capoeira is a traditional, no contact, martial art created and cultivated solely in brazil, namely rio de janeiro and bahia - independant from any eastern influences, practitioners describe capoiera as a conversation between two people. during the portuguese colonization of brazil in the 16th century, slaves were brought over from africa to enhance the work force needed to increase colonized territory.

the slaves lived in harsh conditions, and were treated very severely if their work was considered below the decribed standards - although talk of a revolt was common, the lack of weapons made the practicality of it unlikely - it was from these harsh conditions, that capoeira was born.