History of the dobrão
We all know the dobrão is an essential part of the berimbau, but do you know what a dobrão actually is? Let’s take a closer look at the origin of the dobrão and its alternatives.
Category: General
4 years already!
Four years ago today I released my blog. Time to celebrate!
A review of online capoeira music classes: part 3
This is the last post in a mini series of 3. I already reviewed Mestre Nenel’s private berimbau classes and Mestre Negoativo’s study group. Today I’d like to talk about the Músicapoeira course by Mestre Ferradura.
A review of online capoeira music classes: part 2
This is the second post in a mini series of 3. Today I am going to talk about the study group of Mestre Negoativo. In the first article I reviewed Mestre Nenel’s private berimbau classes.
A platform to share your percussion rhythms
I just discovered DrumAp, a mobile app which allows anyone to create percussion rhythms on the fly, without having to know how to write music.
Moderation is the key to longevity
That has been my philosophy in capoeira for a long time. In other words, I believe that to be able to successfully practice capoeira for decades you shouldn’t give yourself 100% all the time.
Is it Contramestre or Contra-Mestre? And what about Mestrando?
Most groups use a title for someone who is on the path of becoming a mestre, but hasn’t formally been recognized as one yet. Titles commonly used are Contramestre and Mestrando. What is the difference? And how do you spell Contramestre?
Capoeira Angola: Ensaio Sócio-Etnográfico – 2nd Edition
If one book can be regarded as the capoeira bible, it is Waldeloir Rego’s work from 1968 titled Capoeira Angola: Ensaio Sócio-Etnográfico. And I found a free downloadable PDF!
Capoeira is now on Discord
We now have a capoeira server on Discord! It’s a great place to discuss everything that’s related to capoeira. Keep reading for an invite link and join us!
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!
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.
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.