the sport involves acrobatics using sweeps, kicks, and general martial arts body movements - what adds to the beuty of capoeira is the abscence of intend to hurt or injure the opponent, since the activty is a conversation between two people, without physical contact. capoeira developed during the time of slavery, when groups of slaves were preparing to defend themselves against their opressors - since they were not allowed to possess weapons or practice combat the capoeira fighting style was created, disguised as a dance.

at the time, slaves gathered outside of working hours to play music and practice acrobatic kicking techniques in a rhythmic manner - in the case that they were discovered by their opressors, they would explain that they were practicing a ritualistic dance - capoeira thrived from this point on and is no practiced by people from all walks of life.