Book Review: The Little Capoeira Book by Nestor Capoeira

Posted by Sorriso on June 6th, 2009 at 02:32pm

The Little Capoeira Book, Revised Edition by Nestor Capoeira is part of a trilogy which includes Capoeira: Roots of the Dance-Fight-Game, and A Street-Smart Song: Capoeira Philosophy and Inner Life.

In his first book of the trilogy, Nestor gives a brief overview of the history of capoeira, an explanation of how the game is played, and some moves that introduce beginners to the attack and escape of capoeira.

Although the history section of the book is brief by design, it does try to debunk several myths associated with capoeira. One popular legend states that capoeira was practiced by slaves who would disguise their warrior training as a dance whenever the slave owners were around.

The book states that in 1814 all forms of African culture “began to be repressed” by the ruling class, and that “dancing suffered prohibition along with capoeira”, so that there would be no benefit for a slave to disguise capoeira as a dance.

In the next chapter of The Little Capoeira Book, Revised Edition, we get a run through of the history of capoeira, from the freeing of the slaves to the modern era. We whirl through the capoeira gangs, the founding fathers of modern capoeira, the leaders of the new school of contemporary capoeira, and finally the globalization of capoeira.

Next, we are introduced to the actual game. Once again, the description is brief, but you get a picture of the magic that is at the center of the capoeira game. When I read this part of the book, my mouth began to salivate with craving to enter the capoeira circle, and try once again to play a higher level of capoeira.

Then there’s the music chapter, which stresses the importance of capoeira’s most important instrument, the berimbau. There are also translations of several songs, which give the reader an insight into the stories and lessons imparted through capoeira.

The next chapter focuses on various kicks, sequences, escapes, and throws that you can practice. The drawings of the physical motions are well done, easy to visualize, and provide a good starting point for anyone interested in trying out these moves. Just make sure you have plenty of space, and that you don’t kick your buddy.

In the appendix section of the book, Nestor Capoeira recounts a 1984 meeting which involved members of the capoeira community from all over Brazil. Of particular interest to me were the conversations with the Vuela Guarda. These are the old school mestres who have seen capoeira evolve and change over the last 70+ years. I found their comments enlightening in regards to the power of the modern game versus the cunning and trickery of the games in their era.

Over all, I feel that The Little Capoeira Book, Revised Edition is a great introduction into the world of capoeira. It is a quick read that gives on a birds eye view of the many twists and turns that capoeira has taken towards the game that we see today. It also wets the appetite for Nestor’s second book, Capoeira: Roots of the Dance-Fight-Game, which promises to delve deeper into the history and philosophy of this wonderful art form.

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