Today considered one of the symbols of Brazilian culture, capoeira has always been persecuted in our country, especially during the transition from the Empire to the Republic. Associated with vagrancy and violence, this game/dance/fight only ceased to be considered a crime just over 80 years ago. This book portrays the social and cultural origins of capoeira and shows how it helped black people conquer and expand their political and social space in Brazil. By analyzing the regional and angola modalities, the authors delve into the study of capoeira's movements and body language in a didactic and direct way. Illustrations and photographs complement the book, thus contributing to the teaching of African and Afro-Brazilian history and culture, as advocated by Law 10.639/03.