A MARTIAL art born of slavery - which the authorities have been trying to ban for hundreds of years - is about to hit Lancaster. Capoeira did not originate in China or Japan but in Angola in Africa and is unlike any martial art you've ever seen. There will be a demonstration and training session in the art - which resembles break dancing - at Lancaster's Gregson Centre on Saturday, December 11. But before you try it you should know something of its intriguing history. Capoeria began back in the mists of time as a tribal dance. Young bloods would dance in a ceremonial competition for women. When the Africans were taken in large numbers as slaves by the Portuguese the 'dance' became a way of practising fighting techniques under the noses of the slave masters in Brazil.

Lancaster man Charlie Bluglass first saw the amazing spectacle that is Capeoria in Amsterdam. And many others will remember the successful sessions at the now defunct Womad festival in Morecambe three years ago.

Charlie now wants to establish the sport in Lancaster properly by starting up regular sessions. "I'll see if there's enough interest at this first event first," he said. "When you see masters doing this you never forget it. We've got one of the top names in the sport coming to The Gregson in Marcos Dos Santos. It really will be quite something."

To take part at The Gregson book a place by calling Charlie on 34791 or take your chances on the door. Cost is £10 (£8 concessions) and £5 for the under 18s. The session starts at 2pm and finishes at 4pm on Saturday, December 11.

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