Capoeira is a unique Brazilian art form, a blend of self-defence acrobatics, dance, music and song. With the absence of tangible facts on the origin of capoeira, many different versions are still debated nowadays. The most common supposition is that Capoeira originated in colonial Brazil in the midst of the African slave's fight for freedom. Forbidden from carrying weapons, the slaves resorted to using their bodies as a fighting tool against their armed captors. Having developed a series of fatal moves, they cunningly used music and song to disguise their preparations to fight and often found their masters foolishly entertained by the beauty of their potentially dangerous training sessions. The elements of disguise, which have become an integral part of Capoeira, have throughout the centuries helped to distinguish the art from other forms of martial combat. The unmistakeable rhythms of the berimbau and the beauty of its acrobatic moves have awed every continent, infiltrated the movie industry and become incorporated into popular Playstation games such as Tekken 3

Today, two basic styles of Capoeira exist. Capoeira, a movement developed primarily by Mestre Pastinha, is the original Capoeira style characterised by slow, sneaky movements played close to the ground. Capoeira Regional on the other hand is a newer, fast-paced, athletic style created by Mestre Bimba. It is combat-oriented and characterised by a sequence of attack-defence and counterattack blows. Modern Capoeira Regional includes a number of high jumps, acrobatics, and spinning kicks which were originally not in Mestre Bimba's style. In Capoeira Regional the players traditionally wear white uniforms. They are ranked according to their ability by different coloured belts, which are group specific and awarded at the 'Batizado' or grading festival. Capoeira's uniqueness stems from its productive rather than destructive energy, which aims to encourage its players to work together, rather than against each other. On its deepest level, Capoeira transcends the physical limitations of other art forms: it provides a philosophical framework for interaction with the world at large and challenges its players physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

The game of Capoeira takes place in a circle known as the 'Roda', which is created, by students, participants and onlookers of the game. The roda is not only considered a microcosm which reflects the macrocosm of life and the world around us, but also defines the physical space where the game is to be played. The entry point to the roda is marked by the berimbau or berimbaus, which may be accompanied by other instruments such as the atabaque drum or tambourines. The people in the circle formation clap their hands to the beat of the music and sing Capoeira songs while players who want to buy into the game must crouch at the foot of the berimbau before entering the roda. Opponents should greet each other by briefly gripping each other's hands and await the response of the chorus before initiating play. The pace of the game is decided by the pace of the music as directed by the berimbau. In case another player wishes to buy into the game, they must do the volta ao mundo, ie a walk around the roda before they can initiate play with another player. In respect of ones comrades and the teacher (or Mestre), one should await the end of the roda before leaving.

Music is a very important aspect of Capeoira because it sets the tempo of the game and determines the style of play. The tempo ranges from the very slow to very fast rhythms of Sao Bento Regional. The songs that accompany these rhythms are numerous and vary from group to group. Some groups have their own songs; others sing the very popular ones while some Mestres even like to improvise songs in a roda. They can cover a range of topics from stories about capoeiristas and Mestres to stories about life, love, morality, game tactics deceit and bravery. Each song usually has a litany or a narrative solo for the group Master to sing at the beginning and a chorus which is repeated by the participants throughout

The most basic Capeoira instrument include 3 berimbaus (called the Gunga, Medio and Viola). They look like archer bows with a gourd attached to them and are played with a stick and a pebble stone. The Gunga, Medio and Viola vary size from a large gourd to a small one and produce a deep, medium and sharp sound respectively. Other instruments that are featured in the roda include a number of pandeiros (tambourines), a Reco-Reco (rasp), and an Agogo (a double gong bell). The atabaque (a conga-like drum) is also a very common instrumental component.

An integral part of Capoeira Regional is the traditional use of the white uniform. The uniform consists of white pants which feature the group logo, belt or cordel, and a group specific t-shirt, singlet or female crop-top. Non slippery sports shoes are optional. Students who, for whatever reason, can not wear their uniform to class should out of respect ask permission from their Master to train in other clothing. If wishing to purchase uniforms, capoeira street wear or other gear, please contact Mestre Cicatriz.

Maculele is a Brazilian dance performed to the rhythm of the atabaque drum. The origins of the maculae are still uncertain but it is a popular performance in Capoeira rodas. Traditionally dressed in a dried-grass skirt, each participant or dancer carries a pair of wooden sticks about 24 inches long. During the dance they strike the sticks together one against the other and against those of other dancers. The leader sings and the people in the circle respond by singing the chorus of the songs. On the first three beats they strike their own sticks together making expressive and athletic dance movements while on each fourth beat, they strike each other's respective right-hand stick together. This makes a dance that looks like "mock stick combat."

The Brazilian Samba is a distinctive rhythm and dance of . It has its origins in African dances brought to along with West African slaves. The rhythm has undergone various transformations throughout time and there are a number of samba types: from easy listening samba to carnival samba performed in the streets of Rio de Janeiro. A distinctive samba rhythm known as Samba de Roda is performed in Capoeira rodas and Capeoira events. The rhythm is produced with the berimbau, atabaque, agogo and pandeiros (tambourines) and couples are encouraged to make their way in the roda and dance. In the same way as players buy into a Capoeira game, they can likewise buy into a Samba de Roda. Often dancers compete for a dance partner by showing off their best moves while the crowd cheers them on.