I found this of interest and relevant to what has been said by Naemanson and others. I saw a show about one of its women masters the other night on television. This is taken from a website here:

What is Capoeira?
an expression of freedom.
a cross-cultural social exchange.
an ancestral art, and an art of the future.
a way to build physical, mental and spiritual strength and balance.
a reflection, celebration and preservation of Afro-Brazilian culture.
music, self-defense, acrobatics, dance and social interaction.
a form of self-expression in a time of oppression.
a path toward self-empowerment.

Capoeira is an internationally respected art form that has survived for over 300 years--created in Brazil by African slaves as an act of resistance.

As slaves from a mixture of African cultures came together, they integrated cultural practices--their songs, music, rituals, dance, and they exchanged fighting techniques, self-defense and acrobatics. Capoeira evolved as an expression of freedom by a repressed, but creatively unified people. It became the quintessential expression of Brazilian culture--characterized by spirited cultural diversity.

Capoeira was a means of preserving cultural practices, as well as an act of resistance against enslavement. Through music and song, slaves were able to conceal its combative purpose--while simultaneously illustrating the strength and beauty of cultural sharing and integration. The cultures of African slaves, Brazilian indigenous peoples and Portuguese immigrants all contributed to the art of Capoeira.

The Capoeira "Roda" A "roda" (pronounced "ho-da") refers to the circle that Capoeira players form, and inside of which the game is played. Those forming the roda are as important to the game as the two players inside--adding to the energy and rhythm of the game by clapping hands, singing chorus, playing instruments and leading songs. The players inside receive energy and support from the roda. As a metaphor for the circle of life, the Capoeira roda illustrates that all individuals are important in the creation of the whole, and that cooperation is essential to the process.

The Annual Batizado A Batizado (Baptism) is a traditional ceremony in which the new student is initiated into the group and the world of Capoeira. The student receives a Capoeira nickname and plays with Masters and teachers of Capoeira. New and continuing students receive a corda (colored cord) which reflects his or her growth and level in Capoeira. The Batizado is not a competition or a show, it is an event of confraternity between schools, and an opportunity for the public to experience the beauty of Capoeira. ABADÁ-Capoeira San Francisco holds a series of annual Batizado workshops led by visiting ABADÁ instructors--including ABADÁ-Capoeira's founder, Mestre Camisa--which culminates with the Batizado graduation ceremony. This ten day event offers a unique opportunity for cultural exchange, inspiration and community-building.