What is the philosophy of capoeira?

There really isn't one. Capoeira evolved during the colonial occupation of Brazil, as a way to learn combat when teaching combat was banned. The only "philosophy" is a way of teaching combat while disguising it as dance. It isn't like most asian martial arts, which contain a big philosophical component. read more

Capoeira has many different principles and philosophies. However, given the history of Capoeira and the environment it evolved in, much of the philosophy is shrouded in secrecy. Capoeira evolved under horrible oppression- under slavery. read more

Finally, capoeira’s philosophy retains roots in the goal of survival at all costs and in surprising ways. The art was created by slaves and developed on the streets by the poor and “undesirable” people living at the margins of Brazilian society. read more