serareconhecida em todas as modalidades em que a capoeira se manifesta, seja comoesporte, luta, danca ou musica, sendo livre o exercicio em todo o territorionacional. 2o E facultado o ensino da capoeira nasinstituicoes publicas e privadas pelos capoeiristas e mestres tradicionais,publica e formalmente reconhecidos. CAPOEIRA HISTORYCapoeira was born in Brazil out of a need forAfrican slaves to unite in fighting for the common goal of achieving freedom.Beginning in the 1500's, Brazil imported over two million slaves from Africa towork on the sugar and tobacco plantations found mostly in Bahia, Recife, andRio de Janeiro. Rebelling against their masters, the mix of people fromdifferent African tribes eventually found a way to share their cultures bydeveloping a form of combat based on various African fighting styles thatrequired agility, strength and fast movements. Through the centuries, Capoeirahas evolved into a respected art form that encompasses dance, rhythm, movementand martial arts.The Beginnings of CapoeiraIn Recife there was a powerful rebellion as slavesfound a way to kill their white masters and burn down the plantations. Fleeingfrom the law, they headed to the nearby mountains where they were aided by theIndians of the region. They eventually reached a palm-filled area, which theynamed Palmares and where they created an African community of their own. It washere that the roots of Capoeira began as the various tribes that would normallybe enemies in Africa found a way to share their rituals. The fusion of theserituals, which included dance and games, became Capoeira.Capoeira as a Fight StrategyThere were several wars that took place in Brazilin the early days. When Holland invaded in the mid-1600s to get its share ofthe bounty, the Africans decided to use this moment to heighten thevulnerability of the Portuguese by fighting against them as well. Their methodof fighting was based on ambush and here they were able to use their trainingin Capoeira to surprise and overcome their enemy through the fast, trickymovements that was the essence of the form. Capoeira became a symbol of freedomas the Africans used it as a powerful weapon against their oppressors.Capoeira as aRitual and a Deadly Martial ArtCapoeira was taught throughout the Africancommunities, often in the disguise of a benign ritual. Because in reality itwas a martial art, the addition of singing and dance allowed it to appear lessdeadly. However white Brazilian society was becoming more aware of the lethal potentialof the form as rebellions continued through the land where more and moreAfricans were using Capoeira in their fighting strategy. These rebellionslasted until 1888 when slavery was finally abolished.The Growth ofCapoeiristas After slavery was abolished, many Africans stayedin Brazil creating roots for themselves. There was little work, but many Capoeiristas (practitionersof Capoeira) found jobs as bodyguards to government officials and otherimportant community leaders. More and more people were learning the art ofCapoeira besides those in African communities, but it was always perceived as athreat to the political life of the country. Finally a law was instated toexpatriate any known Capoeirista. The ruthless police chief Sampaio, was hiredto rout out the Capoeira. Ironically he was a Capoerista himself and he taughthis police force the form