You could really apply any martial arts as a self defense mechanism, but capoeira is more used to get in shape and build strength. From what I remember there are two stylesL
1. Angola is slower and more strenth and felxiblity oriented. The games are played to a considerably slower rhythm of the berimbau. The emphasis of this type of game is stealth.
2. Regional, this is the most popular with a mixture of acrobatics and momentum based kicks and takedowns. The rhythm of the berimbau is much faster and the games are more lively.
Notice none of the capoeristas are overly muscular, the art is all about lean muscle mass and mobility.
Also in a sense you're required to submerse yourself in Brasilian culture. Learning to play instruments, singing and speaking in Portuguese, as well as learning the history are all part of the training.
This isn't your typical Asian martial art where you show up and mechanically practice then go home and forget about it until the next session.
