Capoiera is an Afro-Brazilian art form with elements of dance and martial arts. It is a
sometimes heated debate whether Capoeira is just a dance art form that incorporates martial arts type fight moves or whether it is a battle ready 
fighting style. One thing is for sure – and that is that the Brazilian JiuJitsu authorities saw Capoeira as enough of a threat that it was outlawed for quite sometime and a one point around 10-31% of those incarcerated in Brazilian jails were arrested for Capoeira.
Capoeira is distinguished by it’s fluid acrobatic movements and the Ginga – it’s fundamental movement which involves swinging of the torso and triangular leg movements. This is used to set up other movements and attacks. Typical attacks utilize kicks, sweeps and headbutts, with very limited use of punches.
The Jogo is the game or match played between two Capoeira artists. Contestants or players compete in the Roda, a 3 meter circle surrounded by other playing music, singing or clapping and who can switch into the game. Why is it called a game? Because traditionally in Capoeira Jogo there is normally no contact. Yes, there are variations and in this martial arts training in which contact is allowed, but these games are more about learning and showing off your moves without actually causing injury.
If this is not a contact form or sport, then you are probably immediately disregarding Capoeira as not being able to have any place the the UFC or MMA altogether. But
Would Capoeira make in MMA?
don’t be so fast to condemn Capoeira, as even if it may not be used in it’s pure form in the UFC or MMA competitions, that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have it’s influences and fair share of fighters whom have studied it. In fact Andre Gusmao a Capoeira expert brought his style to the octagon in UFC 87, although perhaps not that successfully. But I don’t think there are many UFC fans that haven’t heard of legendary Anderson ‘Spider’ Silva. Silva has been training in Capoeira and if you go back and watch any of his fights you will notice his Capoeira type footwork that has helped him defeat numerous opponents.
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