Comments on: General Capoeira History

By: Pedra

Pedra — Mon, 19 May 2008 05:14:05 +0000

Hey, Chan

Well, I think you mentioned all the usual elements and strove to be accurate (not that that’s really possible), but we all have to recognize that the elements that you mention are the ones that make up the folklore of the art. Whether these things are history, who can say…

I think we probably accept that the spirit in Capoeira begins with the Quilombos regardless of whether or not Capoeira was practiced there or not.

Is it African or Brazilian? How about both? The ancestor(s) of Capoeira may be found on that continent, but it’s modern expression could only grow in dynamic that is Brazil, and is now uniquely Brazilian.

I might quibble slightly with your description of Batuque, since that’s not really how it was described to me: One attacker, one defender; a circle yes, but no particular mention of which (if any) instruments were played — but I suppose I never saw it with my own eyes, so who am I to say.

By: chan

chan — Thu, 08 May 2008 23:52:21 +0000

Mestre Bamba always told me that once a student really dedicates himself to his mestre, the student must have faith. This ‘journey’ was a test of faith. No matter where your mestre takes you or what he shows you, you must have complete faith in your mestre’s teachings. This is a magical relationship and a trust that very few people ever really fully commit to. I guess as a teacher, you need to know which students are really on the level.

As for nenel. I know a few things, but what has been told to me is not politically correct, so I will not get into the feudal matters. All I can say is that he is continuing to promote capoeira and capoeira regional, and to the best of my knowledge, doing a good job.
Nenel I believe studied under many people, but I am sure you will be able to find that out on their website.
hope this helps
chan.

By: Akira

Akira — Thu, 08 May 2008 13:54:54 +0000

Did Bamba ever find out what Vermelho 27 was actually testing him for? What was the purpose behind driving him to an abandoned shed in the middle of no where with a pot of stinking meat? I’m incredibly curious now and am dying to know!

Also, do you happen to have anything on Nenel? For example, where and who did he study under after his father passed away, what is his relationship with old students of his father like and what is he currently doing to further the legacy his father left behind?

By: chan

chan — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 21:56:14 +0000

Kelsi,
this is a hard one, it seems so simple but really, I do not think that anyone really knows for sure.
The Capoeira seems to have not really have been created by any one person. It was developed over time and modified and adapted between people and time. Capoeira began popping up all over the place in brazil back in the 17-18oo’s, I have not heard of it, being proven to have come from any one place. Most people would however assume that the slaves began capoeira because they were oppressed. Through oppression people naturally create resistance. Capoeira seems to have been one of those things created. Every culture has some kind of martial art. To my understanding, Martial arts are generally created from oppression. Hope this helps.
chan.

By: Kelsi

Kelsi — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 18:49:03 +0000

why did the slaves start capoeira???

By: chan

chan — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 04:52:38 +0000

thankyou
I am glad you enjoy them. stay tuned…
chan

By: Oil Future

Oil Future — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 07:47:11 +0000

Hey!…Man i love reading your blog, interesting posts ! it was a great Monday

By: Ramsay

Ramsay — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 04:14:23 +0000

This is a fantastic article Chan. Lots of heart as well as history in there. A really good read.

Rams