Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian art form that combines elements of martial arts, music, and dance.

It was created in Brazil by slaves from Africa, especially from Angola, Mozambique and Congo sometime after the sixteenth century.

Participants form a roda, or circle, and take turns either playing musical instruments (such as the Berimbau), singing, or ritually sparring in pairs in the center of the circle.

The sparring is marked by fluid acrobatic play, feints, takedowns, and with extensive use of leg sweeps, kicks, and headbutts. Less frequently used techniques include elbow strikes, slaps, punches, and body throws.