The list of capoeira techniques includes kicks, headbutts, evasions, acrobatics and more. In capoeira, the main emphasis is normally placed on the interaction between kicks and evasions.

Due to historical reasons, different capoeira groups use different names for the same techniques, or the same name for different techniques.

Mestre Pastinha considered the core techniques of the traditional capoeira to be the following:

It is documented that the majority of the core capoeira techniques, including rasteira, rabo de arraia, chapa de frente, chapa de costas, meia lua, and many other distinct techniques such as scorpion kick and L-kick, were originally developed within the Angolan martial art engolo. Beside the engolo core, the sole major technique incorporated in capoeira was headbutting, derived from a common African practice.

Pastinha believes that the original martial art, brought by Africans during colonization, was secretly transmitted without further development because slaves were prohibited from practicing personal defense.

Some authors believe that West African martial arts, such as Hausa Dambe, and Nuba wrestling also influenced capoeira techniques.

In the 19th century capoeira saw a notable shift to weapons such as razors, knives, sticks and rocks. The late 19th century street-fighting capoeiragem was a mixed martial art, combining five main fighting techniques: headbutts, foot kicks, open hand blows, blades, and stick techniques.

The straight razor (navalha) was most common capoeira weapon, also used for assassinations. Blade techniques were a natural extension of unarmed capoeira. According to Jair Moura, whether fighting with or without weapons, the form remained consistent. The razor was seamlessly integrated into the core art by gripping it between the toes, preserving the feet as the primary weapon while adding efficiency with the blade.