Capoeiristas practicing Capoeira on Leblon Beach

Capoeiristas practice Capoeira on Flamengo beach. Capoeira is a mixture of martial arts, games, and dance that originated in Brazil created and developed by African slaves during the 16th century. Participants form a roda (circle) and take turns playing instruments, singing, and sparring in pairs. Enormously acrobatic, Capoeira was for most of its existence banned by the Brazilian authorities. It is now seen as a national sport.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil