| wanted: translator for capoeira class 08.20.02 |
| When one knows capoeira's connection with Brazil, you imagine rodas all over the street. You picture capoeira classes pouring out onto the streets and capoeiristas running around in their whites. Well, I think that is more of Bahia, because here in Sao Paulo, it's very rare to see it around. I have seen signs advertising capoeira classes, but they are partnered with gyms, along with classes of dance, judo, taekwondo, swimming, etc. I didn't come here to train capoeira, but after having it be such a big part of my life in the past three years, you can only expect that I would like to try out capoeira in the country of its birth. Last night, I had my first experience in a Brazilian capoeira class. I know they are not all like this, but unfortunately, this is the only one within a short distance from my home. The class is held in an "academia," which I get the sense is a gym affiliated with a school. That is why there are so many young kids running around, and the weight room is taken over by high school boys flexing in the mirror. The class that I attended was for "ages 11 and up," and although I was hoping for more students in the "and up" category, it was just me and two teenage girls, I'd say 13 or 14 years old. The teacher is probably in his late 20s or MAYBE early 30s, and is a part of a larger capoeira school further away. He started us out with some drills and they were all in Portuguese so I had to just watch and follow along. The two girls were really sweet about helping me out and telling the teacher to speak slower. I didn't mind, though, and I figure I will learn as I go along. Their style is a little different than Mestre's, but every school seems to have its own styles. The hardest part is getting used to the drills and exercises. Being with Omulu for so long, I got used to knowing pretty much what Mestre expected, but when you switch, it takes a little adjustment. In addition, the girls were totally giggling the whole time and falling all over the place. I know it's not supposed to be run like the military, but I guess I just wanted a more serious class. There is no roda at the end, which I would have rejoiced over if that were the case in California, but here, I wanted more of what I was used to. I guess I shouldn't have expected that just because I was in Brazil, capoeira classes would be intense and serious. I'm sure they are...just not all of them. I would love to check out the teacher's school, but it's really far and is also held later at night, so getting there and back would be difficult unless I asked my "father" to take me, which I don't want to inconvenience him with. I have to remind myself that I can't complain though. It is better than nothing, and at least I have a place to start working out again, although it is tiny and more low-tech. But if I want it badly enough, I can still get in shape, right? Six-pack anyone? |
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