Capoeira

Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian physical activity that combines martial arts, dance, and music. Capoeira involves physical and rhythmic movements such as involves cartwheels, kicks, tricks, and floor movements. Its complex techniques involve power, speed, and mobility. The positions and postures are meant to flow, as practicitioners prevent any breaks in movement by executing movements such as strikes or dodges. The "ginga step" is a key characteristic in Capoeira, distinguishing it from other forms of martial art. Capoeiristas not only learn to fight and play the games of Capoeira, but also to play instruments and sing songs.

Capoeira was created in 16th century Brazil by African slaves, and became popular as a covert activity amongst poor urban and rural Brazilians in the late 19th Century and early 20th Century. By the middle of the 20th Century, capoeria had moved from an activity practiced by people on the margins of Brazilian society to the cultural mainstream, and it began to spread to other countries. The activity began to be practiced in Canada in British Columbia in the 1990s.

Capoeira training occurs year round in the GTA, and it is performed publicly at special performances and cultural festivals.

Although Brazilian in origin, in the GTA capoeira is practiced by males and females of diverse ethnocultural backgrounds.