Capoeira
Translation: "Dance of War"
Country of Origin: Africa, (African slaves in South America)
Created: 16th Century

Capoeira (IPA: [kapu'ej??]) is an Afro-Brazilian martial art developed initially by African slaves in Brazil, starting in the colonial period. It is marked by deft, tricky movements often played on the ground or completely inverted. It also has a strong acrobatic component in some versions and is always played with music.

There are two main styles of Capoeira that are clearly distinct. Angola is characterized by slow, low play with particular attention to the rituals and tradition of Capoeira. The other style, Regional (IPA: [he?iu'naw]), is known for its fluid acrobatic play, where technique and strategy are the key points. Regional was created by Mestre Bimba. Both styles are marked by the use of feints and subterfuge, and use groundwork extensively, as well as sweeps, kicks, and headbutts.

Recently, the art has been popularized by the addition of Capoeira performed in various computer games and movies, and Capoeira music has featured in modern pop music