Wise words about Capoeira Angola
Mestre Pastinha
«Everything I believe about Capoeira, I wrote one day on that board that was on the door of the School. High above, only these three words: "Angola, Capoeira, Mother" and below the rationale
"the Mandinga of the slave is his longing for freedom, where his beginning has no method and his end is unthinkable to the wisest capoeiristas!"»
«Capoeira Angola can be taught, without straining one's nature, the essence lies in the enjoyment of one's free and appropriate gestures.
No one fights like I fight, everyone is different, but in everyone's way all the wisdom and knowledge I have learned is shown and present.
We can't skip the berimbau. He is the primary mestre. It is taught by sound. The whole body vibrates to the sound of the berimbau. As a whole the instruments together with the berimbau are not a modern element, but a matter of principle.
A good capoerista, in addition to playing, must know how to play the instruments and sing. He must be able to play without getting his clothes dirty, and without his body touching the floor!»
Capoeira Angola is the most traditional form of Capoeira and is closely linked to the culture and history of Brazil and is linked to the struggle of Afro-Brazilian ancestors for freedom.
A few words about Capoeira in general
Capoeira is a complex cultural expression, a game in which martial movements are performed in a rhythmic manner, accompanied by live music and song.
The players play in pairs in a human circle (roda) and the rest of the team members play music with Afro-Brazilian traditional instruments, sing and cheer on the players and the whole team.
Capoeira was invented by African slaves who were forcibly transported to Brazil during the colonial period. For them and further for the Afro-Brazilian descendants it was more than a technique of struggle and protection against the oppressive settlers.
It reflected the need to preserve their cultural identity and hope for freedom and was a means of expression and survival.
In modern times it has spread throughout the world and symbolizes resistance to all kinds of oppression and inequality.
In 2014 the "Roda de Capoeira" was awarded the title of "Intangible Cultural Heritage" by UNESCO.
Everyone can exercise, learn to play musical instruments, sing and experience the benefits of Capoeira on a physical and mental level.
It is a good cardiorespiratory exercise and strengthening of the musculoskeletal system, exercises reflexes, improves flexibility and balance.
Capoeira opens a way to experience and explore another culture, enrich our knowledge, develop our musicality, learn a foreign language (Portuguese) and make new friends.
It also promotes communication, collegiality and respect, incorporating sport, expression and entertainment.