By Cavalheiro

Capoeira Brasil, Team  Potiguara had their 2nd batizado at the beginning of October – ”  Vem Jogar Mais Eu”   For some of us, the event was our first batizado and a recognition of our progress since we began learning capoeira with Professora Potiguara. For the more senior members, this was an acknowledgement of their leadership and service to the team and signified their readiness to undertake greater responsibilities within the group. The week started with a series of workshops, the first led by Instructor Mercurio from Group Capeora Brasil New Zealandand, then subsequent ones led by Mestre Boneco. We learnt some sequences created by M. Boneco  specially designed to build the foundations for offensive and evasive manoeuvres. We learnt how to apply feigned offensive movements to control a game and manipulate the opponent. These workshops were quite intense and tested our fitness to the limit (I would be the first to admit that I did not complete the 100 sit-ups and 100 push-ups at the end of the workshop day 2!); they were however very rewarding in developing confidence and fluidity in our games. The most inspiring aspects of these workshops I found were the philosophies on capoeira, especially how the lessons learnt in training can be applied to real life. I was particularly inspired by Instructor Mercurio’s story of how capoeira gave him a future away from a life of crime in the disadvantaged areas of Brazil. To me, his story is perhaps a reminder of what capoeira stands for, that it provides hope of freedom from oppression, be it an oppressor from the outside (colonial occupation) or of our own demons.

The week concluded with the batizado itself under the supervision of Mestre Boneco and attended by many prominent guest capoeristas in the Australian capoeira community. To see these guests play and have Mestre Boneco instill his infectious energy into the roda was exhilarating and amazing to watch. We played well in the roda with the mestres and other guests, showcasing the strength of our group. We are indebted to our Professora Potiguara for organising this week-long event and inviting all the guest capoeristas. For a first-timer attendee like myself, the batizado is a most valuable learning experience. It was humbling to discover the depth, richness and complexity of the capoeira culture. At the same time, the event also inspired me to improve myself both in and outside of the roda. We are very fortunate to also have two recreational workshops (Brazilian drumming and samba) and a forro after-party organised for us to enjoy the festive side of Brazilian culture. I must say that all the girls shown exceptional talent in samba and are performance-ready with one day of workshop; I wish the same can be said for the guys (myself included)!

It remains to thank our Professora Potiguara not only for organising the batizado, but also for her leadership and teachings. We would also like to extend our gratitude to all the guests that attended our event and UTS sports union for their support.

The month of September for Team Potiguara was a hectic month of preparations and training. This is what we train for and wow, it was worth it. The 2nd Batizado held in the very beginning of October was an amazing success, and there really isn’t much more to say about it. Pictures, videos and reviews will soon be available on the website www.australiacapoeira.com.au

A huge thankyou to Potiguara for all your hard work, Suado, who put in above and beyond expectations in the organisation of the event, all the members of the club who were simply fantastic, and of course the groups Master, Mestre Boneco. Obrigado Mestre!

The grading day was a great event, everyone had fun and we all learnt a lot. Congratulations to all the capoeiristas that graduated and everyone else that else graded and participated. The mood from the end of the event was that the club is now again more motivated to make next years event even bigger, to train harder and continue to grow the group.

The capoeira club would like to thank the UTS Union for their continued support. The event would not have happened with this success without you.

Photos and videos will be coming soon.

cientista

On Saturday the 7th of May 2011, Team Potiguara from Group Capoeira Brasil, went along to Mestre Peixe’s XVI International Capoeira Festival/Batizado, held in Darling Harbour. The event started off by forming 5 small rodas around the centre stage where quick games were played. Subsequently one single main roda was formed where we got the opportunity to see Mestre Zumbi and Mestre Cal Matos (2 of the main  guests from the event) play. New cordas were given to the members of Mestre Peixe’s school starting from the highest and finishing with the lowest. As each level was awarded, the students played the Mestres and with other students at that level. After all the cordas were awarded, there was a maculelê performance, solos were performed and then came a Samba dance off and a Brazilian percussion (Batucada) performance by the members of Mestre Peixe’s group.

Being relatively new to Capoeira, we learned a lot about the different aspects of the game by observing the higher belts play in the roda. The ritualistic movements that were performed by Mestre Boneco and Mestre Zumbi in the Angola games were very interesting. It was exciting to see our master Mestre Boneco getting in to the Roda with his fast paced games as some of us had never seen him play in real life prior to this moment. He has a very powerful stature. It was also fantastic to see our Professora Potiguara playing against the Mestres and Professores. It was an ideal opportunity for us to play with and learn from other capoeristas at this event.

“It was great to see the strength and depth of the Brazilian Culture presented on the day. Capoeira is more than kicking and esquivas, it is the music, the people, the maculelê, the samba, the ritmo… just like the Mestres we should embrace all aspects and will get more out of it for doing so! (Just don’t forget to esquiva!)” – Energia

We had a lot of fun at the Batizado and this has been a great showcase for Brasilian culture here in Sydney.

Written by Acai and Energia