There are various stories and legends about the origin of capoeira and can not say for sure which one is closest to the truth.

It is believed that it originated in Brazil during the colonization in the 16th century. Capoeira, a martial arts dance, exercise is now worldwide. Although the basic steps are fairly simple to practice capoeira requires excellent physical fitness and good physical condition.

Legend says that this skill invented by African slaves in the pursuit of freedom. As slaves were forbidden to engage in martial arts, got the idea that their struggle would be able to dress up in dance, which allowed them to freely exercise. Capoeira has a strong African roots, which manifest themselves through music, movement and symbolism in the game. Capoeira can be practiced for several reasons – if you just want to feel better physically or eliminate stress, if you like the way of the fight, if you love dance or you just like music when you exercise.

After the abolition of slavery 1888th year, freed slaves moved to cities throughout Brazil, and when they were out of work, they began to deal with crime and gangs tha formed. Still practicing capoeira, which is why it has become associated with criminals. As a final result, capoeira in 1890th was forbidden, and anyone who was caught doing exercise, was punished.  Capoeira was forbidden all until 1932. when the teacher Bimba opened the first capoeira school in the world. The move Capoeira became legal. Five years later, Getulio Vargas, former president of Brazil, who was delighted with the work of Mestre Bimba and his students, was declared capoeira the national sport of Brazil.

There are several explanations about capoeira. The word is derived from the word ‘capon’, which means castrated rooster. It is believed that capoeira was so named precisely because it similar movements of fighting cocks. Another theory says that sport is named after the large, round basket called the “cap” that the slaves wore on their heads selling pottery.  Kicks in capoeira are commonly acted so that the struggle does not focus on injuring the opponent, but emphasizes skill. Players circle represents a microcosm of life and the world around them.

The basic movement in Capoeira is called “Ginga” which literally translates as swinging forward – backward. Capoeira Angola and Capoeira Regional, two basic styles, with different forms of ginga, but in both cases the movement is done so that your feet shoulder-width apart, and then with one and the other leg goes back and returns to the starting position. In addition to the characteristic movement and music, capoeira is symbolized by unusual musical instruments, such as berumbaoa, whom many consider the first stringed instrument in the world. A person who plays on it determines the pace of the game, will it be faster or slower.