The film tells the story of how Capoeira spread from Bahia to the rest of the world. The director’s argument is that Capoeira would not have survived such intense repression, nor would it have flourished in other countries without any official support—especially in places like Manhattan, New York, where one of the most Brazilian of Capoeira academies has been operating for 12 years. The survival of Capoeira, as the film suggests, was deeply influenced by the "mandinga" — the Candomblé ritual performed to the Orixás for protection and opening paths.

The documentary was filmed in various locations, including Salvador, Recôncavo Baiano, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and the United States (Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and universities such as Notre-Dame, Michigan, and New York). It brings together meticulous iconographic research and archival footage to illustrate the historical origins of Capoeira and its evolution to the present day, showing how this unique dance-fight art form has spread to even the most remote corners of the world.

The personal accounts of prominent figures in the Capoeira community guide the narrative. Interviews with some of the most respected Capoeira masters in activity today—including João Grande (New York), João Pequeno, Camisa, Suassuna, Acordeon, Alabama, Cobra Mansa, and others—serve as key components of the storytelling. Additionally, the film features contributions from scholars, researchers, and public figures such as Gilberto Gil, Ubiratan Castro, Dr. Decânio, and Carlos Eugênio Líbano Soares, providing a comprehensive understanding of the subject.