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The capoeira can be a resource for the development of physical abilities and capacities. It can be a form of non verbal expression, development of self conscience and of the pleasure to discover body movement. The playful is inherent to human activity and is characterized by spontaneity, functionality and satisfaction. The aim of this study was to verify the effect of learning of capoeira, using playful activities, on physical capabilities of pre-school children. It took part ten children, being eight boys and two girls of five and six years old, whose physical capacities were evaluated before and after the training protocol, using test of flexibility, lower members potency, equilibrium and agility. It was taught playful classes, duration of 50 min, twice by week on a period of 12 weeks. It was calculated the percentage of changes and the statistical significance was determinates using Student t Test to repeated samples, regarding p<0.05. The flexibility increase from 28.9±4.3 to 36.4±10.3 cm and the vertical jump increase from 19.5±4.6 to 23.3±3.6 cm (p<0.05). The horizontal jump has not changed, however the equilibrium increased from 29.0±14.5 to 54.3±8.1 seg and the agility enhanced from 14.3±0.9 to 11.3±0.6 seg (p<0.001). It was concluded that the learning of capoeira using playful activities can provide, among several advantages, enhance of the physical capacities in children of five and six years old. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]