Capoeira is a unique Brazilian art-form that combines elements of martial arts, dance, music and acrobatics.
Capoeira was developed in Brazil, but its history extends to Africa and tribes from Angola. Slaves living on Brazilian plantations who weren’t allowed to openly practice traditional forms of self-defense developed an ingenious method of disguising their training by combining it with dance-like movements, singing, and the rhythms of primitive instruments. The result was a “game” of fluid ground movements, spinning kicks, and daring acrobatics set to the energetic clapping and singing of spectators. Since that time, capoeira has transformed from being forbidden by law in Brazil into an art-form enjoyed by people all around the world – capoeira brings people of all ages and backgrounds together!
Capoeira Angola
Capoeira Angola is the base, the traditional style of capoeira. It was raised by Mestre Pastinha (Vicente Ferreira Pastinha). Capoeira Angola is mainly played in slow and smooth motion, low to the ground. It is characterized with low kicks, head butts and dodges. In Angola, the two players, called Angoleiros, are very close to each other. Capoeira Angola contains a lot of ritualistic and demonstrative movements and while played, it brings the sense of the African rituals and philosophy to the fighters and to the observants. The music of Capoeira Angola is slower and is calling for less aggressive interaction between the Angoleiros and more positive energy.
Capoeira Regional
Capoeira Regional appeared after Capoeira Angola. It was raised by Mestre Bimba (Manuel dos Reis Machado). During his childhood, Mestre Bimba trained another Brazilian fighting form – Batuque. He often used the Batuque moves when practicing and teaching Capoeira which caused a great influence over the Capoeira Regional style. Capoeira Regional is characterized with more acrobatic moves. It is much faster and aggressive than Capoeira Angola and the players are often using kicks and strikes, jumping and spinning movements.
References: Wikipedia
SACI É DA CAPOEIRAGEM 