during the portuguese colonization of brazil in the 16th century, slaves were brought over from africa to increase the work force that was needed to increase colonized territory - although talk of a revolt was common, the lack of weapons made the practicality of it unlikely - from these harsh conditions, capoeira was born. 

the slaves needed a combat style they could use to rise up against their masters, but were not allowed to possess weapons or practice fighting.

to overcome this, the capoeira fighting style was created to look like a dance, so that during down time the slaves could play music and practice acrobatic kicking techniques to the rhythm - when seen by the keepers, it would seem as if they were practicing a ritualistic dance, and so capoeira thrived.