It's never explained how he managed to be adept at this art that is relatively rare outside of brazil.
shareWith what others have said.
The quote is, with closed captions:
"See, you don't fool a man...who was born and raised in the worst barrio in Rio De Janiero. We're gonna find out real quick...who's the real capoeira mestre in this neighborhood".
So while we don't get an actual explanation we at least hear him alluding that he knows it very well from his own childhood in Brazilian poverty.
So, Silverio is a master, but Orlando still didn't know anything about Capoeira until the protagonist showed him and his classmates this style (which they thought to be funny and ridiculed at first).
shareIt truly doesn't make any sense. Not only is Silverio a master in Capoeira, but everyone around him, including family and gang members, possesses a comprehensive understanding of Capoeira, even singing its songs. Despite this, Orlando appears utterly bewildered. He even pokes fun at it on several occasions, including mocking the songs. He was clearly outclassed by his teacher, even though he should have possessed a grasp of the basics. In a way, he look bewildered not only about Capoeria, also about his own culture at a whole.
I agree and don't forget Silverio was basically a father figure to him.
shareExactly!!
Furthermore, Silverio desired Orlando to join the gang, aiming for him to become resilient and robust. It's rather perplexing that Silverio wouldn't have instructed him in Capoeira or enlisted the help of other gang members to provide him with the necessary training.
Plot hole but still enjoyable movie.