Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art developed by descendants of African slaves in the 16th century.  It is known by quick and tricky moves, mostly executed near to the floor, including a lot of handstands or head stands, always following the rhythm of the music. Some other versions of capoeira consist of more aerial acrobacies. The word 'capoeira' has several meanings, one of which refers to woodlands where the fugitive slaves assumably tried to hide.