When 300 years ago the Bantu tribes of Africa were taken from their land, deported to Brazil and made slaves, they brought with them a ritual dance called “N'Golo” that became part of their heritage culture.
Using as basic movements this dance the Capoeira Angola evolved as movements of self-defence for the slaves – movements that were very well hidden within the dance movements.

There was as well a period of time in which the Capoeira became a street fight. Capoerista groups were fighting among each other and against the Government. In the middle of the 19th century Capoeira was forbidden to practice since the year 1937.

In the 1920's and 30's the first academies were founded. Mestre Bimba created the "Capoeira regional", a very acrobatic and fast style, wihle Mestre Pastinha is considered the father of "Capoeira angola", a more traditional and ritual style.

Capoeira is played in the "roda", a circle which is formed by the musicians and other capoeiristas. Two capoeiristas start the "jogo" (play) which can be understood as a form of dialogue of offensive and defensive movements. A characteristic element of capoeira angola is the "malicia", a way to fool the opponent through fints or distractions. Each play of capoeira is individual and expresses attitude and experience of the players.

Capoeira is practised independent of age, gender or origin. Each capoeirista finds his personal expression in the movements - fight, music, dance, acrobatics, play and fun. A characteristic of the Nigolo group are the movements imitating animals of the forest... Have a look, try it !