THE
ORIGINAL AFRICAN BRAZILIAN MARTIAL ART OVER 500 YEARS OF TRADITION FROM BRAZIL TO U.S.A.
CAPOEIRA ANGOLA
IS
(pronounced Capo-air-a Ang-o-la):
A danced fight, a playful sparring involving style, wit, flexibility, and
strategy. Capoeira Angola
weaves intricate movements spirituality, mental and physical discipline, fight,
and philosophy into a unique game. It is very rhythmic and ritualistic, and
like many other African based traditions, is orally transmitted from master to
student. It demands respect for tradition, and above all, for the wisdom and
profound knowledge of its masters. As an African-Brazilian art form, it was
used by enslaved Africans to combat the colonial oppression of the powerful
Portuguese rulers. Its practitioners used this powerful weapon during revolts
and in defense of the Quilombos-African communities/nations of formally
enslaved Africans who organized according to African cultural forms. The Bantu
origins of Capoeira (called Ngolo by some) were relatively peaceful.
However, its later history is one of repression, struggle, and survival, and as
such, it is oneness with the history of Blacks in Brazil
and throughout the Diaspora. Consequently, the trajectory of Capoeira as art
cannot be disconnected from its political and social nature.
Played in a circle, Capoeira Angola
is infinitely varied, with an unlimited combination of movements of the legs,
arms, torso, and head, feet to the sky, a leg whipping around, a smile, a grin
and a gleam in the eye. Humor and seriousness, fun and struggle are joined in a
continuum of movements and flourished pauses. The art is beautiful and
inspiring to watch, featuring acrobatics, choreographed rituals and varied
dance steps.
GRAND MESTRE PASTINHA, (1889-1981): Opened the first Capoeira
Angola School,
The Academia de Capoeira Só Angola, in 1941 in the city of Salvador,
Bahia, Brazil.
Mestre Pastinha dedicated his life to preserving and continuing the long
tradition of this African martial art. He taught Capoeira Angola
as a path of self-knowledge and mastery. Mestre Pastinha was the first Capoeira
Mestre (master) to write a book on Capoeira's history, philosophy and practice:
"Capoeira Angola"
(3rd edition 1988). He went to Africa with his students
to participate in the FESTAC (Festival of African Arts and Culture) activities
during the 1970's and has made musical albums promoting the music of this
martial art.
Grand Mestre Joćo Grande: One of
two remaining Angoleiros who were taught by the legendary Grand Mestre
Pastinha. For over 50 years Mestre Joćo Grande has dedicated his life to
Capoeira Angola
in Brazil as
well as traveling to Africa, Europe,
Asia, and North America to
promote the art. Grand Mestre Joćo Grande is now teaching at his academy in New
York City, the CAPOEIRA
ANGOLA CENTER OF MESTRE JOĆO GRANDE. His students learn to play the
music and sing the songs of this African-Brazilian martial art along with
mastering its movements and philosophy. Mestre Joćo Grande teaches Capoeira Angola
in the traditional African way, as a way of life, just as his teacher before
him did.
Grande: Student of Mestre Joćo
Grande. Grande wants to teach in Monterey Peninsula,
California in the same tradition as Mestre
Joćo Grande as learned from Mestre Pastinha.
Capoeira Angola:
Fluid, dance like movements done close to the ground. With shifty rhythmic
movements, combined with the look of playfulness or vulnerability an adversary
is brought to defeat. The basic technique through which the Capoeira Angola
player develops the game is the Ginga, a shifty side-to-side movement. At the
heart of the art is the music lead by the Berimbau, a steel stringed bow
instrument with a gourd resonator. When Capoeira Angola
is played the Berimbau signals the beginning and the end of each game, and
governs the style and speed of the play. The Berimbau is usually joined by the
Pandeiro (Tambourine), the Atabaque (a conga-like drum), the Agogō (African
bell), and the reco-reco (scraper).
@ Home of Capoeira
23725 Determine Lane
Monterey, CA 93940
Classes: Monday &
Thursday: 6:30 - 8:30PM
Not offering classes in Santa Cruz at the moment
e-mail:
capoeiraangolacenter@yahoo.com
capoeira angola center of mestre joao grande pastinha monterey bay peninsula california peninsula pacific grove