The slaves practiced this radical fighting technique in secret, disguising it as a traditional African dance in the eyes of the Portugese slaveowners. They never knew that the slaves were building their self-confidence and hopes for freedom as they moved fluidly and gracefully to the rhythms and songs of their own design. By early 1700's, the Dutch moved in on the Brazilian colonies and overtook the plantations that were set up in the Northeast. This gave the slaves the opportunity to escape into hiding and further practice capoeira.

In 1888, slavery was abolished in Brazil, but capoeira still remained outlawed with stiff penalties for those caught. Within the poorer regions and communities, called Quilombos, gangs used capoeira to fight against each other (using weapons and such) and the police who were sent to eradicate the fighters from the streets. It wasn't until Mestre Bimba took the traditonal style of capoeira (called Capoeira Angola) and added some new techniques and styles to form Capoeira Regional. With this, the local authorites were convinced that capoeira was more than just fighting. It was a unique way of life deeply rooted in culture. Thus ended the long-suffering ban and began a new age of capoeira with Mestre Bimba at the head teaching from the first Capoeira school in Salvador Bahia, 1932.

Today, capoeira is studied all over the world by many people of many races, religions, and backgrounds. Those who study it learn a great deal of history, culture, and physical education, but mostly, as with most martial arts, they get a chance to build their self-esteem and confidence as well as their bodies through physical movement and mental anticipation of their opponents no matter what form they may take.

• berimbau - musical bow which is the primary instrument used in capoeira
• jogo - game of capoeira
• capoeirista - player of capoeira
• roda - ring where capoeira is played
• ginga - fundamental capoeira movement