Field Notes on Current Research in Brazil and Elsewhere
Capoeira with Mestra Angola, Salvador
In Salvador the two major styles are Capoeira Angola and Capoeira Nacional. Both are tremendously strenuous and athletic, but Nacional seems a bit harder and combative. Capoeira Angola is more graceful and some believe it has a gentler spiritual base. Comparing it to the better-known martial arts forms in the United States, it seems more like the circularity and mindfulness of Aikido than the percussive striking of karate.
Master of the Capoeira Angola style in Salvador, known as Mestre Angola. Here, playing the berimbau to accompany the practice
In Salvador’s historic center (Pelourinho), Mestre Angola instructs University of Milwaukee students (in front with backs to the camera, Mindy and Emily; in the back row, Imani, Mestre Angola, Armando, Tory)
Mestre Angola with UW-Milwaukee students (June 2015)
Mestre Angola demonstrating a floor kickHelping UW-Milwaukee student Armando with the floor kick
The backbend is a typical move in this form of capoeira. Carly (;eft), Mestre Angola, Armando (upside down) and Mindy
Mestre Angola demonstrating a capoeira handstand
Mindy practicing handstand, with Tory (left) and Mestre Angola
UW-Milwaukee students Tory, Armando, Emily
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UW-Milwaukee dance students Carly, Imani
Tory and Emily. Behind, the walls are filled with historic photos of the Capoeira Angola tradition
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Study Abroad class (June 2015). Back row: Caelen, Carly, Mestre Angola, a student of Mestre Angola, Imani, Simone Ferro (Professor and leader of the UWM class); front row: Emily, Mindy, Armando, Tory
