roda 1.31.10

 

 

See more photo at my flickr.
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For Information on the Original Capoeira Angola Center of Los Angeles click here.
For Class Schedule click here.

Capoeira Angola Roda

Come join the original Capoeira Angola Center of Los Angeles as we host our first roda of the year. We will be collecting cash donations and clothes for earthquake victims in Haiti.

For more info see our Facebook page.

bateria

Jogo De Dentro

Animation: Sir Moving Images

Angolieros: Totti Angola and Ilma van de Beek

Post Roda

Yves' Roda @ Zambumba

 

Happy 92nd Birthday Mestre João Pequeño

(Photo: Brígida Rodrigues)

Me in the Roda

Always being behind the camera, I never get any pictures of myself in the roda. Thanks Minna! Meeting Mestre João Grande was nothing short of amazing. It was a privilege to be a part of this workshop and to play in Mestre's roda.

Mestre João Grande

Workshop with Mestre João Grande

Chuco's Justice Center

Hosted by: Ngolo Arts

Mestre João Grande in LA!

Mestre João Grande touched down in LA today. I am so excited to meet and train Capoeira Angola with this legendary master. I had a dream once that I was at his academy in New York and couldn't even manage a decent ginga in his presence! Can't wait for Saturday!

pulling arame

Arame is the wire that is used to string a berimbau. This wire is pulled from the inside of a tire. From everything that I had heard, it is quite a laborious effort. It's not for the weak or the meek. It was suggested that I save myself the trouble and buy some piano wire. That might work for some people. I'm just not one of them. Instead I walked over to the tire store up the street, got me a tire, and rolled it home. Baby girl thought it was hilarious and wanted to help. By the time we got home my hands were completely black and baby girl's whole left side was tire greased.

The tire sat in my yard for a few days while I contemplated my plan of action. Everyone had an array of tips, which were all helpful. (Thanks everybody!) The most crucial part of the process is a good knife. I was hesitant at first, but I decided to use the Miracle Blade, which was sitting unused and collecting dust in the kitchen. (Thanks Dad for your love of info-mercial products!) I figured if it can cut into tin cans and still slice tomatoes, I ought to give it a try. It worked out pretty good. After shaving away at the rubber, I did the one thing that nobody suggested. I used end cutting pliers (see left) and instead of pulling the wire out the tire, I cut the whole wire coil free from the tire. I used the pliers to cut around the wire until I could fit the knife in between and I just cut it out. It didn't take long at all. Then I was able to unwrap the wire no problem. I think this might be the best way to avoid kinks. I used the knife to get rid of the extra rubber and then sanded it clean.

I can't say that it was easy, but I can say that I did enjoy the challenge. Before you get any ideas--NO. I am not pulling your arame for you. Love is in the doing. F$%& a piano wire. Pull a tire!

Mestre Pashtina

This is what happens when natural ability meets practice.

rising with the sun

I must always remind myself that training capoeira keeps me sane; mentality and physically fit. I woke up this morning at 5:50am for my date with the park. Training capoeira that early in the morning is alot more effective than coffee! The other added benefit is that everyone in the house is still asleep and I have the opportunity to be alone with my thoughts.

Try waking up before the baby in the morning. Take a walk. Make some tea. Write. Stretch. Meditate. It will change your life. I promise.

To see the entire capoeira set, click here.
Pictured above is Capoeira Angola Center of LA's monthly roda held at Creative Seeds. Learn more about Capoeira Angola here. Click here for class schedule.

a verdade

mestre moraes