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.

Different Types of Martial Arts

The Suri are a seminomadic people whose livelihood revolves around herding cattle. Each Suri male carries a long stick much like a bo staff —known as a “donga”— as he walks through the bush and tends to his cows.

The Suri people view themselves as warriors, and stick fighting plays a crucial part in their culture. It is also a major spectator sport. Huge crowds gather to watch the contests, which generally occur after the rainy season when food is plentiful and energy levels among the tribe are high. It is common for around 20 to 30 fighters from each side to participate, taking it in turns to fight one-on-one.