el DF, Mexico: 6th Anniversary in November

   
FICA-Mexico

6th Anniversary of FICA-Mexico

Tres raíces, una cultura
3 Roots, One Culture

3 – 7 of November
D.F. & Xalapa, Veracruz

Invited guests: Mestres Cobra Mansa, Jurandir, Contramestre Rogério Teber

Space is limited. Registration will close on October 15.

More information coming soon.

Contact: ficamexico (at) yahoo (dot) com

“ FICA-Mexico will provide transportation between the two cities.

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La Fundación Internacional de Capoeira Angola - México (FICA-Mx), el contramestre Rogério Teber y alumnos, tienen el placer de invitarlos al "6° Aniversario de la FICA-Mx: Tres raíces, una cultura", que se llevará a cabo del día 3 al día 7 de noviembre de 2010, en las ciudades de México y Xalapa, Veracruz.

En este evento participarán Mestre Cobra Mansa, Mestre Jurandir, el Contramestre Rogério Teber y estarán presentes treneus y alumnos avanzados de la FICA. La posible presencia de Mestre Manoel (grupo Ypiranga de Pastinha, Rio de Janeiro) está por confirmarse.

Más adelante les comunicaremos los costos de este gran encuentro, así como su contenido y programación.

Además, la FICA-Mx organizará el transporte México D.F./Xalapa y Xalapa/D.F. Le pedimos a los interesados que se comuniquen con nosotros lo antes posible, los lugares son limitados y la fecha límite de inscripción es el 15 de octubre.

Este será un gran momento para descubrir el universo de la Capoeira Angola, no duden en invitar a todos sus amig@s y familiares.
Esperamos contar con su presencia.

Saludos afectuosos,
FICA-Mexico
   

Seattle, USA: Register now for the FICA event

  

In just 4 weeks, we’ll be coming together for

FICA’S 16th International
Capoeira Angola Conference!

“Tudo que a boca come”
Nourishing our capoeira family.

Sept. 2 -5, 2010
Labor Day weekend
Seattle WA

The registrations are rolling in and we are getting ready!

Are you?

Vist our website to sign up!

Join Mestre Jurandir, Mestre Valmir, Mestre Cobra Mansa (he’s coming after all!), Mestre Índio, Contra Mestre Silvinho, and Treineu Andrea, plus a slew of students from Chicago, DC, Oakland, NY, Hawaii, and more.

We’ll have 4 days and 3 nights of:
Workshops on CAPOEIRA ANGOLA, plus SAMBA, AFRICAN DANCE, LECTURES, FILM PRESENTATION, and RODAs!

Conference Schedule

Thursday, 9/2
6:00-7:30: registration/opening cerimony
7:30-9:30:opening roda
10:00 :bus leaves for Camp River Ranch

Friday, 9/3
7:00-8:30: breakfast
9:00-11:00: worshop
11:00-2:00: lunch/roda
2:00-3:00: break
3:00-5:00: workshop
5:00-6:00: guestteacher/afro-peruvian percussion workshop
6:00-7:00: lecture/panel discussion
7:00-8:30: dinner
8:30: roda

Saturday, 9/4
7:00-8:30: breakfast
9:00-11:00: worshop
11:00-2:00: lunch/roda
2:00-3:00: break
3:00-5:00: workshop
5:00-6:00: guest teacher/dance workshop
5:00-7:00: lecture/panel discussion
7:00-8:30: dinner
8:30: party with sambatuque

Sunday, 9/5
7:00-8:30: breakfast
9:00-11:00: workshop
11:00-1:00: lunch
1:30-3:00: closing roda
3:00: 1st bus start to leave for Seattle
5:00: last bus leaves for Seattle

About this year’s theme:
Capoeira Angola is everything the mouth eats. Pastinha's words advise the Capoeirista to grow from all that we touch, breath and encounter in this world. In talking with several of you over the past year, we feel a strong solidarity in the vision to raise awareness and consciousness, to build modern quilombos. We are proud that FICA members have a wide wealth of passions pertaining to sustainability, social justice, healing and ancestral guidance. At this year’s conference our intention is to explore how tudo que a boca come can guide us in all aspects of nourishment.

Some topics to ponder are: sustainability, the food revolution/ food justice, organic and urban farming, respectful human resources/labor, Quilombos and Communities, democratic living and sharing for unified success, understanding past and present, connecting with elders, children, and teachers, honoring ancestors, healing, movement and music therapy, nutrition, and traditional medicine.

This is an opportunity to challenge ourselves and each other, to become more aware and to deepen our understanding of all that we are “eating” in our lives.
  

Seattle, USA: XVI International Encounter

 

XVI (that is, 16th) Annual International Conference

International Capoeira Angola Foundation

September 2 – 5, 2010
LABOR DAY WEEKEND
Seattle, WA

Nourishing our Capoeira Family
Capoeira Angola e manha, e malicia, e tudo que a boca come. - Pastinha

presented by:
Contra Mestre Silvinho with FICA Seattle and Portland.

with the presence of:

Mestre Jurandir
Mestre Valmir
Mestre Índio
Treinel Andrea from Oakland
Aloan from FICA BAHIA.

In case you haven’t heard, Mestre Cobra Mansa is going to be in Africa researching the roots of Capoeira Angola, so he will not be able to join us at this year's conference. Congratulations Mestre; we wish you well.

Where:
Camp River Ranch, Carnation, WA (near Seattle)
We are thrilled to host old and new friends in this lush, old growth forest outside of Seattle. The serene summer camp facility is the perfect setting for deepening our connections to nature, ancestors, others and self. We’ll be overlooking a lake, building bonfires at night, enjoying hot showers and breathing fresh mountain air.

Schedule:
Thursday, 9/2
6pm
Opening Roda
FICA Seattle studio
954 E. Union St. Seattle, Wa 98122

9pm Bus to Camp River Ranch

Friday - Sunday, 9/3- 9/5
All Day Workshops, rodas, meals and more!

Sunday, 9/5
3pm, Closing Roda
6pm, Bus to Seattle, arrive at 7pm.

The SeaTac airport is 60 minutes from Seattle by bus and 30 minutes by car.

Theme:
Nourishing our Capoeira Family
Capoeira Angola é manha, é malicia, é tudo que a boca come.
- Pastinha

Capoeira Angola is everything the mouth eats. Pastinha's words advise the Capoeirista to grow from all that we touch, breath and encounter in this world. In talking with several of you over the past year, we feel a strong solidarity in the vision to raise awareness and consciousness, to build modern quilombos. We are proud that FICA members have a wide wealth of passions pertaining to sustainability, social justice, healing and ancestral guidance. At this year’s conference our intention is to explore how tudo que a boca come can guide us in all aspects of nourishment.

Some topics to ponder are: sustainability, the food revolution/ food justice, organic and urban farming, respectful human resources/labor, Quilombos and Communities, democratic living and sharing for unified success, understanding past and present, connecting with elders, children, and teachers, honoring ancestors, healing, movement and music therapy, nutrition, and traditional medicine.

This is an opportunity to challenge ourselves and each other, to become more awake and to deepen our understanding of what we are “eating”.


Call for Art…
Many of you are talented artists. We invite you to submit an original design, drawing, or other work to represent this year’s conference theme on t-shirts, flyers, and posters.

Deadline: June 30
We encourage EVERYONE to express your inspirations through art.
*Registration will be granted if your work is chosen!

Send submissions to:
silvioaleixo (at) hotmail (dot) com
or by mail to
FICA Seattle PO Box 28547, Seattle WA 98118

Conference Price:
Because the financial success of this conference depends on good organization, we are offering a discount to those who register early.

Before August 1st $ 150
After August 1st $175

The cost of registration covers:
3 Nights Lodging
Bus transportation to and from Camp River Ranch / Seattle -Thursday and Sunday
3 Meals per day, mostly local and organic
All Workshops, Rodas, and Conference Events
Smiles, songs, and scenery…

Click to download the *2010 Encounter Registration Form* pdf.

You can fill it out electronically and email it back to ficapdx (at) gmail (dot) com, or print it and mail it (along with a check) to: FICA Portland Study Group 707 NE Broadway #203, Portland, OR, 97232.

A button to pay on-line via *PayPal* is coming soon.

Visit our website for further details
website

Thanks to Criss for the information.
 

Oakland, USA: Early Registration Reminder

   
9th Annual Capoeira Angola Women's Conference is for everyone, men and women!

Confirmed Attending:

Mestre Jurandir
Mestre Cobra Mansa
Contramestre Cris from Acanne
Contramestre Alicione from Angola Dobrada
Treineu Andrea from FICA

March 12-14

Three full days packed with 5 capoeira angola movement workshops, 2 music workshops, 2 dance classes, lunchtime lectures and discussions, party, reception, and 3 rodas!

There will be childcare offered and a special kids class and roda!

Special movie screen and marketplace on Saturday night to introduce female activists and artists from the Bay Area!
   

Capoeira Angola in Hawaii

    

A note from Hawaii:

It was the first Capoeira Angola event in our new space, which is on the land where we have created a small homestead. Our space sits fifty feet from our house in front of the goat and chicken yard. We are excited to incorporate sustainable living and permaculture principles; planting bananas, fruit trees, papayas, taro and cassava, greens and vegetables, bee keeping, composting, mulching and living simpler and closer with nature. Since the first times that Mestre Jurandir and Contramestre Silvinho came to the Big Island of Hawaii in 2006 our group has been moving forward day by day, and today, with the blessing of our Mestre, we are able to hang our berimbaus on a wall devoted to this beautiful art form. Today we can light a candle and incense to remind us of the ones who came before us so that we can enjoy Capoeira Angola.

While Contramestre Silvinho was here we trained every morning and had workshops every evening. We promoted Capoeira Angola at the University with a free demo/first time workshop. The next day we did a demonstration at the annual parade in the historic downtown Pahoa. Students, who were taking a sabbatical from the group, joined us for the weekend of fun and challenge and learned more about group participation and community connection. When asked by Contramestre Silvinho, "What is Capoeira Angola", the kids from our local school program responded with answers such as, "to make friends", "respect", "martial art", "dance", "working together" and "music". And so, with gratitude in our hearts and the continued support of Mestre Jurandir, Contramestre Silvinho and FICA, Capoeira Angola continues to enhance our community here in Hawaii.

Many thanks to Joe, leader of the group in Hawaii for the report. Make sure to give him a call if you are headed to Hawaii. Sounds like pretty good living...
   

Zumbi Pastinha Weekend 2009

  

FICA-DC hosted the annual Zumbi-Pastinha Weekend Encounter this year from November 12 - 14. Each day started with a 6 am morning training with M Cobra Mansa, and the hard training continued all day with workshops led by Mestre Jurandir, Mestre Valmir, M Cobra Mansa, and Contramestre Silvinho. We were also happy to have the presence of Contramestre Chorao, down from Boston, as well as many people from all over the country.

Besides training, we watched the film "Rhytmic Uprisings" and had a discussion with the film's directors. We also had a great party, hosted by legendary DC partyman Gaucho Dan, and many exciting rodas.

Can't hardly wait til the next one...

Thanks to Merle, Deepa and Celeste for the pictures.

If you have pictures that you would like to share, send us a link at: ficadcarchives (at) gmail (dot) com
 

New York City, USA: Kids Roda in December

    

FICA NY - Youth Roda
a special roda for youth and their families. all groups, all ages, all levels are more than welcome. you are especially invited.

FICA NY @six harmonies martial arts
232 7th av (between 23rd & 24th)
manhattan
sunday, dec 6th
noon-3

a short chat (bate papo) about the ritual and expectations of the roda along with some q&a, a couple hours of play and some snacks and post roda jams (of course) to round it all out.

i hope you'll all put this into your schedule. bring your kids, bring the neighbors kids and bring the best of your energy

feel free to call puck or myself with any questions...

njoli 551 574 0644
puck 917 971 7980

Also (posted earlier):

Mestre Jurandir
nov 16th @ 440 studios
440 lafayette (near astor pl)
manhattan
7pm-9pm

nov 17th @ six harmonies martial arts
232 7th av (between 23rd & 24th)
manhattan
7pm-9pm

Mestre Valmir
nov 23rd @ 440 studios
440 lafayette (near astor pl)
manhattan
7pm-9pm

nov 24th @ six harmonies martial arts
232 7th av (between 23rd & 24th)
manhattan
7pm-9pm

nov 29th @ six harmonies martial arts
232 7th av (between 23rd & 24th)
manhattan
roda
12pm-3pm

Thanks to Njoli for the information.
   

New York City, USA: Mid-November Events

Two separate mestre visits happening in New York City in mid-November. Have fun!

November 16 & 17
A rare opportunity to take advantage of a wealth of Capoeira Angola knowledge, history and practice. During this short visit to the states Mestre Jurandir will share his unique understanding through classes in music and movement

nov 16th @ 440 studios
440 lafayette (near astor pl)
7pm-9pm

nov 17th @ six harmonies martial arts
232 7th av (between 23rd&24th)
7pm-9pm

November 23 & 24
Mestre Valmir comes to visit us here in New York during one of his rare trips to the U.S. How lucky we are to have him with us here during the Thanksgiving holiday week. Through Salvador and beyond, Mestre Valmir is famed for his his musical ability, his grace, creativity and profundity. I hope you will all take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to connect with one of this period's great mestres of Capoeira Angola.

nov 23rd @ 440 studios
440 lafayette (near astor pl)
7pm-9pm

nov 24th @ six harmonies martial arts
232 7th av (between 23rd&24th)
7pm-9pm

Seattle, USA: Afro-Brazilian Arts Festival

A note from the Capoeira Angola community in Washington state:

International Capoeira Angola Foundation Seattle
& the Capoeira Angola Club - Evergreen State College

Invite you to join us for our
FREE
Afro-Brazilian Arts Festival

Exploring Culture through African and
Brazilian Art Forms

November 6 – 7, 2009

The Afro- Brazilian Arts Festival is a FREE event hosted at the Evergreen State College in collaboration between FICA Seattle and the Olympia group. The purpose of this event is to celebrate the intimate connection between African and Brazilian
culture here in the Pacific Northwest. The Festival will include workshops on
Capoeira Angola, Samba Dance, Brazilian Percussion, and West African Dance.
Schedule:

Friday November 6 (Rainier Beach Community Center, Seattle)
7 pm, Opening Roda

Saturday November 7 (Evergreen State
College, Olympia)
10 - 11 am - Brazilian Percussion, Eduardo Mendoca
11:15 - 12:15 - Samba, Dora Oliveira
12:30 - 2:00 - Capoeira Angola, Mestre Jurandir
2:15 - 3:15 - West African Dance, Manimou Camara
3:30 - until - Roda

This is a lively community festival with lots of drumming and dancing. Also, a great opportunity to spend some time with Mestre Jurandir. We hope you can join us!

Have fun! Thanks to Criss for the information.

D.F., México: 5th Anniversary Celebration

From Mexico:

On behalf of FICA-México, we would like to cordially invite you to join us at our fifth year anniversary celebration, "Resgatando as nossas raizes," with Mestre Jurandir, Mestre Cobra Mansa and Contramestre Rogerio Teber.

When: From the 19th to the 22nd of November
Where: Centro Cultural de Capoeira Angola México
Price: Before October 31st, 700 pesos
On or after November 1st, 800 pesos
Per day: 500 pesos

For more detailed information please go to our website.

Hope to see you all there, FICA-MX

Many thanks to KevinG for the info and Happy Birthday to FICA-México!

Washington, DC, USA: Pastinha - Zumbi 2009

Hey folks: the annual FICA Pastinha/Zumbi weekend will be held in DC this year. Here is what we have so far. Hope you all can make it.

Thursday, November 12th:
7pm-10 pm: Opening Celebration and Roda

Friday, November 13th:
10 am-12pm: Workshops
12pm-3pm: Lunch and Optional Roda
3pm-5pm: Workshops
5pm-7pm: Dinner and Optional Roda
7pm-9pm: Workshops
9pm-11pm: Optional Roda

Saturday, November 14th:
10 am-12pm: Workshops
12pm-3pm: Lunch and Optional Roda
3pm-5pm: Workshops
8:30pm-11pm: Party

Sunday, November 15th:
10 am-12pm: Workshops
12pm-2pm: Lunch and Panel Discussion
2pm-6pm: Closing Roda

(This is a draft schedule and is subject to change)

Invited Mestres: Mestre Cobra Mansa, Mestre Jurandir & Mestre Valmir

Conference Costs:
Received by October 1st: $75.00 (by cash or check, make check to ICAF-DC)
Received October 1st: $78.00 (using PayPal send to ficadc@hotmail.com)

After October 1st: $90.00 (by cash or check, make check to ICAF-DC)
After October 1st: $93.00 (using PayPal send to ficadc@hotmail.com)

Register here!!

For questions or concerns e-mail us at ficadc (at) hotmail (dot) com

Many thanks to KtS for the info.

Have an event that you would like to share with the international Capoeira Angola community? Send us the info/flyer: ficadcarchives (at) gmail (dot) com

San José, Costa Rica: II festival brasileira

II Festival Semana Brasileira
August 28 - September 3

workshops:
capoeira, $45
dance, $30
perucssion, $30
Afro-Brazilian cooking, $25

August 28 - 30
near Vargas Calvo, San Pedro

invited guests: Mestres Cobra Mansa, Valmir & Jurandir with Cabello & Girija

closing: Thursday, September 3, 6 pm, Teatro de la Danza (Fanal)

capoeira roda, September 2
ficacr (at) gmail (dot) com
83603087, 88721973, 22835870

---------------------

II SB
II Festival Semana Brasileira
28 de agosto al 3 de septiembre

Talleres de:
Capoeira, $45
Danza, $30
Percusión, $30
Cocina afro-brasileira, $25

Los dias 28, 29 y 30 de agosto
diagolnal al Vargas Calvo, San Pedro

invitados: Mestres Cobra Mansa, Valmir y Jurandir además de Cabello yh Girija

Noche clasura: jueves, 3 de septiembre 6 pm, Teatro de la Danza (Fanal)

otras actividades: roda de capoeira 2 de septiembre

ficacr (arroba) gmail (ponto) com
83603087, 88721973, 22835870

Thanks to Steven for the information.

Capoeira in Paradise (Hawaii, that is)

Hello all. Here's a note from Joe in Hawaii about a recent event with Mestre Jurandir, Contramestre Silvinho, and Treineu Daniel of FICA-Oakland. Sounds like it was a lot of fun!

* we'll add some pictures soon, but for now, I think this will do. gorgeous!

Afro-Brazilian Cultural Arts Festival
Hilo, Hawaii March 2009

Treineu Daniel arrived on Tuesday afternoon at the little Hilo, Hawaii airport. That night and the next day he gave long classes that everyone enjoyed and appreciated. Already the group had been training intensely, not to mention all the fund raisers and preparations necessary for the conference coming up this weekend. But, Daniel's energy renewed us. Jumping and floating, we burst forth, trying to catch his tricky mind boggling maneuvers. Daniel works serious and loves Capoeira Angola.

At 4:30am the next morning we went to visit Pele, Goddess of the earth fire. Beyond
the other worldly black and rolling lava, called pa hoi hoi, was the Goddess spilling forth. Tricklets of steam tickling up out of the earthen cracks here and there. Freshly formed and cooling. Golden red strands of Pele's hair shimmering and shooting skyward as she met Kapo, Goddess of the ocean and mystery. The full moon was setting opposite the sun simultaneously rising, creation and destruction, immaculate, Pele was kind today. The afternoon was spent relaxing on the black sand beach and later we trained hard and talked capoeira well into the evening until we fell asleep.

On the following day Daniel and I went hiking through the jungle to visit the sweet water. We swam beneath the crushing waterfalls heavy from the rain. Afterward, we made our way to the airport to pick up Mestre Jurandir. We went directly to class where Mestre led the group in music and movement. Mestre's class is always physically, emotionally and spiritually challenging. We were all humbled as he patiently reminded us all about the importance of the most basic movement, Ginga.

The next day we went to a naturally heated warm pond, set next to the ocean, where Mestre loves to go. We spent many hours relaxing there before returning home. We picked up Contramestre Silvinho at the airport that night on the way to the opening of the conference.

So now all of our guests were here, and all that the group had worked so hard to achieve was underway. After another incredible movement workshop with Mestre we had a stellar music class. He talked about the importance of making a connection to the ancestors. And we sang as deep and as well as we could.

Contramestre Silvinho taught Saturday morning in the church. He gave a basic movement workshop, foundation, foundation and more foundation. A beautiful class. I had many emotions. Feeling the strength of having my teachers here got the better of me as I often feel alone in the struggle to keep my practice going in their physical
absence. I hoped the class would never end.

Following the workshop Mestre gave a lecture on his work in Mozambique, Africa. It was nice to hear the way Capoeira Angola is putting people together there, man, woman and child. Always challenging social norms and connecting otherwise disparate factions. It is nice to know that we have Capoeira family in Africa.

After the lecture we had local samba percussionist, Jesse Seymore do a workshop with the group. He taught us what he had learned while spending time in Salvador, Bahia. The rest of the afternoon was spent in the Roda playing Capoeira. And then the local samba community did a Rio style glitz and glamour performance led by Lisa Dixon. It was fun to watch. The synergy was bubbling below the surface and that's when Silvinho went to work. He is so much fun. He took a drum and the social barrier was broken and the evening relaxed. And when the energy was right Mestre took a conga and the party was on. He was in full form and everyone danced wildly.

The last day of the conference was here and we had to cancel the morning class due to the late night samba party. We did some more percussion and Lisa Dixon taught a beginner samba class in the Rio style and then the Bahia style.

Afterward, we did a Berimbau workshop with Mestre. There were twenty Berimbaus in a semi-circle, something the Big Island has never seen before. Gorgeous. The conference came to a close with a beautiful Roda, everyone played, sang and had fun. Thanks to Mestre Jurandir, Contramestre Silvinho and Treineu Daniel and to all of FICA Hawaii study group for making this conference happen.

Thanks Joe! Here's to many more events on the island.

Would you like to share your experience at an event with the capoeira community? Send a written piece, photos, or whatever to: ficadcarchives (at) gmail (dot) com.

Reflections on a Mestre from a Young Student

Each of us has our own unique experience and relationship with Capoeira Angola, yet oftentimes our learning trajectories, struggles, successes, and even thoughts about Capoeira Angola mirror those of our fellow Angoleir@s. A student from FICA-Seattle shares with us his thoughts on his growth in capoeira and his relationship with his mestre. Perhaps some of the same thoughts have crossed your mind. Enjoy.

i’ve been encouraged to write a little something about FICA activities in Seattle. My original intention was to write about Mestre Jurandir’s most recent visit to Seattle. However, as it unfolded, it turned out to be more of a personal reflection of my association with Mestre. i have done my best, at least at the moment of this writing, to convey to you sincerely through the limitation of words my thoughts and feelings. It is my hope that it inspires you to think about your connection with your fellow human beings not limited to Mestres, Parents, Gurus, Mentors etc. Enjoy if you so choose.

About a month before the international conference in Chicago, C.M. Silvinho informed us that Mestre Jurandir would be coming to town after the conference for a week or so. (As an aside, many thanks to Trenel Beto, Queen Mamma Huu and FICA-Chicago for their efforts in organizing a sacred space for many of us to share, play and dance.) So, when C.M. Silvinho mentioned that Mestre was coming to town i did not know what to think. i always enjoy his presence and yet i was somewhat apprehensive. i can’t truly say why, but the following play of words convey a semblance of my feelings, however limited words may be.

i am a young student of Capoeira and easily fall into the abyss of intimidation created from a mind full of social ‘baggage’, which encourages excessive self-indulgence. A clear example of such is getting mentally wrapped up in insecurities around authority while simultaneously dealing with cross-cultural differences. So, allow me to give you a little history of my relationship to M. Jurandir. i first met M. Jurandir in 2004, after which i had only taken a couple of classes at a FICA-Seattle Roda/celebration, of which i do not recall the occasion.(It must have been something pretty important. They were all in white!) M Jurandir, CM Silvinho and CM Urubu among other students were in attendance at the old space in Capital Hill. i enjoyed the games that were played, particularly those between CM Silvinho and CM Urubu. When I saw Mestre play, i must admit a sense of fear and awe. It was so relaxed and yet powerful! i also recall a telling moment, for me at least, at the end of the Roda when Mestre wept as he embraced Silvinho in appreciation for his efforts in sharing Capoeira with his son and maintaining affairs in Belo Horizonte. i was moved by the incident and recognized a sensitivity along with the power expressed in play.

That day was one of those inspiring and defining moments early in my path of Capoeira. It encouraged me to look beyond my ego and fear and continue to train with this group. Little did i know at the time, FICA-Seattle was in a time of, let’s say, transition. Many students had departed for one reason or the other. Mestre Jurandir had returned to Brasil and CM Silvinho began to lead the group. CM Silvinho introduced me to Capoeira and has shared much wisdom with me. For that, i am thankful beyond words.(By the way, CM Silvinho continues to guide me on this journey of life play.) Along with transition there was much talk, of course, and i will not go into whether those words were positive or negative. i will say this though, many words were emotionally charged, contradictory and for me outright confusing. Nonetheless, i listened with an opened heart not only to the message of the word but also to the message inherent in the deliverer. i listened with scrutiny, took heed to admonishments, made mental notes and for the most part asked very few questions. From there, i naturally began to shape an idea of Mestre Jurandir, neither good or bad, for i know all too well how easy it is to project assumptions on to that which you do not know. So, I truly knew of him nothing at all.

Mestre Jurandir became a figure of mystery to me and i must admit in the early days i avoided interaction with him as best i could. Not out of like or dislike, but out of avoiding my own internal struggles with authority figures. As i began to interact with him more during class, i kept quiet and did all i could to be a cooperative student of Capoeira. i just wanted to observe and keep listening and wait to formulate an opinion based on my own experiences. When Mestre came to teach, i was mesmerized by his stern looks and frustrations in class as well as his portugo-english words of wisdom about Capoeira and life.

As i grow in Capoeira, i realize that Mestre is not just a figure isolated in this beautiful art form, but a mentor in life. A mentor, who in his position as my teacher and guide, shares his thoughts and feelings about the life of Capoeira. i’ve come to my own ideas about this mysterious person. i have come to love and appreciate him through experience and not by way of hearsay. So, with Mestre coming to town i knew my ego would be challenged. How much, i wondered, would i fall prey to excessive inner dialogue and lose sight of presence that is so essential in Capoeira.

About Mestres most recent visit to Seattle…

On September 15, 2008 this figure walked into the FICA-Seattle training ground about 1 hour late! (Well, he’s off the hook, he was spending some quality time with his two daughters.) Mestre gave an amazing class with lots of intense energy, emotion and, of course, the fine details. It was good to see him do the movements even though he was not physically 100% due to his health concerns. However, Mestre’s mind is sharp and he sees everything and doesn’t have any qualms about letting you know that he sees. Seeing as such are characteristics of one who is experienced in, and knowledgeable of, the art of Capoeira. At the end of class, he gave little glimps of his endeavors, such as his work in Mozambique. After class we went to CM Silvinho and family’s home to share further over moqueca.

On Tuesday, the following day, we had a meeting focusing mainly on the upcoming celebration of Mestre Pasthina and African and Brasilian culture. We also spoke of the recent successful kids camp we organized at the community center where we train. A class for kids grew out of the endeavor, which we talked about continuing. The meeting was great and reminded me of how we have grown as a family and cooperative whole here at FICA-Seattle. Mestre sat back and interjected with suggestions and words of encouragement. For us, it is indeed encouraging to have the confidence and support of our Mestre.

The class on Wednesday was just out right ‘deep’. i will not even attempt to give the details of the class. I’ll just say, when you think you know something, you realize you know so little, and that is so humbling. Our respect and openness of heart as students facilitated a powerful space for learning. With that open space the amount of learning, even in basic movements, are profound as this person with almost 40 years of experience shares his love of the art of Capoeira in his own interesting way.

Thursday we had ‘da bomb’ music class and of course many words of wisdom.

Having our Mestre here in Seattle and showing him our best efforts was immensely gratifying. i won’t speculate too much on how he felt, but i will say that it feels like he is proud of our efforts.

To close, cause this done got kinda long, Mestre Jurandir has taught me much more than the eloquent utterances of words and demonstration of movements. Through him and his associations, i have learned the importance of presence, importance of the egoless mind and community. i am proud to be his student. As i learn more of and from him, i learn of myself. i am beginning to appreciate the inexplicable relationship between teacher and student.

As the dance proceeds and the illusion of self and other subside, the mysterious lesson of Mandinga unfolds. In how one relates and observes one’s relations, there lies his or her Mandinga. Life is but a dance and each encounter that we have is a moment of self-realization. Capoeira is a powerful tradition to engage in and practice the dance of life. As i dance with my Mestre, i dance with myself. Thank you Mestre Jurandir for being who you are: a mystery, a master of Mandinga. I look forward to opening my heart even more to you and revealing not only to you, but also to myself, who i truly am.

A Student of Mestre Jurandir

Very nice. Thank you, anonymous student.

Do you have something you would like to share with the international capoeira community? Send it along and we will post it (we can handle the translations English <-> Portuguese): ficadcarchives (at) gmail (dot) com.

Portland, USA: Roda and Party

A note from Portalnd, Orgeon:

The FICA Portland (OR) Study Group, under the tutelage of ContraMestre Silvinho and Mestre Jurandir just moved into our own studio. To celebrate we will be having an Open House party this weekend, January 24th, with CM Silvinho and Treinel Daniel visiting form Oakland. I will post pictures as soon as I have some. If any angoleiros are out this way, give us a holler.

Até Mais,
Leon & Quiero Ir

Fundação Internacional de Capoeira de Angola (FICA), Portland Study Group presents...

Open House & Open Roda
Uma festa para o nosso novo estúdio...
707 NE Broadway, #203

Saturday, January 24th
6-7 pm: Capoeira Angola Workshop
An introduction to the fundamentals of Capoeira Angola, with ContraMestre Silvinho.

7-9 pm: Roda de Capoeira Angola
All capoeristas welcome!

9-11 pm: Festa do Samba e Forró
Live music from Portlands finest Brazilophile musicians, including Z’Bumba and members of Samba Gata will keep us dancing into the night.

By donation only. Drinks and diversions will be available!

Sounds like a very nice event. Have fun!

Thanks to Leon & Quero Ir for the information.

Zumbi-Pastinha Weekend 2008 in Washington State

Angoleiros came from all over - Chicago, Madison, Hawaii, NY, Oakland.... but it was Mestre Jurandir who brought the sun to Seattle for a Pastinha weekend full of energy!

FICA Seattle and the Evergreen State College in Olympia combined our annual Afro Brazilian Festival with Pastinha weekend. The drumming, dancing, singing, playing, sweating and eating all combined to provide an exceptional type of communion.

Treinel Daniel set the pace Friday night when he packed a one hour class full of movements and concepts, especially impressive considering that he was asked to teach 5 minutes before the class began. The opening roda that followed grew steadily and kept momentum for hours, the event was off to a promising start.


Of course, a few grueling workshops were tossed into the mix. Treinel Baba Jan and Contra Mestre Chorão teamed up on Saturday morning for a class that pushed us all to our limits. Some of the topics covered in the class were eye contact and focus, repetition to the point of exhaustion, and various types of sapinho.


Then, our friend Awal Alhassen taught the traditional "Sala" dance from his native Ghana. Through these movements, translated as "human", he reminded us that our ancestries are interconnected. Like capoeira, the conversation between drummers is a key component of West African dance.


Mestre Jurandir led the afternoon workshop, teaching a number of movement combinations that none of us had ever seen before, many of them centered around his particular knack with rastiera.

Throughout the weekend, everyone’s energy was sustained by nourishing food planned and prepared by our own nutritionist, Dona Leika (CM Silvinho's wife).

On Sunday morning Mestre Jurandir led a berimbau workshop in familiar fashion, teaching variations and listening to each person play individually around the circle. A question and answer session around song lyrics followed.

Next, to relax a bit, our friend Dora Oliveira engaged us in shaking it down, Samba style.


The closing roda was opened by the youngest Angoleira around, at two years, reminding us all that the essence of capoeira is natural and instinctive.

Our Northwest trio - Seattle, Olympia, and Portland were pleased and honored to host such an amazing event.

Thanks to all who came, especially those who persevered breakdowns and delays, and brought so much axe!!!!!


And many thanks to Criss from FICA-Seattle for the pictures and the great report.

Have an event re-cap or pictures that you would like to share with the worldwide capoeira community? Send it to: ficadcarchives (at) gmail (dot) com

Mozambique: Mulheres are Maningue Nice

From Mocambique

FINALLY!
A REPORT BACK FROM MOZAMBIQUE!
MULHERES ARE MANINGUE NICE !

Back in July, Deepa and Bessa from FICA Oakland had the opportunity to travel with Mestre Jurandir to attend the 5th annual African Capoeira Angola Conference in Maputo, Mozambique. Mestre Jurandir has been traveling to Mozambique for the past four years to support a study group there. Surprisingly, there are not many Capoeira Angola groups in Africa. In Maputo we counted 2 groups, and in South Africa heard of no groups that played only capoeira angola. The group of boys who follow Mestre Jurandir in Maputo met him on his first visit there and in the classic way that angoleiros fall in love and leave all their other lovers they immediately decided that no matter what Mestre thought he was going to be their Mestre and they were going to train only angola.

From Mocambique

The group is large for an angola group with 15-20 people, mostly young men under 20, and there were only 2 girls who had just started training when we got there. Their talent is amazing. Boys with less than a year, or a year and a half in capoeira playing so well, with so much mandinga. They have a wonderful group of kids. We attended the 5th annual African Capoeira Angola Conference and they were all very patient and spent most of two days straight with us. Deepa and I helped out teaching a workshop on Saturday, playing berimbau in the rodas, and did a palestra about Women in Capoeira. There are not many women in the Angola groups there, some foreign women but not many Mocambicanas. We went around and had everyone say what they thought the reasons were that women didn't train capoeira. They came up with - their parents wouldn't let them, it was too late at night for them to be out, they thought it was something just for boys, or they felt intimidated. We talked about why it was important, based on Mestre Pastinha's philosophy, for women and men to learn and play capoeira together. We talked about how they had the opportunity in Mocambique since capoeira was so new, to start the tradition with already women and men together, unlike in Brazil where there were many many years where women did not play. The girls promised to try to bring more of their friends, and a few of the boys said they wanted to make an effort to bring their friends as well and make sure they felt comfortable. In short, it was awesome. The girls especially were inspiring. At the root of the problem, however, is a very different culture where women do not hold the same positions in societies as men and in many regards do not interact with men as equals. I'm happy to say that when I came back in August, however, there there two new women training!

From Mocambique

Maputo, the city, reminds me of Brazil- the streets, the people, everyone speaking portuguese. But then you look closer and see all the women in their capulans - their wrapped fabric skirts; you hear Shingana and other African languages - and you know you are in Africa Although capoeira angola may not be popular in the motherland, the angoleiros that are there are dedicated, inspired, and an inspiration to all other angoleiros around the world.

Sounds like an amazing trip.

If you are interested in helping the group in Maputo, Bessa bought a bunch of beautiful capulans back and is selling them to raise money for the group there. I know they have some at FICA-DC. If you are interested, email: ficadc (at) hotmail (dot) com.

Many thanks to Bessa of FICA-Oakland for the report.

Seattle, Washington: Zumbi/Pastinha Weekend Details

A message from FICA-Seattle about the Zumbi/Pastinha weekend to be hold in November:

Hi,

Our yearly Pastinha Weekend will be in Seattle this year as you have already probably heard. Welcoming everybody, we are now only a little over a week away.

Please share this with your groups.

Here is the info (you can also find this info on our website www.ficaseattle.org:

International Capoeira Angola Foundation Seattle

and

The Evergreen State College

Present

Afro-Brazilian Arts Festival
Homanagem a Mestre Pastinha
Exploring Culture through African and Brazilian Art Forms

November 14 - 16 2008

Rainier Beach Community Center, Seattle
8825 Rainier Ave. S, 98118

and

the Evergreen State College , Olympia
2700 Evergreen Parkway, 98505

Schedule:

Friday - Rainier Beach Community Center - 8825 Rainier Ave S. Seattle, WA 98118

7pm -8pm Capoeira Angola Workshop
8pm - Opening Roda, then::::::::::::: Snacks / Light Dinner

Saturday - Evergreen State College - 2700 Evergreen Parkway NW, Olympia, WA 98505, SEM 2 Building, room C4107

7am - 8am Breakfast
8am - 10am Carpool to Olympia
10:30am - 12pm Capoeira Angola Workshop
12pm - 1pm Lunch break
1pm - 2pm Discussion and Film with Mestre Jurandir
2pm - 3:30pm Traditional West African dance
4pm - 5:30pm Capoeira Angola Workshop
6:00pm - Roda
Dinner

Sunday - Evergreen State College - 2700 Evergreen Parkway NW, Olympia, WA 98505, SEM 2 Building, room C4107

7am - 8am Breakfast
8am - 10am Capoeira Angola Workshop
10am - 12pm Samba Music Workshop
10:30 - 12pm Samba Dance Workshop (concurrent)
12:30pm - closing roda
12:30pm - Snacks / Lunch

Workshop Instructors

Mestre Jurandir
Contramestre Chorão
Trenel Baba
Dora Oliviera
Awal Alhassan

Early Registration: before November 1 - $75, After November 1 - $90

send check or money order to: ICAF Seattle
PO Box 28547
Seattle WA 98118

*The registration fee includes all meals listed on the schedule, lodging Saturday night, transportation to and from the space, and a t-shirt!
If you need a place to stay Friday night, we can accommodate you in our homes, so please let us know.

Please send an email with the following information to pastinhaseattle@yahoo.com
*Name and Group affiliation
*Are you a vegetarian?
*Do you need lodging both Friday and Saturday night?

Daily Rates (does NOT include transportation/lodging/food/t-shirt):
1 day - $20, 2 day - $30

Register by
phone/email
360-918-1306
olycapoeira@riseup.net

OBRIGADO, CONTAMOS COM A PRESENCA DE VOCES, AXE PARA TODOS,
FICA - SEATTLE

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; "For the Mestres" Schedule fo Events

Schedule of Events
“For the Mestres”
Mestres Cobra Mansa, Jurandir & Valmir
Contramestre Rogerio Teber
Treinel Alder

Wednesday, December 3
Registration, 6 – 7 pm
Training, 7 – 10 pm
Place: FICA-Rio space
Rua da Lapa, 181 2o andar

Thursday, December 4
Training, 9 – 11 am
Place: FICA-Rio space
Rua da Lapa, 181 2o andar
Training, 4 – 6 pm
Place: Multifoco
Av. Mem da Sá, 126 Lapa

Friday, December 5
Training, 9 – 11
Registration, 4:30 – 6:30
Roda & CD Drop “Aos Mestres”
Place: FICA-Rio space
Rua da Lapa, 181 2o andar

Saturday, December 6
Training, 10 am – noon
Roda/ Lunch, noon – 2 pm
Training, 4:30 – 6: 30 pm
Closing roda, 7 – 10 pm
Place: Multifoco
Av. Mem da Sá, 126 Lapa

Registration Cost (t-shirt, cd & event):
Before December 1 – R$80
After December 2 – R$100
Send receipt (proof of deposit) by email to: alderoliva (at) hotmail (dot) com

Deposit:
Alder Silveira Oliva
Banco do Brasil
Agência: 3118-6
Conta Poupança: 19.398-4
VAR: 01

Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: December "For the Mestres" Event

FICA-Rio invites you to:

"For the Mestres" Event

December 3 - 6
Rio de Janeiro

Rua Lapa 181, 2nd Floor
More info: (21) 9471 - 5878 (T Alder)
alderolivia (at) hotmail (dot) com
website

Thanks to T Gege & M Cobra Mansa for the flyer.