The origin of Paraná Ê
Paraná Ê is the most recognizable capoeira song, and we’ve all sung it hundreds of times. But where does it come from and who wrote it? Even though we’ll never know for sure, there are some possibilities.
Teachers, it’s time to take your classes online [updated]
With all the COVID-19 craziness, a lot of public activities are being cancelled, including sports classes. So instead of just sitting at home, offer your students some remote classes.
Types of women’s events
Encontros Femininos or women’s events have been popular for some years in capoeira. There are several formulas that exist and each has its up- and downsides
Capoeira Pop-up Shop
Don’t you hate how capoeira t-shirts are mostly either of inferior quality or just aren’t pretty? Well, then you should check out the Capoeira Pop-up Shop.
Getting continuity in your Benguela game
One of the hardest things in a (Benguela) roda for beginning students is to keep moving. A lot of people don’t know what to do and as a result, they only ginga with a few movements here and there.
A while ago I worked on some classes to help my students overcome this very problem. Now I’d like to share my ideas with more people, hence this post!
What is a charanga?
A charanga is a bateria in the traditional Capoeira Regional style, consisting of 2 pandeiros and a berimbau.
Berimbau cufflinks
So I got married recently and had a really cool accessory I wanted share with you! I opted for a tailored suit (never owned one before) and chose a shirt with cufflinks instead of buttons. I wanted something original and personal but couldn’t figure what, until I thought of cufflinks in the shape of a… Continue reading Berimbau cufflinks
There’s always something to improve
… and I am talking to you, teachers! At the start of each new capoeira season (that’s September for us, after the summer break), my co-trainer and I have a meeting where we discuss our plans for the upcoming season. Topics are: when are we starting, do we need policy changes, are we going to… Continue reading There’s always something to improve
Capoeira memes for everyone!
I want to share this awesome Facebook page with you. The page is called “Batizado and Capoeira Memes” and it’s just incredibly hilarious! I literally almost fell of my chair laughing!
The ultimate capoeira book collection: Part 3
This is the last post in the book collection series, previously I shared a comprehensive list of English books related to capoeira. In the second part, I created a list of Portuguese books on capoeira. Now in this final article I am listing all other written material I have collected over the years.
The ultimate capoeira book collection: Part 2
A while ago I posted an extensive list of English books about capoeira. Now that I’ve found the time I also listed all Portuguese books on capoeira. References are hard to find and buying one online is even harder. I assume there are still a lot of books missing from the list, but this should get you a long way.
Tuning a berimbau
The sound quality of your berimbau depends heavily on the quality of the materials and the way you arm the berimbau. I wrote down some tips which will help you get a better sound out of your berimbau.
Toques De Berimbau
Playing the berimbau in capoeira is all about knowing the right rhythms, which are also known as toques. Here you can find a comprehensive list of toques, along with common and less common variations (also known as repiques or viradas) and contra-toques.
The Capoeira Wardrobe Challenge
I am introducing a new challenge: #capoeirawardrobe! Post a picture of your complete wardrobe and your favorite piece. Tag 3 friends to do the same!
How to prepare a class
Teaching capoeira isn’t about showing of what you can. It is about preparation and making sure your students come in contact with all the necessary aspects of capoeira. Preparing a class takes time, even more for novice teachers. I’d like to share my method as a guide to help other teachers out there.
Capoeira podcasts & vlogs
Today I am sharing a list of podcasts and vlogs which are maintained by capoeiristas. There are some interesting streams out there, where both students and mestres share their thoughts and experiences. It’s a great way to stay connected with the community.
The ultimate capoeira book collection: Part 1
I decided to create a list of books that discuss capoeira is some way or are related to capoeira. In this first post I am listing all books written in English. The list is ordered alphabetically. For every book I added an indication of the minimum level of experience that is required to fully understand a book.
A quadra I wrote
A few years ago I wrote a quadra, it was also the first song I wrote. I stumbled upon it when browsing through my notes and decided to share it with you.
Song Lyric: Um Par De Asas
Yesterday I got my copy of “Era Eu Era Meu Mano, Era Meu Mano Mais Eu” in the mail. It’s an album recorded by Mestre Pernalonga and Contramestre Rafael De Lembá and was released at the end of December in Brazil. Since they are not planning any online sales, I am very happy to be… Continue reading Song Lyric: Um Par De Asas
Dealing with isolation in experience
In my previous post I concluded that I had to think about where I’m going in capoeira. Today I’d like to share what has been going around in my head. I know I am not the only one dealing with this problem, so I hope some of you can relate to my thoughts as they are difficult to put into words.