MacroGuru Plays Capoeira....

[MacroGuru]

This is one Dynasty that is going to be slow, but fun to write.

Some of you know that my kids are in Capoeira, which has prompted me to start it up. Yes, even with my traveling job, I am going to be doing it....Hence, the reason this will be slow..

If you want some information on Capoeira, you can find it at the following sites:

http://www.capoeirista.com/
http://www.capoeira.com

Anyways, onto the first day....

The beginner class had some beginners and some intermediates in it. The new guys (3 of us) jumped right in, and we had to pick up the moves today.

For me, being as athletic as I am, I was thinking piece of cake....Hell no, it whipped me...

I had problems coordinating some of my moves, but once I understood the semantics behind it, I was able to perform it better, it's one of the practice makes perfect.

End of class we had a Roda, where we are able to play Capoeira against the other students in the class, I was hesitant, but the teacher, Sabia was pushing me to get in there.

My first time in, I did decent but fell on my face trying to put together a series of moves, and then on my second time I did a lot better, as I started to get into it and it didn't help I was going against the teacher, it's that competitiveness in me I guess.

Next class is on Wednesday....

[Izulde]

Capoeira is something I've always wanted to try. It's a fascinating martial art.

[FrogMan]

you knew I'd stop by at some point. I'll be following along at whatever pace you go

I'm definitely interested in learning what "playing Capoeira" against somebody else involves, like is there a winner, then how is it determined and such things. I'll visit the two sites listed above too...
FM

[MacroGuru]

I do have to say, I am sore today in places I never thought would be sore, I knew my legs would be, but the feet, wrists, and shoulders are there to.

Why? Well, the Au (which is a cartwheel) is a primary beginning move, followed by a mai lua (I think that is the spelling, which is a spinning kick, done with your body in a crouch.

As for playing Capoeira against someone, you try to get as close to the individual as possible without touching them, and also make them look silly. Such as, use your moves to get behind them, as they try to work, if you look like you would have contacted the other without them blocking it, a word is yelled (I don't know what that word is yet.

I will let you know more as I start to dive deep into this awesome style

[daedalus]

I've always been fascinated by Capoeira and Krav Maga (I know, zero relation) for some odd reason. I think because I know so little about each. I doubt I will ever be able to get my gimpy knees and ankles to be able to even ATTEMPT Capoeira so, y'know, I'll be living it vicariously through you (and this thread). Good luck and have a great time.

As an aside, I would think it would an incredible art for kids, given the sheer amount of coordination required. Not to mention the necessity to work with others. Awesome!

[FrogMan]

Originally Posted by MacroGuru

As for playing Capoeira against someone, you try to get as close to the individual as possible without touching them, and also make them look silly. Such as, use your moves to get behind them, as they try to work, if you look like you would have contacted the other without them blocking it, a word is yelled (I don't know what that word is yet.

okay, that gives me an idea of how it goes. Will learn as you tell us more and as you experiment with it

FM

[MacroGuru]

Brief update, I will have my second class tonight.

One thing that I am going to do to help the family out is purchase an online subscription to Rosetta Stone to teach us Portuguese so we can all understand the music and what the moves mean, as well as just to learn a second language. With 4 of us learning it, it should be used frequently on a daily basis in the home so we can get used to it.

Second, I am a big believer in diving into something to truly understand it, so I will be studying the culture of Brazil as well as Capoeira on a scholarly level. It's the way I am...

Some books I am purchasing...

The Little Capoeira Book" by Nestor Capoeira;
"Capoeira: an Afro Brazilian martial art" by Bira Almeida (Mestre Acordeon)
"Capoeira Conditioning" and "Capoeira:lessons in Cunning..." by Greg Downey

[daedalus]

Originally Posted by MacroGuru

so I will be studying the culture of Brazil as well as Capoeira on a scholarly level. It's the way I am...

"Honey, I am only looking at those Brazillian girls, er, crowd to get a better understanding of the CULTURE!" as MacroGuru hit replay on the part where the camera pans to the scantily clad crowd on the TiVo-fied Brazillian World Cup game for the 4th time.

*cough*hxxp://www.world-cup-info.com/photos/2002/girlies-48.jpg*cough*

[MacroGuru]

Originally Posted by daedalus

"Honey, I am only looking at those Brazillian girls, er, crowd to get a better understanding of the CULTURE!" as MacroGuru hit replay on the part where the camera pans to the scantily clad crowd on the TiVo-fied Brazillian World Cup game for the 4th time.

*cough*hxxp://www.world-cup-info.com/photos/2002/girlies-48.jpg*cough*

Obviously you have never met the Mrs.....she would be judging with me....

Anyways, 2nd class went smooth, the back is a little sore from some of the moves I was working on, I was able to do a one hand back stand from a back bend position and push off of it.

And I learned a new move today that can be added to my moves for the Roda...

I am loving this more and more as I get involved, and having the two kids in it, are awesome, my daughter will probably play against me in the Roda on Friday, she wanted to tonight, but we were not able to do it.

[MacroGuru]

Wow is the body aching today, I guess the 31 almost 32 years are catching up with me.

I would like to think this is because I am out of shape, and it is all helping me get into shape. I have already dropped 5 pounds in these two classes, it's a lot of sweating and hard work in them.

[MacroGuru]

Another update...

I was ill yesterday and missed class, while my kids went. The Mrs. picked up new Capoeira t-shirts for the family.

[daedalus]

How're the kids taking to it?

[MacroGuru]

Originally Posted by daedalus

How're the kids taking to it?

The kids love it, my daughter has stated her goal is to become a Maestra in Capoeira which she can do when she is 29.

She is excited at the fact she could become a professor at the age of 18.

We turned the music on yesterday and the kids and I had our own little Roda in our front yard. They loved being able to play against their father. But were a little scared as I can move faster than they can and have some speed behind my kicks.

[MacroGuru]

Pretty uneventful week as I missed one day to get things ready for my trip. However, we were in a city parade this week.

The studio performed a moving Roda as well as solo movements for the parade goers, my kids participated, and it was actually cool to hear their friends say, "Hey thats Avery" or "See, thats Madison in the yellow shirt."

As for me, I am now done with the classes until I get back from my trip on July 25th, however, I will be working out in my room for this.

[MacroGuru]

Well, since I am out on the road by myself this trip, I am extremely bored and actually reading a book every day and a half.

I found two Capoeira books at Borders that I will read.

Learning Capoeira: Lessons in Cunning from an Afro-Brazilian Art by Greg Downey

Capoeira: The Jogo de Angola from Luanda to Cyberspace Volume One by Gerard Taylor.

I am interested in how these are, and I will relay it to the dynasty when I am done.

[MacroGuru]

Learning Capoeira: Lessons in Cunning from an Afro-Brazilian Art by Greg Downey

Interesting book, although it read like a doctoral thesis in some places. This book focuses on the history, and story of Capoeira as seen through the eyes of an Anthropologist that received a grant to go study it in Brazil as an apprentice for years.

Very cool read.....