Categories / Martial arts & combat
Capoeira
Brazilian martial art mixing dance and acrobatics.
How to start
Join a beginner class: Brazilian martial art with music, kicks, spins and play with a partner.
How to progress
Train weekly or twice weekly.
What the evidence says
Evidence: limited
We found no trials of this particular sport. It combines martial art, dance and music.
Take care: Spinning and floor movements strain wrists, knees and back. Warm up.
Sources
12-week starter plan
A weekly class.
Tick each week as you finish it; your ticks are saved on this device only. Repeat a week if it felt hard. Weeks 4, 8 and 12 hold steady so you can settle. This is a general plan, not medical advice.
Add reminders to your calendar
Pick your days and time. You will download a calendar file that adds 12 weeks of reminders to Google, Apple or Outlook calendar.
Calories and weekly minutes
Enter your details for a rough estimate. Based on about 6 METs (Typical effort for this activity (estimated)). Real figures vary by 20% or more between people.
Tips and common mistakes
Tips
- Learn the ginga.
- Warm up wrists.
- Enjoy the music.
Common mistakes
- Skipping warm-up.
- Forcing acrobatics.
- Rushing.
Kit and cost
Low Approximate UK prices.
- Light clothing
- Club fees
- Bare feet or soft shoes
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be acrobatic?
No.
Is it a workout?
It is moderate to vigorous.
Is there contact?
Very little.
Good for: Fun & social Flexibility Skill
Compare with similar options
| Capoeira | Taekwondo | Karate | Fencing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical session | 60 min × 2/wk | 60 min × 2/wk | 60 min × 2/wk | 90 min × 2/wk |
| Effort | ●●●○○ | ●●●○○ | ●●●○○ | ●●●○○ |
| Cost | Low cost | Low cost | Low cost | Moderate cost |
| Equipment | No equipment | Basic kit | Basic kit | Specialist kit |
| Impact | Medium impact | Medium impact | Medium impact | Low impact |
| Fitness needed | Some fitness | Some fitness | Any level | Any level |
| Evidence | limited | limited | limited | limited |