The music in capoeira is magical. I believe that through breathing one can not only absorb the air, but also the music that surrounds. The music becomes a part of you, it helps keep the heart beat in time, it pads your feet in every step, in every ginga…. Continue Reading

Popularity: 6% [?]

Slums drums and Capoeira follows the journey of a few kids that live in the slums of Rio, tracing a pathway to create a documentary about Capoeira. With many famous Capoeira Mestre’s interviewed along the way, the journey jumps backwards and forwards between Sao Salvador and Rio De Janeiro.

The documentary also follows the journey of their teacher, Tiane who lives in Rocinha, the largest slum in Rio. Tiane works to establish a new capoeira group with its main focus on helping keep the kids in that area occupied and away from drug gangs.

The DVD’s audio is in Portuguese with English subtitles, and has some really beautiful shots of Salvador and Rio. The interviews with many well renowned mestre’s are very interesting, giving great insight into their Capoeira knowledge and experience.

This documentary is yet another great contribution towards expanding the capoeirista’s knowledge and views of the art.

My favorite quote in the DVD:
“Capoeira for me is a way of living. Whereby you reach out to your ancestry, and thus your identity.” Mestre Moraes.

If you would like more information, the website has some great information on some of the mestre’s interviewed and provides details of how to purchase this DVD.
go to:
www.slumsdrums.com

Popularity: 17% [?]

CAPOEIRA ETTIQUITE
Is capoeira a dance or a fight? I get this question almost from every person new to capoeira, and fair enough. It is for most, seeing it for the first time, a little confusing.
Even moreso for people who come from a martial arts background. It is so hard to know when to do ‘floreios’ acrobatic or beautiful movements, and when to close your game and be on your guard. Continue Reading

Popularity: 31% [?]

This rhythm is called the hino da capoeira regional, or, the capoeira regional anthem.
Some people call this rhythm Santa Maria too.
This rhythm is highly subjective, and often changes subtly from group to group, from teacher to teacher.
This is they way that Formado Cacador from the Associacao de capoeira Mestre Bimba taught me.
Thanks Cacador! Continue Reading

Popularity: 31% [?]