Farewell Capoeira Thanks and for all the “Good” Times

Coral does a head stand

Update on Authors- Coral continues her Superbuff journey in capoeira with intermittent breaks. She consistently cross trains in other sports activities and finally achieved the coveted “six-pack” abs.

Soldado (I am the one writing this) has discontinued his practice of capoeira , but trains regularly in Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Boxing. Oh and I still love  ice cream and Asian food!

*Disclaimer – The following questions and comments are my observations and those of our readers.  They are in no way a condemnation of Capoeira of those practicing it. Like anything else in life there will be varying opinions and mature adults should take the time to make their own qualified decisions. In some cases names have been changed to protect the innocent. For every jerk teacher out there, there are several more that are genuinely honest good people. The benefits of capoeira have been well documented in this blog. I have been asked about the negative aspects to balance out all of the positive things I have said over the years and here it is. Thanks for all the good times capoeira!

Through the injuries, disappointments and fatigue, I changed into my uniform and walked onto the floor to practice, seeking the energy and freedom  Capoeira afforded me. Well it’s time to move on. With this statement I list the questions and comments that have repeatedly been asked and sent to me. I do not necessarily agree with these views or comments, but they have been submitted to my email enough that I believe there is some validity to them.

“..Capoeira is not an effective martial art.” – Capoeira is like most forms of unarmed martial arts. It is not necessarily the art, but the person practicing it. However, there are more efficient martial arts one could train in if self-defense is
your goal. I believe boxing would be more efficient and a direct form of self-defense. Having said that I have also trained or been taught by advanced capoeira players I would be happy to have on my side during an altercation.

“Capoeira improves your health.” – Capoeira is a dynamic form of exercise, but a cautionary note, I had never experienced more injuries than I did while training capoeira. I had been in football, baseball, amateur MMA and professional careers that were more physically intense, but capoeira beat them all out for injuries. It is simple enough to verify this, just look at long time practitioners and you will see some taped up head to toe with athletic wraps and bandages. A much respected Mestre told me at a batizado that while he loved capoeira, it had rendered him virtually crippled at 55 years of age.

“Capoeira teachers play favoritism all the time.” Again I can only speak about my experiences, but teachers do have their favorites and it is not necessarily a hidden fact. More attention and invitations to parties are given to those who are liked by instructors.

“Don’t ever date a capoeira teacher.” This should be as well-known as not dating your boss, but it happens all the time. Many Capoeira instructors and mestres see females in their group as a part of their personal harem, and even though they are students will develop short-term relationships with them. These women and sometimes men are smiling and training one week and then gone the next only to be replaced by another one. Again, make your own adult informed decision based off your own sensibilities and note that some of the most professional and caring people I have ever met were in capoeira.

“Capoeira is a cult.”This is also true. Some groups more than others use shame, intimidation and forced integration to make their students beholden to them. One blogger told me that his mestre told the students that capoeira was a religion and they owed a portion of their income to support it ( this was a mestre in the United
States) he fled to Brazil after a charge was leveled against him by a female
student.

“Capoeira was used by the slaves to fight the oppression of their colonial masters.” If fight entails disobeying mandates not to practice Capoeira by practicing it then yes it was, however, some people believe it was used by chained slaves to fight against the Portuguese slave holders who had guns. Again there is always some truth in oral traditions, but I would never face off with someone on horsebackwith a gun using capoeira. Anything is possible, but common sense should be the rule.

 

**There are others, but these questions and comments (or variations of them) are the main ones that have flooded my email since the blog started. I have the benefit of several years of practice and interactions with many groups and students. These are based on those observations.  Make your own decisions and know that whatever physical activity you are are in will have pros and cons and you should take the time to research them. PEACE!!!!

 

Superbuff Life changes and we change with it workout-

Breath in, breath out and start your day anew.

Goodbye guys it was fun sharing our capoeira journey with you!!

All Around The World

Lua Branca from Russia and the Women of Capoeira Artes Das Gerais in Massachusetts

Second grade was a traumatic time in my life. Our school district had stopped handing out milk and apples for our afternoon snack and the physical education class centered around team sports. I was never against team sports, nor was II ever worried about getting picked for a team. My concern was always playing in front of people from other classrooms that I did not know. When I played kickball with my class I was a star and could kick harder than all the other kids, but when we played with unfamiliar classes, I would get anxious and kick the ball out-of-bounds.  I never did get over that problem, but now in adult life I try to challenge myself by doing things that are not always comfortable.

Lua Branca (fourth from the left in the picture above) visited from Russia a couple of weeks ago, and it turned into a mini women’s encounter. By all accounts it was a great day. I tell everyone who emails me about the lifestyle of capoeiristas the same thing, the more you travel and the more groups you interact with, the better your capoeira will become. We can’t all travel to different countries, but find workshops in your local area with other groups and try to attend.

It was great having you in Framingham Lua Branca, please come back again

Lifting Pints of Beer To Your Mouth Is Not Cross Training

Soldado, Nathan, Mikey at Brazilian Jiu Jitsu School's Kickboxing Class

 

INBOX- 

You keep talking about cross training. I get a great work out from capoeira. Why do I need to train in anything else. Do you think lifting pints of beer to your mouth is good cross training?

SENT-

Capoeira definitely provides a great workout all by itself. However, cross training gives you an opportunity to add diversity to your workout routine. It can help you develop muscles that might be neglected during a regular capoeira class, and can help improve your game in the roda.

For example, I would constantly get tired in the roda. I incorporated more cardio i.e. hill running into my weekly work out plan and it help me maintain my energy levels in the roda.  Also, if you are looking to improve portions of your capoeira like kicking, maybe a kick boxing or muay thai class can assist with that. I have found that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu really helps my capoeira game a lot because of its focus on core development,  balance principles and body weight training.

Superbuff- Repetition is good most of the time when it comes to training, but for fitness, your body get acclimated to standard exercise routines quickly and will stop burning calories effectively. Switching things up will help you stay interested and help you get the most out off your work outs.

 

*RECOMMENDATIONS RECEIVED FOR CROSS TRAINING EXERCISES .

Taking a bat to the boss (There are laws against this…I think)

Shagging mom’s pocket (Not sure what this is, but use protection.)

Gardening (Different, but I could see some benefits to this.)

Scooping ice cream into a bowl (Definitely!!!)

Beating the monkey up with my friends hands (Again, not sure about this one, but why not use your own.)

Congratulations Mestre Ze Com Fome!!

Mestre Museu presenting Ze with his red mestre's cord

Ze Com Fome was finally presented with his red mestre’s cord by his mestre, Mestre Museu, who travelled all the way from Brazil. From all the information I received, the batizado and the cord presentation was highly emotional and special. I could not attend the event, but I celebrated the promotion none the less. Things you should know about Ze and what all mestres, contra mestres, professors, instructors, graduados and students alike should strive to attain:

-he is humble

-patient

-a great teacher of capoeira and life

-he is a warrior in every sense of the word

 -he diligently cross trains in Brazilian Jiu jitsu, Muay Thai, Kickboxing and MMA

-he never asks to be treated like a king or wants to be honored like some god, he is human and acts like one.

I respect you Ze Com Fome, not because you can play the berimbau or do back flips, or because of some cultish obligation, I respect you because you are living the life you were given and never wanted or asked for more than you could give back.

As I write this blog I am headed to my Muay Thai class and then to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu after that. When things quiet down later,  I will play a capoeira game with my shadow while singing……..

Sem capoeira eu não posso viver
Sou peixe fora do mar
Passarinho sem voar
Dia sem escurecer

ok maybe not my shadow….maybe the homeless guy that lives in the woods down the street,  who keeps screaming obscenities at passing cars.

Superbuff- Cross train! It doesn’t have to be in another martial art, but you have to mix things up constantly.

-Homeless guy, I always imagined you were just a highly charged environmentalist that just hated the emissions coming from vehicles. I respect you too. Can you please stop urinating on my recycling bin, its not that I mind, but the company will not pick it up when it smells like vodka.

Do you like the movie Amélie?

Do you like the movie Amelie I was asked. “Yes” I responded, I do. “Who didn’t like that movie?”  Well having asked a group of my friends this question, several had not heard of this 2001 French film, a few did not care, and then there were a dozen who thought it was the best movie ever made. Capoeira generates the same responses from people when I tell them that I train in it. Some don’t understand it, others do not care and then there are several who think it’s the coolest thing they have ever seen.

Capoeira like that movie was one path of expression for someone’s creativity. Lately I have been training in Muay Thai and continue to train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and have been asked by my friend if I still like capoeira. I told him I absolutely love capoeira and will always train in it, but right now I am expressing myself through these other arts.

Superbuff- Variety in training will keep your workouts fresh and allow you to continue challenging yourself. Your body adjusts to regular and static training regimens quickly so to keep  burning calories you have to change up the exercises you are performing.

*Bollywood movies anyone!!!!!

Please send your movie suggestions to me (Soldado) at ficag.ma@gmail.com :))

-Capoeira Artes Das Gerais (Massachusetts) has moved to a new and bigger location at 12 Irving Street, Framingham, Massachusetts. See you there soon!!!

I’m Just Not That Into You

It’s not you.  It’s me.

When I first saw you, I’ll admit I was a bit intrigued.  My friends thought you were kind of cool.  But now that I’ve seen you a bit and gotten to know you better, I have come to a conclusion.

We can never be together, because you are ugly.

I know I’m being superficial.  But I can’t change who I am, just as you can’t change how incredibly ridiculous you look.

And I know there’s a lot more to you than just your looks.  I know you would protect me from harm while allowing me freedom and flexibility.  I appreciate that, but I just can’t get over what my friends would say.  I would be ashamed to be seen in public with you.

Please don’t try to change my mind.  Life will be harder without you, but I’m willing to accept a few blisters and scrapes if it means looking better.  I’m sure you will find someone who can see beyond your hideous exterior and appreciate you for your practical qualities.  I hear that many people have recently ended their relationships with Crocs; you may want to start there.

Superbuff: Vibram FiveFingers are ugly.  Train barefoot and make your feet strong!

California Kid

Why do I love California? How about waking up to this and having tea

This is a picture from a workshop I did with Mestre Mindinho of Capoeira Brasil in April…it was a GREAT WORKSHOP!!!

After numerous emails, some not so friendly, I am posting some recent pictures from California. Superbuff is still in the house and rocking away. I just talked to Coral and she is still tring to find that last can to complete her six pack. It has been a long journey coming back to California for me and the trip was worth it. The weather is awesome, the people are nice (a little passive aggressive though) and the energy is incredible. What am I doing these days (thanks for question Pat)? I am still training in Capoeira with Professor Maccarao of Capoeira Luanda (Thanks You!) and still struggling to improve my Brazillian Jiu Jitsu. Besides these things I am running and lifting weights when I can. My path to superbuffness continues, and it is becoming a little bit of a struggle more and more as I get older, but I will NEVER give up. One thing that is causing me a HUGE problem is the fact that live in a neighborhood packed with delicious Asian restaurants

September is right around the corner and I will soon be back in Massachusetts for a few days. I can’t wait to see meu mestre Ze Com Fome and the rest of my group. Also, Capoeira Luanda and Mestre Jelon will be hosting their 35th Anniversary Batizado to celebrate Mestre Jelon’s 35 years here in the U.S. Anyone who is anyone should or will be in New York September 1-4, 2010. Check out this link frequently for updated info on that event: http://www.tibacapoeira.com/

I hope to see everyone soon and stay…. S U P E R B U F F!!!!!

*Dear diary today I had a dream that I was superbuff…………………

Professor Maccarao his daughter Lua and Superbuff Soldado

Maçã of Capoeira Luanda going int the roda with Mestre Curisco of Capoeira Males at Professor Maccarao's batizado June 1-6, 2010.

Professor Maccarao's Wife Indiana and his daughter Lua playing instruments at a class with Oakland FICA.

East Versus West

Professor Macarrao of Capoeira Luanda

3000 miles and over 6 months later and the Superbuff train is still moving.  Who could be as lucky as me to have 70 degree weather while my friends are still fighting snow storms and rain on the east coast, me that’s who.

The United States and Russia were still enemies when I was growing up. Every movie seemed have that theme involving a communist takeover with the hero, an American, stopping some international incident from happening with less than 5 minutes left in the film. James Bond movies, cartoons, and even popular literature from the 1970′s and 1980′s all used this rivalry to scare people and sell books, movies and even cars (American car dealers proudly proclaimed, “not made in Russia and China regularly).  Then the wall came down and so did some of the mystique surrounding communism and the people of Russia.

California is its own Republic. People act differently here. The lifestyle is generally a lot slower and people seem to interact a lot more here than they do on the east coast. Sure there are difficult people everywhere, but it seems that here in California those people and attitudes are shunned and not part of the norm.  The capoeira here on the West is also different too. Their styles seems to be more influenced by Mestre Accordeon’s style of capoeira. I remember reading his books day dreaming about Brasil and wishing I could have met the “great ones” of that era. The attitudes of the capoeiristas here in California is also a lot different. It’s hard to detail this difference. Their caporeira games are “bigger” and slightly faster.  The capoeira on the east coast is aggressive but much more stylistic and fluid. Small games in tight rodas seem to be the norm. Benguela is the standard with faster games being played mainly at the end of the class. I always remember wishing I was shorter so i could go lower to the ground and display more expressive movements like my Mestre Ze Com Fome. With Professor Macarrao I am still able to get the best of the east coast with some west coast elements when I need them to diversify my game.  My mestre always told me differences are good and should be celebrated by taking the best of what each has to offer.  It is hard here, because I associate the differences with missing my group and friends back on the east coast.

-Maybe James Bond will one day be fighting to stop the evil capoeirstas from the west coast from invading academies on the east coast ……….just a thought.

Superbuff- If you are currently on the east coast, shoveling snow is a great way to get a total body workout. If you are on the west coast, walking to the a local coffee shop is a great way to get some cardio in before work.

Loch Ness Monster Babies

Riding the bus in LA is sort of like playing roulette with mentally disturbed people while on a roller coaster from 1972.  You never really know what to expect, and there’s a fine line between entertaining and life-threatening.

Last Friday, I was on the bus when a man to my left struck up the most amazing conversation I have ever heard in my life with a man to my right. It started off normal enough.  Then the man to my left said that he was going to turn himself into a dolphin, because dolphins are peaceful and have bigger brains than humans, and I realized that I was in the middle of a conversational vortex of which rational human beings can only dream.

The guy to my right took the pronouncement of dolphin transmogrification in stride.  “Oh yeah,” he said, “I heard dolphins are loch ness monster babies.”

“Well,” said dolphin guy, “there are a lot of different types of dolphins.”

Loch ness monster guy went on to say that he was a rapper whose body was being kept at the Pentagon and he wished we could have elected Vladimir Putin in the last election.  Dolphin guy said he would have preferred Ghandi, because he believed in passive resistence.

Then a third guy chimed in to add that passive resistance worked for the Indians and the French against the English, because the Indians would lie down in front of the English tanks and their bones would jam the tank treads.

Unfortunately at this point I had to get off the bus, because in the real world it had reached my stop.  I never did find out how loch ness monster guy was going to get his body back from the Pentagon.

Superbuff Swimming is a good workout for cross-training or recovering from injuries, because it’s zero-impact.  It is also good practice in case you want to turn yourself into a dolphin.*

*Read books too because dolphins have bigger brains that humans and they will laugh at you if you aren’t well-read

It’s All The Same

Some things do not translate well when converting one language to another especially when discussing capoeira:

Email

Inbox- My girlfriend watch while I got kicked in the penis over and over we both laughed at the lovely situation and still laugh while it happens all the time. What do you like to do for getting kicked in yours.

Outbox- I have never participated in this type of activity, but I would recommend you and your girlfriend agree on a safe word to use if the pain becomes too much.

 

During capoeira class, Professor Maccarao had the students performing a set combination. While describing the techniques he mentioned each technique and esquiva by name. Listening to his description I noted that he described several of the esquivas in terms of numbers. Esquiva #1 was a basic esquiva all the way up to esquive #5 which iI believe was esquiva de frente. I remember having a conversation with my mestre Ze Com Fome about groups using different names for the same techniques after attending another groups workshops. He stated a lot of names for techniques are  based off of the location where that mestre trained. Sometimes mestres simply re organized techniques names to make the movements more understandable to their students. He said it didn’t matter what the name was because a martelo is a martelo and a esquiva is still an esquiva. “Love maybe pronounced a hundred different ways around the world, but it still feels the same,” he stated.

Superbuff International Fitness Workout- It is easy to get bored doing the same workout routine. Search the internet and look for different routines to use during workouts. Recently I found a set of 19th century based exercises that Turkish wrestlers use to stay in shape. The exercises were extremely difficult, but it worked muscles that I hadn’t used performing my standard routines.