Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music. It was developed in Brazil at the beginning of the 16th century. It has its roots in African slavery in Brazil, it was practiced as a form of self-defense that could be disguised as a dance. Capoeira is very much a part of the culture in Brazil, along with Jiu-Jitsu, you will often see crowds gather in the streets to watch it practiced.