Q: What will I learn in Capoeira?

Ginga (base swaying movement). Kicks and sweeps (rasteira, tesoura). Acrobatic escapes — au (cartwheel), macaco (backflip). Berimbau rhythm, atabaque, and pandeiro music. Roda (circle) etiquette, mestre (master) protocol, and improvisation.

Capoeira

Striking🇧🇷 Brazil

AI-generated content — may contain inaccuracies

Why train this

At a Glance

IntensityHigh

ContactLight

Beginner FriendlyModerate

Belt SystemCordao (colored cord) system

Origin🇧🇷 Brazil

CompetitionRoda competitions, Performance exhibitions

Who It's For

FitnessTraditionalSelf-Defense

What You'll Learn

Ginga (base swaying movement)

Kicks and sweeps (rasteira, tesoura)

Acrobatic escapes — au (cartwheel), macaco (backflip)

Berimbau rhythm, atabaque, and pandeiro music

Roda (circle) etiquette, mestre (master) protocol, and improvisation

Your First Class

Watch & Learn

Gallery

Capoeiristas performing acrobatic kicks during an outdoor capoeira roda

Historical painting of capoeiristas in Rio de Janeiro, circa 1824 by Augustus Earle

Legends of Capoeira

Mestre Bimba

Mestre Bimba rescued Capoeira from criminal stigma by creating Capoeira Regional — a more structured, combative style — and earning the first government license to teach the art openly. His legitimization of Capoeira transformed it from a persecuted street practice into a recognized Brazilian cultural treasure.

1899–1974

Mestre Pastinha

Mestre Pastinha dedicated his life to preserving Capoeira Angola — the traditional, ritualistic form of Capoeira rooted in African heritage. While Bimba modernized the art, Pastinha ensured its spiritual and cultural soul survived, becoming the philosophical counterweight that kept Capoeira whole.

1889–1981

Mestre Joao Grande

Mestre Joao Grande is widely regarded as the greatest living master of Capoeira Angola, having trained directly under the legendary Mestre Pastinha. Now based in New York City, he has spent decades preserving the traditional, ritualistic form of capoeira for future generations.

1933

Lateef Crowder

Related Styles

Capoeira Angola

Capoeira Angola is the traditional, older form of Capoeira emphasizing low, strategic movements, deception, and close-quarters play. It preserves the rituals and music of the art's African roots.

Capoeira Regional

Capoeira Regional was created by Mestre Bimba in the 1930s as a more combative, structured form of Capoeira. It incorporates standing techniques, sequences (cintura desprezada), and athletic acrobatics.

Samba

Taekkyeon

Taekkyeon (택견) is an ancient Korean martial art characterized by fluid, dance-like footwork — pumbalbgi (품밟기) — low kicks, and leg sweeps. It is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

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