Capoeira Angola in Oakland
A lot of stuff has happened over the last few months, but I think I'll reserve this post for what I've been spending most of my extra time doing ... capoeira. That would be because I finally have some footage of one of my games, and it's playing against Mestre Themba.
For those of you not familiar with Capoeira Angola, it a martial art disguised in dance-like movements. Because its still fighting, though, you have to not get so caught up in the beauty that you forget to protect your head from being elbowed, butted, or kicked.
As it is with Mestre Themba, as I imagine the case would be with any Mestre, a beginner like myself has to take great care with every step ... or else. Every twist and turn has to mean something, otherwise there might be a foot waiting for your teeth at the end of your movement.
For an example of Capoeira with a little more grace added to it, the clip below shows the senior student in our school, Achebe, playing with Themba. Maybe in another 10 years my game will be this smooth.
Next, I have to get some Kali footage. I've been practicing my 3-sectional staff movements. That should be entertaining.
For those of you not familiar with Capoeira Angola, it a martial art disguised in dance-like movements. Because its still fighting, though, you have to not get so caught up in the beauty that you forget to protect your head from being elbowed, butted, or kicked.
As it is with Mestre Themba, as I imagine the case would be with any Mestre, a beginner like myself has to take great care with every step ... or else. Every twist and turn has to mean something, otherwise there might be a foot waiting for your teeth at the end of your movement.
For an example of Capoeira with a little more grace added to it, the clip below shows the senior student in our school, Achebe, playing with Themba. Maybe in another 10 years my game will be this smooth.
Next, I have to get some Kali footage. I've been practicing my 3-sectional staff movements. That should be entertaining.
posted by moluv at 8:41 PM
4 Comments:
You're right about every step having meaning. It really comes across. It looks so beautiful, and there's something almost dreamy about the movement, but, damn, I bet it's difficult and exhausting. Were you praying at the beginning?
Although jogos (games) often begin with a prayer, I kept my hands in front of my face for defensive reasons. The jogo can start at any time. It's convenient that the best defense in that position looks like a prayer, though.
Do you play Capoeira Angola ?
I Cannot see the video, it says "video is no longer avaliable".
I am from Brasil, and I train Capoeira Angola, I am from lineage of Mestre Patinho, and Mestra Elma, our group is called N´Zambi.
We play the Capoeira Angola created by Mestre Pastinha.
There is other links to the videos ?
Oi! tudo bem? I found ur blog by looking for info on Mestre Themba. Anyhow, the videos didn't work... but Im going to try to come on Saturday to the Ngolo Preto Velho group's class. cool blog though- abraços- Pedrita
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