Capoeira is a very unique martial art - it is quite possibly more of an art form in itself than many other martial arts. Capoeira is often referred to as a game, rather than a fight, and is played within a circle of bystanders (this is called the roda), many of which play music while the two opponents "fight" each other. This art form is quite like a dance, putting emphasis on the players showing off their skills rather than intending to knock the opponent down or cause the opponent any other type of harm. For example, many Capoeiristas will not even complete their moves to avoid actually hitting or kicking their opponent - they are simply "practicing" or showing off that particular move to the crowd.

Music is essential in Capoeira - there are several different songs that are sung during a game and many of the bystanders will play instruments. Depending on the style of Capoeira that is being played, the music can be slow or fast, entirely instrumental or be sung with words. Many times, a story is being told with the song or the bystanders will form a kind of conversation where they will call and answer each other in song while the Capoeiristas exhibit some of their best moves. Instruments are integral, of course, and are played by a row of bystanders that are called the bateria. Several instruments are used, however, the most unique look like a crossbow with a stone - the bateria will strike the string with a stick and the combination of the bow and stone will create a sound. Each of these instruments have a different name - they are called the Berra boi, the Viola and Medio and it is these instruments that set the beat for the rest of the music. In a Capoeira match, you will also see congo-like drums, tambourines, and a gong.

The actual art form of Capoeira differs with each school that teaches it, however, the same basic principles run throughout every form - respect, responsibility, safety, cleverness and liberty. Capoeira can feature any type of martial arts moves, such as kicks, sweeps, punches, throws and rolls. However, some of the more artistic moves featured in Capoeira involve cartwheels, head spins, handstands, jumps, flips, and other dance-like evasive moves. As each student of Capoeira becomes skilled in the art form, he or she will learn how to feint their opponent (this is called malandragam) and this type of trickery is extremely popular during a game. The player's goal is to fake out their opponent and trick them into performing the incorrect defense or strike in response to that move. This, unfortunately can anger some players and real fights can break out. For this reason, long ago the bateria kept knives and small weapons on their Berra boi to protect them from players that got violent. Capoeira is largely social and culturistic - it is a huge part of socialization in countries in which Capoeira is the most popular.