This children’s article, Capoeira: The martial art that looks like dancing, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children build vocabulary, learn about Brazil’s unique martial art, and explore the connection between sport, history, and music. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
What is Capoeira?
Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that looks like a mix of dancing, acrobatics, and fighting. People spin, kick, jump, and flip to the sound of music. It’s exciting to watch and even more exciting to try!
Where did it come from?
Capoeira began over 400 years ago in Brazil. At that time, millions of people were taken from Africa and forced to work as slaves in Brazil. These people weren’t allowed to practise fighting, so they invented a clever way to hide it by turning it into a dance.
The result was Capoeira: a hidden martial art with flowing movements, music, and rhythm. It became a way to stay strong, share culture, and resist slavery.
How do you do it?
Capoeira isn’t like boxing or wrestling. It’s more like a conversation with movement. Two people enter a circle called a roda. They move to the beat of music, using kicks, dodges, spins, and sweeps.
Musicians play special instruments like the berimbau (a one-string bow) and drums. Singers clap and chant. Everyone in the circle helps keep the rhythm.
Why is it popular?
Capoeira is more than a sport; it’s also art, music, history, and community. It teaches respect, discipline, and teamwork. People around the world now learn Capoeira for fun, fitness, or connection to Brazilian culture.
It’s also an official part of Brazilian history. In 2014, UNESCO named Capoeira a “Cultural Heritage of Humanity.”
Article vocabulary list
- Capoeira – a Brazilian sport that mixes dance, music, and martial arts
- Martial art – a kind of fighting skill often used for sport or self-defence
- Acrobatics – exciting movements like flips, jumps, or spins
- Slavery – a system where people are forced to work without freedom
- Resist – to fight back or not give in
- Roda – the circle where Capoeira is played
- Berimbau – a musical instrument with one string, used in Capoeira
- Heritage – something important from the past that we keep and protect
Comprehension questions
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1. What is Capoeira a mix of?
A) Swimming and running
B) Dancing, fighting, and acrobatics
C) Singing and drumming
Answer: B) Dancing, fighting, and acrobatics
2. Why was Capoeira invented?
A) To entertain kings and queens
B) To help people farm better
C) To hide martial arts from slave owners
Answer: C) To hide martial arts from slave owners
3. What is the name of the circle where Capoeira is played?
A) Samba
B) Roda
C) Arena
Answer: B) Roda
4. What musical instrument is used in Capoeira?
A) Guitar
B) Berimbau
C) Flute
Answer: B) Berimbau
5. What does UNESCO call Capoeira?
A) A dangerous sport
B) A world dance
C) Cultural Heritage of Humanity
Answer: C) Cultural Heritage of Humanity
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
