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

This article attempts to shed a little light on the subject.

Below, is in my opinion, a list from least agressive to most agressive movements you can execute whilst playing with another capoeirista. I left out all of the floreios and passive movements, as they are all movements that cannot at all be mis-interpreted, (hopefully).

AGGRESSION CHART
1. Marking or faking a kick or cabecada (showing you could have hit them without touching them)
2. Marking a rasteira
3. Marking a banda, vingativa, cruz
4. Cabecada body
5. Rasteira
6. Banda, vingativa
7. Kicking, body
8. Kicking head
9. cruz
10. shooting
11. Galopante face, grabbing the head (plum)
12. Kneeing body,face
13. Elbowing face
14. Punching face, grabbing hair
15. Cabecada face
16. Biting, eye gouging, striking groin

This is by no means the ultimate list, it is just a general gauge in my opinion of the extremities of attacks.

Misunderstandings are one of the most common triggers to why people fight in the capoeira roda.

Some groups may put some attacks before others, this is just a list based on my own experiences.

In our group in brazil, which is considered a harder style, it is okay for us to go up all the way to number 10 (depending on how hard you hit/takedown) without really offending anyone. This includes teachers and sometimes mestres. On the other hand, I have visited groups where marking a rasteira on a higher rank than you can be considered rude. So the tolerance varies extremely from group to group. This is why, in my opinion, there are so many misunderstandings in Capoeira.

I remember doing a workshop with a mestre in brazil and he was saying that they do not grab the head, they do no knee or elbow at all. It is not in their system because he considers them as aggressive, violent and as having no place in capoeira.

All of this of course depends greatly on the extremity of the blow delivered to the opponent. I have seen some people being knocked out from a vingativa, or a well executed kick. So it also depends on the power and intention of the attack to how agressive the movement is.

The progression of the jogo duro
Usually this is also the progression of how the game or a number of games will escalate as well.
As soon as one person does one of the things on the list, the other can do any of the things up to that point and will sometimes raise the bar by doing the next thing up from that. Eventually it reaches a point where the other does not dare to go further.

Sometimes people will jump from 1 to 16, because they are naturally aggressive people who have no patience. This type of thing is generally not looked upon well and is not good etiquette. A game or series of games needs to build and go through the motions otherwise people will not pick where the other persons level is at which brings misunderstandings and complications. This is the way it was explained to me.

This is really only one aspect of the game, however, I feel it is really a necessary one to focus on. Mainly because it is important to educate and clarify for those who don’t know so that people can be more aware of what is going on when playing in the roda.

WAYS OF COUNTERING OR NEUTRALISING THE AGGRESSION:
I know that a lot of people, including myself, get really nervous and unsure of what to do when faced with these situations. Remember you always have a choice, you always have options. You are in control, remember you are the driver, you are the one who controls the game, the game does not control you.

1. Do a volta ao mundo. This will give you time to really think and assess the situation.
2. Now you are faced with some choices here are a couple of questions I ask myself when I am in these situations.
3.do you have enough skill to be able to better the other person if the game escalates? whether I do or I don’t does it really matter?
Am I willing to accept the potential risks involved in playing this type of game? with the possibility of possibly maiming the other person or being maimed?
4. What can I learn from this game? what can the person you are playing learn from this game?
5. Are you playng this way for the correct reasons?
6. How many other people do you have to back you up if things go sour? can they handle it? how many people does your opponent have that will back them up?
7.What environment are you in? is there a way out? could anyone around you have weapons?
8.Is pride getting in the way of logic?

IF YOUR ANSWER IS TO NEUTRALISE THE SITUATION:
some of your options can be:
1. shake hands and cut out.
2. when you enter again gesture to the other person that you take your hat off to them, that they are really good, and make the sign of the cross imitating that you are preying that you get out of this situation ok, whilst smiling the whole time. I find this sometimes releases tension.
3. If you did something to get the person accidently, or hit them or tripped them accidently, do a volta ao mundo and apologise to them at the foot of the roda.
4. Try and do something funny, to release the tension.
5. If you are a lot better than the other person and have enough skill to do so, you could dominate the game with your ginga and game showing all the while how you could have gotten them but chose not to do so.
Sometimes the situation will call you to do this, but be warned, it has the potential to backfire if you dont have the required skill to do this.
6. If none of this works, and you have to hit or be hit. Take the person out, quickly and with focus. You only really get one shot so make it count. But remember, if you are visiting a group and you are by yourself or with only a couple of people, there are many many more people that will try and take you out after that, so be prepared. If you take one person on, you take all of them on.

Before I conclude, I must apoligise as this article is very generalised and subjective. However, I know that if I was able to have an article like this when i was first starting out capoeira, it would definately help me understand so much more about what was appropriate in a capoeira game and what wasnt.

Please, if anyone has any questions, queries or comments, they are more than welcome!

here is a video of our group, the associacao de capoeira mestre bimba. Believe it or not, all of these guys are friends and are just playing around. Its pretty scary when they are actually out to get you.

CAPOEIRA CHOREOGRAPHY

Creating a Capoeira show is only limited by your imagination. Regardless your limitations, there is always a way of being able to do something that will make an impact.

So many people worry about getting the best tricks, or focusing on showing ‘something that has never been done before’. From my experience, it is not what you can do, it is in how you present it.

THINK OUTSIDE THE SQUARE
Do some research. Don’t necessarily look soley at Capoeira performances, try and watch dance performances and study the formations. Look at the ways they use their bodies to create a certain effect.

THE DETAILS
It is really all in the details. Don’t settle for near enough is good enough. Fix something that is not working straight away. Every arm movement, every facial expression, every position will make a difference on the overall impression of the show.

OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER
What kind of lighting is there at the performance place? Does the music sync completely with the performance? If you are doing live music, will you use mics? Can you create breaks and changes in the music to give a better flow to the performance?
Are you sure you are meeting your clients exact wishes? Are you keeping integrity in the art? Where did you place the highlights and ‘wow’ factors in the show? Will the audience be able to understand what you are expressing?

Many Capoeira Performances are just rodas. There is nothing wrong with that, but, there are always things that you can do to spruce up the roda to make it more audience friendly. Think about involving the audience in the story you are creating. Try and think about the best things you get out of capoeira and find ways of being able to express this to the audience.

Good luck with your creations! If anyone needs help with a performance or is interested in hiring us for a performance don’t hesitate in contacting me.
chan@soulcapoeira.org

I am really sorry I havent been posting any articles of late. I had my computer stolen whilst I was in LA and am finding it hard to access a computer.
But, there will be more articles, so hold on, they will come!
Lots of Axe!
chan.

VARIOUS MARTIAL ARTS RANGES

In Kali (A filipino Martial art), They usually break the basics ranges up into five ranges: Weapon range, Kicking range, Punching range, Trapping range and locking/grappling range. (locking is sometimes considered a different range from grappling and within the grappling arts they also have broken the ranges down even more). Most martial systems only specialise predominantly in two or three of these ranges. Capoeira for instance, could be argued to really only specialise in its kicking range, with only a few hand techniques, and throws that are either derived from Batuque or Judo/jiujitsu/greco-roman wrestling (non-african arts). However, there is a remote possibility that nubian wrestling played some kind of part in the development of capoeira.

THE MEANING OF NUBIAN

“Nubian” is a common term the Egyptians used to describe all brown- and black-skinned people living to the south.
According to oral tradition, the Nuba began wrestling in order to imitate monkeys. The Nuba wrestlers imitate certain animal and insect characteristics while wrestling.

Like a monkey, the Nuba will rub his hands on the ground; (to help his grip). (this is similar to moring/moringue of reunion which I will write about later). He also stamps his feet and shouts at his opponent. They flick their tongues like insects and dance within the ring, representing the spirit of their cattle herd or village.

Initiation

It is every Nubian boys dream to represent his village. From a young age, he competes with other village boys in his peer group. this is to prove intelligence, character and skill in order to be chosen to live in a cattle camp outside of town. While exceptional boys are taken to a camp at a young age, all the boys eventually go to the cattle camp by the time their thirteen. At the camp, the boys care for the herd. They are also trained daily in wrestling by the village champion. The village will provide food for them in order for them to become stronger. Whilst at the camp, they become almost a cultic fraternity. They spend time everyday to reflect and meditate. The wrestlers will take ash from burnt trees (which represents to them life’s essence) and they’ll dust their naked bodies with it, in order to give them power and cultic identity. (Similar to some of the womens traditions in the efundula). By wrestling, the young nubian men are initiated into manhood.

Wrestling Matches

Wrestling is more than just a sport to the Nubas—it is an important part of their culture. Each individual wrestles several randomly chosen matches at a tournament. Wrestlers are free to refuse to compete against someone if they wish. The athlete that is first to take his opponent to the ground will win the match. Some wrestlers wear gourds around their waist. An unbroken gourd will represent that a wrestler hasn’t lost a match. however, if they are taken down, it is both embarrassing to them and painful when the gourd breaks on their skin.

The overall winner recieves a twig, an animal hide or a fur tail. Every village has a famous wrestler who is experienced and consistently successful. Often the champion’s reputation spreads and girls compose songs about his success.

Wrestling tournaments are held between Nuba villages. The competition is conducted around sowing and harvest seasons. There are obvious fertility rites connected with the wrestling tournaments.

Religious Rites

The religious implications of Nuba wrestling are more complex, containing at least three interrelated ideas. First, wrestling is closely related to ancestral worship. Second, wrestling is closely connected with fertility rites. Finally, wrestling is the channel through which the participants dramatize their animistic beliefs. Wrestling has continued to unify an otherwise dislocated and isolated people.

This is a very interesting video that depicts some nuba culture. Here you can see some of the nubian wrestling. There is also some nubian dancing, which has movements very similar to some of the samba and axe dance steps.
Capoeiristas, in turn wear patuas ‘good luck charms’ that are meant to protect and give powers, much like the animal hide or fur tail that is wrapped around the legs of the nuba wrestler.

The nuba people also identify strongly with their wrestling style as a means to preserve their cultural heritage. I believe that it is not so much with the movements of nubian wrestling, but more so in the cultural similarities and belief systems, that capoeira can identify with and empathise with nuba wrestling. Even if it is on a very small level.

Information sources:

1. ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0302/feature3/index.html

2. wysinger.homestead.com/nubiansport.html

3. www.la84foundation.org/SportsLibrary/JSH/JSH1988/JSH1502/jsh1502b.pdf

written by instrutor Bruxa

Symptoms:

• Grade I Groin Strain: Mild discomfort, often no disability. Usually does not limit activity.

• Grade II Groin Strain: Moderate discomfort, can limit ability to perform activities such as running and jumping. May have moderate swelling and bruising associated.

• Grade III Groin Strain: Severe injury that can cause pain with walking. Often patients complain of muscle spasm, swelling, and significant bruising

Difficulty to recover: Average

Time Required: Depends on the severity of the injury

Steps to Recovery:

1. Rest:
Rest is recommended for the early recovery phase, lasting 1 to 5 days depending on the severity of the injury.

2. Ice:
Ice application helps reduce swelling, bleeding, and pain. Ice application should begin as soon as possible after sustaining a muscle pull. Ice applications can be done frequently, but should not be done for more than 15 minutes at a time. ( Boys should be careful to keep the ice pack away from genitals )

3. Anti-Inflammatory Medications:
Anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce swelling and alleviate painful symptoms. These medications do have potential side effects, and you should check with your doctor prior to starting anti-inflammatory medications.

4. Gentle Stretching:
Stretching and strengthening are useful in treatment and prevention of muscle strain injuries. Muscles that are stronger and more flexible are less likely to be injured.

5. Strengthening:
After injuring the muscle, it is important to regain strength before returning to athletic activities. Both the injury itself and the rest period following the injury can reduce the strength of the muscle. Stronger muscles are less likely to sustain a re-injury.

written by Instrutor Bruxa

Warming up properly is one of the key things you can do to prevent injuries. Taking some simple precautions can help reduce the risk of injury and keep you training towards your goals. Most martial arts disciplines recommend sustained stretching for at least 15 minutes before any kicks or punches are thrown.

A) Static stretches are an option to start your warm-up. They will assist you to set your mind and thoughts in what you are about to start, in this case: TRAINING and they will increase blood flow to your muscles.

1. Remember to always move slowly and smoothly. Using quick, jerky movements increases your chances of injury and doesn’t stretch you as effectively.

2. Always try to relax. Tensing up while stretching eliminates the effectiveness of the stretch.

3. Hold the stretched position for at least 30 seconds at a time

4. Increase the number of repetitions as you progress

5. Think about what muscle or muscle group you are trying to stretch and make your stretch muscle-specific

B) Active stretching should be your second step. You can use your capoeira moves or the ginga as a way to perform your active stretches.

Once again:

1. Remember to always move slowly and smoothly. Using quick, jerky movements increases your chances of injury and doesn’t stretch you as effectively.

2. Always try to relax. Tensing up while stretching eliminates the effectiveness of the stretch.

3. Start with low kicks ( knee height ) and low movements and increase your Range of Movement as you increase your repetitions.

Below is one of the stretching sets that we run through at our classes here at Soul Capoeira. We usually hold the stretches for a lot longer and their are specific things that you should focus on when you are doing certain stretches. So come to a class and you will be able to learn it!

These stretches are influenced from: Capoeira, Yoga, Brazilian Jiujitsu and various Martial arts instructors.

Stumble It!

Written by Instrutor Bruxa

Wrist tendonitis is a common condition characterized by irritation and inflammation of the tendons around the wrist joint. It will limit your ability to perform cartwheels, handstands, queda de rins and any weight bearing activities.

What is the treatment for wrist tendonitis?

1. Immobilization

Placing the wrist in a splint or a cast is usually the first treatment step. By resting the tendon, the inflammation should decrease. You can purchase casts or try taping it up with sports tape.

2. Ice the Injury

Applying an ice pack intermittently to the area of inflammation may also be beneficial. Icing wrist tendonitis can help to cool inflammation and also stimulates blood flow to the area of tendonitis.

3. Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications will help control symptoms of pain, but more importantly they help in the treatment of wrist tendonitis to decrease inflammation and swelling of the soft-tissues. These treatment medications will decease the inflammatory response which is the cause of the pain. Anti-inflammatory medications may present secondary symptoms, so make sure you talk to a doctor prior to starting treatment.

Wrist tendonitis is usually caused by hyperflexion of the wrist during weight bearing exercises. It can also be caused by over use or pushing through exercises when the wrist is not strong enough to deal with them. Safe training and knowing your limits is good training.

Written by Instrutor Bruxa

Difficulty to recover: Low
Time Required: Depends on the severity of the injury

A FEW HINTS:
• A small, unbroken blister [less than 1 in. across] will usually heal on its own.
• Do not try to break the blister. Just leave it alone.
• Leave the blister uncovered unless something rubs against it. If you do cover it:
• Apply a loose bandage. Secure the bandage so the tape does not touch the blister.
• If the blister is in an area where pressure is applied, such as on the bottom of your foot, protect it with a doughnut-shaped moleskin pad or you as for Second Skins from the chemist. If possible, leave the area over the blister open
• Do not remove the flap of skin covering the blister unless it tears or gets dirty or pus forms under it

Common Injuries and Injury Prevention in Capoeira

Written by Instrutor Bruxa

Introduction

We thought it would be a good idea to outline a few common injuries that “Capoeiristas” seem to experience as well as highlight preventative measures to avoid them.

We would like you to use the information below as a tool to increase your knowledge. In saying that, this section should not assist you to make your own diagnosis, but more so to encourage you to seek professional advice.

I guess the most important things to remember are:

- Similarity of the symptoms you are experiencing to the ones we described here, don’t always mean that you have sustained the type of injury you are reading about.
- No written and prescriptive treatment will be as effective as having individualised professional treatment
- If in doubt about the severity of the symptoms you are experiencing, seek advice!

Risk factors

Some of the factors that can increase risk of injury include:
• Poor technique – holding or moving the body incorrectly can put unnecessary strain on joints, muscles and ligaments.
Make sure you keep your body aligned, use joint pivots and do not compensate movements. Seek advice from your martial arts teacher if you think your techniques need improving
• Inexperience – beginners are more likely to get hurt because their bodies are not used to the demands of the sport.
• Overtraining – training too much and too often can lead to a wide range of overuse injuries.

Common injuries

• Skin damage – such as cuts, blisters and bruises.
• Sprains – injury to ligaments
• Strains – injury to muscle or tendon. For example, a muscle may tear from the rapid stop that occurs when you make contact with an opponent or ground.
• Knee injuries – caused by the bent-knee stance typical of most martial arts ( ginga, esquivas etc) and the use of forceful kicks (such as martelo) that can injure the joint if not done properly.
• Dislocations and fractures – particularly of the shoulder, finger, foot and toes.
• Overuse injuries – any part of the body can be injured by overuse and fatigue

What to do if you injure yourself

Suggestions include:
• Stop immediately to help prevent further damage ( even if you do feel better after a few minutes, its probably best if
you rest for the rest of the training session!) .
• Seek prompt treatment of injury. Early management will mean less time away from training.
• Treat all soft tissue injures (ligament sprains, muscle strains, bumps and bruises) with RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression,
Elevation (raise the limb above your heart) and seek advice from a health professional.
Do not resume activity until you have completely recovered from injury

Watch Bruxa’s section for articles written about:

1. Warm Ups

Plus much more!

REFERENCES:
1. Bruxa’s brain
2. http://martialarts.about.com/od/techniquesandtutorials/ht/howtowarmup.htm
3. http://www.monash.edu.au/muarc/VISU/reports/martial.html
4. http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Martial_arts_preventing_injury?OpenDocument
5. http://orthopedics.about.com/od/sprainstraintreatment/Information_About_Treatment_of_Strains_Sprains.htm
6. http://orthopedics.about.com/od/sprainstraintreatment/ht/muscle.htm
7. http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/blisters-home-treatment
8. http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/handwristsurgery/a/wristtendonitis.htm