5 comments about Ring of Liberation: Deceptive Discourse in Brazilian Capoeira.

1. Another biased account of Capoeira which lacks the scientific rigor to connect Capoeira with its African roots. Ring of Liberation, attempts to assert Capoeira as a Brazilian art form and strips it of its African roots. Lewis's basic premise traces Capoeira to samba circles in 19th century Brazil. It remains to be seen how Capoeira could develope its fighting elements through urban samba circles in Bahia. Lewis utilizes anthropological jargon to complicate the story of Capoeira, it seems to be a mask to hide his agenda. An agenda which seeks to undermine Capoeira as an empowering agent for its descendants (Africans in the Diaspora). Ring of Liberation should be praised as another book about Capoeira, but severly critisized for its biased nature and cultural disempowering approach!



2. This book brings a good deal of information on the history of capoeira and on the phylosophy behind it. After a few years practicing it, I finally had in my hands some background to understand some of the the principles, and part of the history of this sport. The author apparently has had contact with many mestres, both in Brazil and in the US, and has done quite an intensive survey on historical records, to get to his conclusions. Furthermore, he analyzes capoeira under an anthropological light, giving a scientific taste to the book that we don't find in most publications about it (although I don't agree with some of his interpretations). My only complain is that I would like to see more figures in the book, which would make it more interesting to people with less knowledge on the subject.



3. I found that this is a VERY true to actual accounts of Capoeira. I've been practising Capoeira myself for a while now, and this book reflex the views that I, and most of my Groups shares. It would seem very one-sided, but you NEED to be a Capoeirista to fully understand the concpts and ideas and history of this book. To me, A VERY GOOD BOOK ON WHAT I BELIEVE

   PEACE




4. I used this book, along with a host of other books, transcripts, articles and recordings of capoeira to complete my undergraduate thesis in anthropology. Regarding an earlier post here, i don't think that Lewis was trying to necessarily undermine the black African origins of capoeira, but rather his experiences with capoeiristas around Brazil led him to focus on the wholly Brazilian cultural aspects (samba, too, is a cultural phenomenon with roots in Africa). While i do belive that his treatment of the African origins of capoeira were sketchy, this is to be expected as the data on capoeira's African origins is not very clear, and to the best of my knowledge is to date a matter of conjecture. The only truth regarding that matter is that capoeira did come from Africa with the (primarily West African) slaves and developed into modern capoeira while in Brazil. This last part, "in Brazil", is something that I stress in the sense that although many Caribbean and South American nations received slaves from the same parts of Africa, only Brazil's slaves and mulattos produced capoeira.

   More to the point of this type of entry: the book is a definite must-read for anyone (capoeirista or not) interested in the modern expressions of african diasporan culture.




5. Yes, I think this book deserves five stars, because it gave me insight; both professional and personal. Training Capoeira for seven years (including two trips to Brazil for the same reason) has taken me to the strange border between two cultures: my own Danish average European socio-historic background, and the Afro-brazilian transcultural vegetation in which Capoeira flourishes. Alouring - and as Lewis notes: deceptive, Capoeira as a performance reveals conflictuality on the Afro-brazilian social and historical level, which differs from the writers own background; in this case quite similar to my case. The task of relating to this difference is met by Ring of Liberation through respect of the ontic 'way' of the capoeirista, and at the same time maintaining an epistemic approach. What this means, is that Ring of Liberation can be read by the intellectual layman as well as the non-brazilian capoeira enthusiast, as a guide to experiences already had or about to happen...great stuff!

No comments about Capoeira: The Jogo de Angola from Luanda to Cyberspace, Volume Two.

4 comments about Learning Capoeira: Lessons in Cunning from an Afro-Brazilian Art.

1. Greg Downey's book is a delight to read! The writing style is clear, the approach is innovative, and the topics covered are both timely and relevant to today's burgeoning interest in the arts of Capoeira. This book combines the best coverage on Capoeira's cultural history (similar to Acordeon's or Nestor's foundational books), but adds a new twist: the lastest scholarship on "embodiment" (that is, how to talk about experiencing the Body as a way of knowing). Downey's book is remarkable for giving us the benefits of his well-informed research across several fields of study without getting overly bogged down in jargon (of phenomenology, for example). Of the many intriguing chapters, several of the most compelling insights come from sections such as: Listening with a Musician's Hands, Hearing with a Player's body, Moving Like a Mestre, and the Rogue's Swagger. Downey's coverage of "the malandro," the "chamada," and "malicia" stands as among the most perceptive I've read in the 8-10 books in English that have been published on Capoeira. This book seems well-poised as a "bridge": appealing to capoeiristas as well as to those approaching capoeira from more of an outsiders' stance. For both sets of readers Downey's book puts us into the place--and space--of Capoeiristas' bodies. We experience, through his words, how to walk, how to fall, how to see, how to hear the berimbau, how to swagger, how to dissemble--in short, many lessons in the craft and cunning of this disarmingly simple yet complex tradition. Axe ASCAB!



2. the title of this review may be a surprise to some, considering that greg downey is neither brazilian, nor has he really spent a huge amount of time studying capoeira (no more than five years, if i recall, and only with a medium intensity). and yet, this book was a better read than almost any other capoeira book i have ever read in english (i own them all up until the date of this writing, nov 2005). this is, of course, not to take away from nestor capoeira or mestre acordeon's books. both of these authors have produced valuable additions to a capoeirista's library and should be picked up as well.
   
   this book does not teach you moves but, then again, capoeira has never really been about moves; it is about moving. greg downey guides you through what it is like to learn capoeira, and what it is like to see through the eyes of someone who has gained experience in the game and learned to see with the eyes of a malandro, shows you how you will be changed if you go deep into the game. there are quotes from joao pequeno, joao grande, mestre moraes, as well as many other renowned mestres of capoeira, and lots of great stories.
   
   downey's book is based upon experience with capoeira angola with GCAP in bahia, and you may find yourself more attracted to it if you practice angola, rather than regional or contemporary capoeira. but whatever you play, you will probably learn a lot from this book. i for one am very happy i picked it up, and have passed it on to my contra-mestra. i am confident she will enjoy it as well.



3. A must buy for anyone serious about capoeira, especially those who are practicing capoeira angola.



4. Greg Downey is his book "Learnig Capoeira: Lessons in Cunning from an Afro-Brazilian Art" strikes at the some of the very important fundamentals of Capoeira that every practitioner from Angola to Regional should hold close.
   
   He speaks from a backround in sociolgy and phenomenolgy. His arguments are strong whilst his stories entertaining. Neither form of Capoeira is looked over nor does he argue for one particular style, he gives a wonderful overview of the mythologies, teachings and importance of Angola and Regional.
   
   A great book and a wonderful learning tool.

2 comments about Essential Capoeira: The Guide to Mastering the Art.

1. This book gives a clear message of practical capoeira knowledge in about 20 pages. The rest of the book is pictures and easy-to-follow, detailed instructions on a good amount of basic movements with large pictures and sequential diagrams. It shows indiviaul movements, partner sequences and extra training techniques.



2. This book gives a good overall history of capoeira, Groupo Cordeo de Ouro (the capoeira group Mestre Ponchianinho belongs to), and some good basic capoeira movements to learn and supplement face-to-face instruction. Being an extended member of the CDO Family myself my opinion my be slightly biased, but if you are new to capoeira or want to learn more about CDO in general this is a nice book to have in your collection. This book also does a nice job of providing tips and pointers as to how to warm up and make moves a little easier. Overall a good book to have and supplement your capoeira training.

2 comments about A Street-Smart Song: Capoeira Philosophy and Inner Life.

1. Having done martial arts for most of my adult life and read numerous titles on the subject, I can safely say that A Street-Smart Song is the best book on the arts that I have ever read. With an intimate understanding of his subject, Nestor Capoeira presents and explains Capoeira and its environs in a colorful, honest, and plainspoken manner. Along with his previous U.S. releases: The Little Capoeira Book and Capoeira: Root of the Fight - Dance - Game, A Street-Smart Song is a worthwhile read for any freethinking martial artist.



2. If you've read any book from Nestor Capoeira you know what to expect from him. As always this book discusses some really interesting insights about capoeira, great book.
   
   I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to get deeper into the capoeira way of seeing life.

5 comments about Capoeira: A Brazilian Art Form: History, Philosophy, and Practice.

1. The book Capoeira: A Brazilian Art Form was not only well-written but was interesting as well. This book educates you about the history of capoeira, capoeira practitioners, and even a short summary of how Mestre Acordeon was introduced to the art of capoeira. I would highly reccomend this book to capoeiristas, as it was very helpful to me. Axé.



2. Mestre Acordeon takes you on a journey through capoeira, sharing his experiences and inviting the reader to use his imagination.
   A truely inspirational piece from a truely inspirational master.



3. Mestre Acordeon's book has long been praised for its clear writing, for his thoughtful coverage of the history, philosophy, and artistic traditions surrounding this art-form. Other reviewers (see below) have noted that the book was among the first in English to introduce readers to these aspects of Capoeira, while also offering a glimpse into this one mestre's personal and life-long journey. Having assigned his book to students (both graduate and undergraduate alike), I have had ample opportunity to hear students' glowing reviews: most of these students had never heard of Capoeira, nor even seen it played, before having read his work. In retrospect, they (and I, too) consider this book an excellent way to delve into the topic. While there's recently been a flurry of new scholarship on Capoeira (at least 3 books in English have come out in 2005) that matches Capoeira's growing influence around the globe, Acordeon's book remains one of the best places to start one's exploration. Axe ASCAB!



4. This book is just an "okay" introductory text on capoeira. A major draw back is the centeral focus on capoeira regional, a better text would be "Ring of Liberation" because it more comprehensivly covers capoeira.



5. Amazing book, absolutely amazing. It is not for the person wanting to learn how to do capoeira, but for anyone, beginner or master, who wants to read a great history and personal journey.
   It even travels into the spiritual, deeper significance of capoeira.
   GREAT BOOK.

5 comments about Capoeira: Roots of the Dance-Fight-Game.

1. Wow - amazing book! This book explores capoeira in a very detailed historical, sociological and philosophical context. It presents sensible historical evidence for the evolution of capoeira and not just mythical hearsay. This book might be a little boring to someone with just a passing interest in capoeira, but it will be hard for a capoeira lover to put it down. Thanks, Nestor - Axé!



2. Again a very good book by the hands of the famous Nestor Capoeira. This book shows many aspects of our beautiful art and shows various views on certain subjects by people who really know this art (Jair Moura, Mestre Itapoan and more). The book is written with an open mind like I know Mestre Nestor. His open-minded view shows in all the conversations and lectures I had with him. This book is really a must for the dedicated Capoeirista.



3. This is another good *basic* book from Nestor Capoeira. It includes basic theories, history and some basic capoeira movements. Seems like this book is second part of "The little Capoeira book"

   If you have just started to learn Capoeira, or if you are wondering what it is, this book would be very helpful for you.

   On the other hand, if you are already a baptized capoeirista you can not find anything that you dont know, in this book.




4. A very in-depth look into the history of capoeira that you WILL NOT learn from most mestres, especially those who only teach technique. Nestor gives a historical look at slavery's influence on capoeira, takes a contemporary look at capoeira's development, and offers illustrated basic to intermediate techniques. The most interesting thing is the examination of capoeira at a physical and metaphysical level, and how it affects the individual player as s/he progresses. A game, a fight, a dance, a way of life..? You decide.



5. Nestor Capoeira's book offers readers a powerful testimony to the history of capoeira. Written in a clear and informative style, Nestor's work is accessible to all. What I most appreciate about Capoeira: Roots of the Dance, Fight, Game, is that is both an excellent foundational piece for those new to the art-form's long-standing socio-cultural traditions AND one of the best references covering the inner-workings and politically-motivated debates that have taken place in the recent past. I particularly enjoyed the anthology of recent essays and updates he includes in the last 1/3 of the book: his own reflections on new elements in the history of capoeira and Muniz Sodre's perspectives that are informed by his experiences in Candomble. Nestor's experiences--both inside roda and inside the academic realm of research--will continue to be a touchstone for the next generations grappling with the ever-shifting and expanding global contexts of capoeira. I highly recommend this book! Axe ASCAB!

5 comments about The Little Capoeira Book.

1. I grant I'm starting out but this book has amazing insight on the philosophy and moves. Reminding that creativity is as important as learning the moves that have come from those before us. He also gives exersies that can be done when a person can't get to the roda of his instructor/mestre. After this book I'm gonna have to read more books about capoeira as well as from Nestor cause he was able to explain more than I thought could be put in a book.



2. I found this book to be an entertaining and informative read which discusses the game of capoeira on many levels from the philosophy through to movements and drills. It's a well rounded book and I reccomend that you give it a read if you are interested in capoeira (and even in philosophy).



3. great read for people new to capoeira that want to have a more comprehensive review of the history, music, and game. also has an interesting review of a conference that discusses capoeira in US and Europe, which is very useful to read to learn about the different trends and mestres around. definitely recommend it!



4. I'll be perfectly honest. With my short attention span I have at times, I havn't done much in the way of practicing through the use of this book. But what I have practiced using it, I was able to figure out easily thanks to the diagrams and explanations in it. This book was also able to make me hold the interest I first had in Capoeria before finding it with the additional sections that talk about the styles history and the philosiphies behind the art.
   
   If you want a book on Capoeria that will hold your attention for a good long time, than you'll deffiantley want this one! Just don't assume that you'll be able to catch on to the style immediatley though, this book also proves that Capoeria isn't something you can pick up right away. ;D



5. I cannot recommend this book enough. It is highly readable and full of useful advice on how to perform techniques properly. The illustrations are simple, but they do a more than adequate job of getting the point across to the reader. I find myself referring back to this book constantly as a supplement to my Capoeria training. The insight the author provides into the unique culture and history surrounding Capoeira make for interesting reading as well. I can't wait to order and read the second book in this series. Nestor Capoeira has done a great service to the Capoeira community via this book.

5 comments about Capoeira Conditioning: How to Build Strength, Agility, and Cardiovascular Fitness Using Capoeira Movements.

1. The title says it all. A very good book for anyone who is into physical conditioning using only body weight exercises!



2. esto es un libro para acondicionarse para la práctica del capoeira, encontraras movimientos básicos, algo de historia, es un libro para principiantes y para personas que esten interesadas en este excelente deporte.



3. i just started capoeira. this book certainly has some real info and the workouts will show their effect in no time. very encouraging and easy to follow.



4. If you are a fan of bodyweight training, you should check out this book. For those of you familiar with Combat Conditioning, you will find a lot of similarities. It's basically like Combat Conditioning with a very gymnastic twist to it, which makes it all that much more challenging and interesting. A lot of handstand type movements and supporting your bodyweight on your hands.



5. I'm amazed at how many reviews for this book knock it down because it fails to teach Capoeira. The title of this book is not misleading at all it states quite clearly that this is a book geared towards Conditioning utilizing Capoeira.
   
   Please look at this as a fitness manual and not an instruction manual for Capoeira. If you want to get in shape, gain some agility, and have fun in an innovative way then by all means add some of these routines to your current workout. If you're looking for instruction of Capoeira than you'll be somewhat introduced to it but not as much if you would have purchased a book intended for that purpose such as Nestors: Little Capoeira Book, one of the few publications in English. AXE

5 comments about Capoeira 100: An Illustrated Guide to the Essential Movements and Techniques.

1. This book is great for helping the beginner to advanced capoeira student. There is great help for learning individual moves plus challenging training exercises for interactive learning and fitness conditioning.



2. This book is very helpful and one of a kind. I gave it five stars but i guess there is room for improvement. I think the pictures could look prettier or have arrows but then again maybe there is a functional value to it.
   I would tell anyone to buy it if they are a beginner. It demonstrates moves and transitional moves. And when i get confused I use it as a reference. It is also provides some philosophy behind capoeira. I use it a lot when i am playing at home. It even gives combinations to try after breaking moves down. It is very reader friendly. also has a sturdy binding so you can throw it around and it stays intact. Overall, I was pleased with the purchase.



3. This is a great beginners book for those who are just starting out in Capoeira. this progresses with you as you go from beginer to advanced. I reccomend going to an actual class to fully understand and execute these movements and techniques. Also pick up the Capoeira conditioning book. It will definteley help you with the intermmediate and advance sections of the book.



4. This is a pretty good book if you are a beginner. I think anyone with an intermediate level wouldn't learn to much from it.
   
   If you're getting started with capoeira, this is a great book that could help you develop your "jogo"
   
   Although you have to remember that the true way to learn capoeira is practicing it.



5. The good: This book is good for demonstrating fundamentals, and some advanced techniques. It provides generally good descriptions of the techniques with clear colour photos and how these techniques can be used and combined with other techniques.
   
   The bad: Some of the pic sequences need an extra pic to illustrate exactly how they are getting into the position. If you knew nothing of martial arts and particularly capoeira you may not be able to tell exactly how they got into all the positions - but then, the book is recommended as a guide to be used with an instructor, not as a complete capoeira course.