Angola/Regional

   Here is a page that will break down the difference between the two styles of capoeira:  Angola and Regional.  First of all, you must understand that Angola is the more ancient style which was used by the first players.  Regional, however, wasn't created until the 1930's by Mestre Bimba, a very popular mestre who helped capoeira in way never seen before.  I'll leave you to the decision of which style is better than the other though.

   The Regional style of capoeira is a little more difficult to learn than Angola because it is much more strict.  For example, while Angola is much more free-style, in Regional, they show you the proper way to do moves.  Take the ginga.  As a student of the Regional style, the mestre will show you exactly how to do it, and you must do it exactly right.  However, in Angola, you can freelance a bit more.

   Also, Regional becomes a little more 'dirty' than Angola.  Regional players have more tricks up their sleeves which make them all the more dangerous.  These tricks may not be illegal, but they can give an advantage to the player because his opponent must be that more careful of what is going on.  Angola players may also be dirty, but not as often or as much. 

    One more insight is that the Angola style is more low to the ground and does not have as many attacks as Regional.  This has its advantages and disadvantages of course.  Even though the player using Angola does not attack as often, they are still all the more deadly with swift maneuvers that will defeat their opponent quickly.  

   In my opinion, I like the Angola style better for a few reasons.  My main argument is that it is the ancient style, used by the first mestres, the creators of the jogo, or game.  Regional is much newer and broader, and is more difficult to learn.