Capoeira

What Is Capoeira?

Capoeira was developed by enslaved Africans in Brazil, who disguised their martial practice as dance and play. It combines flowing acrobatic movement, kicks, sweeps and evasions performed in dialogue with an opponent within a ritual circle (roda), accompanied by live music including the berimbau, atabaque and pandeiro.

The two main styles are Capoeira Angola (the more traditional, grounded style) and Capoeira Regional (more athletic and acrobatic). Both are practiced in London with strong communities around each tradition.

Learning Capoeira in London

London has a well-established Capoeira community with multiple groups practicing both Angola and Regional styles. Classes and treinos (training sessions) run weekly across the city, with regular rodas (games) open to practitioners of all levels.

London also hosts visiting Brazilian Mestres (masters) and international events that connect the UK community with the broader Capoeira world.

Capoeira classes in London are offered at various studios and community spaces. Beginners learn the ginga (the fundamental swaying base movement), basic attacks and evasions, and the musical instruments alongside the physical practice.

Training is typically conducted in Portuguese, and cultural immersion is considered part of the learning process.