5 comments about Capoeira: A Tale of Martial Arts Mastery, Mysticism and Love.

1. I practice the art form known as capoeira, and this just isn't it. if you want to be misguided, buy the book. if you like pulp afro-fiction, rent the book. if you like good books, buy a case of these, then take them to the recycling center so they can see some use.



2. This novel is simply a product for the "big screen," because the settings, and the energy are absolute vehicles. Today, most young people (all races) are into the martial arts and the struggles of physical fitness and survival. The energy in "Capoeira" is profound, and it captures the black family as a strong institution. This is significant, because family structures prevail againist the odds for the betterment of society. Therefore, people can benefit in many ways from this interesting story.



3. CAPOEIRA takes us on a journey through time, where past and present collide in a page turning series of events. It is 2010 and the World Free Style Martial Arts Association has gained a huge fan base and following and has brought martial arts to a whole new level of popularity. The main character in the story, Ptah, is the champion of the welterweight division and part of the Dogon Clan. The Dogon�s are part of a long family line of people with special spiritual powers and abilities. Soon readers learn that the Dogon Clan is not without enemies, and that Ptah�s journey to remain a champion will delve deeper than his bouts in the ring. Indeed they become part of his deeper journey into mysticism and to further his spiritual development. Ptah, along with the other members of the Dogon Clan, are involved in the universal fight against good and evil, but they have to fight these battles in both the physical and supernatural realms.

   CAPOEIRA is a book that has a little of everything. Drama, suspense, and fantasy are all wrapped up in this interesting story. For fans of martial arts, this book is a must read, as the author takes us to a time when martial arts is a sport that can gather arena size crowds like football or boxing can today. The author carefully weaves in a lot of information about various types of martial arts and incorporates it into the story so well that readers who are not already fans will learn a lot, but still enjoy an otherwise fast paced story. The elements of fantasy and spirituality add additional depth to the story while the drama and suspense will keep you turning pages. My only complaint was that at times the author seemed a bit repetitive. This is a must read for martial arts fans and a book many others will truly enjoy.

   Reviewed by Stacey Seay
   The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers




4. Science fiction and mysticism fused in a timeless spiritual embrace. Heroes and villains, conspiracies and revelations, are what best describe this compelling and all around off-the-hook novel. Capoeira possesses a sublime 'deepness'. It's author is a weaver of literary magic. He
   tells several stories on many levels, while entertaining and informing the reader.

   The world in which this epic journey unfolds, is for some, already here, and for others, not too hard to envision. It's a place where the subculture of Extreme Combat, and the Battle Mania Brawls seen on Pay-per-view, have grown into the dominant sports attraction.

   The people who populate this place of African themes and inner discovery, are important and multi-faceted. Is Ptah; the main character, an arrogant fighting machine, or is he a spiritual phenomenon, destined to pierce the veil of human consciousness? What of the Dogon Clan, his powerful family? And then there are the Akans. Arch rivals to the Dogons.

   Capoeira is replete with symbolism, inner visions, and spiritual attainment. It is a speculative panorama. Like the Martial Arts that permeates It's pages, this book is fast paced and snags you immediately. It is a complete tale of epic proportions. The conclusion; mature and appropriate. Capoeira is simply, essential reading.




5. As a Screenplay, this book gets three stars. As a book, one and as a Capoeira manual (I play Capoeira), none. This being said, Om-Ra-Seti has the germ of a really interesting story which could be made into a great action/martial arts picture. I would *love* to see the final battle envisioned here with all of the Orishas attending on the big screen - with the talents of a better writer.

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: Roots of the Dance-Fight-Game.

1. 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.



2. 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.




3. 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.



4. 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. I have been watching my children learn to play capoeira for a number of months. What impresses me most is that they are learning more of an aesthetic than a series of martial arts moves. It is this Afro-Brazilian aesthetic which has allowed capoeira to grow and move beyond its homeland to become an international movement. "Capoeira: Roots of the Dance-Fight-Game" is not an instructional manual. Instead, it is a deeper look into the origin and aesthetic which has shaped the game.
   
   Nestor Capoeira is not only a senior capoeira mestre but also one of the game's leading intellectuals. This work is a compilation of different articles he has produced over the years. Of special interest are his chapters on the role of malicia and malandragem in the playing of capoeira. His section on the rich dialogue between Mestres Bimba and Pastinha is also very interesting. What keeps me from giving this book five stars is that at times, Nestor Capoeira's writing style becomes excessively didactic in a manner common to Latin American intellectuals. This book is a great introduction and I am looking forward to reading additional books about the subject.

3 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.



3. This book is a good book if you want a basic understanding of Capoera. It can also be useful to learn the language used to call the Capoera moves.

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.

No comments about The Little Capoeira Book, Revised Edition.

5 comments about The Little Capoeira Book.

1. 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).



2. 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!



3. 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



4. 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. I frequently walk-by an amphitheater [semi-sunk arena] which is used frequently by some Capoeira folks to engage in their "Combat Dance" -- they look to be having a good time in their collective musical graceful "Dance". With Brazilian Jiujitsu so popular recently [for good reason], I am happy that another fine Art from Brazil [and Africa] has taken-root in the world-at-large as well. The appearance of Capoeira as a graceful "Dance" may put-off some seekers of "direct self-defense" -- which may be exactly one of the purposes of this collective graceful "Dance". Some things are best hidden in clear view -- especially some precious things. Aikido LOOKS gentle and quite graceful -- with participants mutually "dancing" thru the Kata-flows -- and so a sceptic may be very surprised to be thrown easily to mat by someone quite smaller. Aikido-type Arts are increasingly used by defense professionals -- as they do work well. Recalling the history of Aikido makes this not surprising -- as dance-like as it now appears -- it is in fact a direct offspring of a thousand years of Japanese Civil War -- as is Brazilian Jiujitsu via very early [circa 1900] Judo in its more Kitoryu Jiujitsu like Combat Judo days.
   
   As "The Little Capoeira Book" explains -- Capoeira is coming from a rich Africa-to-Brazil history, involving under-class folks who needed and wanted a way to survive and thrive via their ancestral skills -- in newer country to urban locales in Brazil. So it does appear as a "Dance" -- but does include some hard-core self-defense as good as any. Capoeira IS famous for its "Ground Dance" [which may or may not apply to mostly standing urban self-defense versus armed foes]. The book under review shows quite a variety of these ground kicks, turns and twists. YET, as shown in this book, I see at least two other great aspects -- the standing-methods are fluid, clear and sharp -- and the "Ginga" seems especially worthy to me -- altho the basic "holding pattern" -- it looks to be a dynamic [moving] On-Guard -- in CYCLIC COUNTER-ROTATION -- with "wing elbows" always in front -- that could catch an unwary foe much like favorite Krav Maga elbow-slams. It is INGENIOUS to to have "Ginga" as THE BASE for standing Capoeira. A fine presentation of the "Ginga" is on pages 62, 63 and 64 of "The Little Capoeira Book" under review. This fine book by Nestor Capoeira covers much ground to verify and further the above impressions of Capoeira. I really like Bimba's Sequences starting on page 86 [using the "Ginga"] and the section on [standing] TAKEDOWNS starting on page 108 +++

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.

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 Brazil.

1. Having lived in and travelled throughout Brazil, as well as having studied Portuguese, Brazilian sociology and Brazilian economics in college, I consider myself to be a true "Brazil Nut"...On Amazon.com, I have highly recommended Brazil, 5 Centuries of Change, by Thomas Skidmore, and now I will highly recommend Brazil by Erol Lincoln Uys for mostly the same reasons...it gives both the novice and the Brazil expert a true feeling for the fascinating history, culture and geography of this little known giant of Latin America. I especially like the final updated chapter which brings the reader up to the 500th anniversary of Pedro Cabral's 1500 Discovery of Brazil.



2. Having both lived in and travelled throughout Brazil in my youth, as well as having studied Portuguese and Brazilian History, Economics and Sociology in college, I consider myself to be a true "Brazil Nut". A while back, I reviewed a book on Amazon.com, Brazil, Five Centuries of Change, by Thomas Skidmore, which I gave accolades to, and I will applaud Uys' marvelous work Brazil for the same reason: it gives both the novice and the Brazil expert an excellent understanding for the complex history, culture and geography of this little known Latin American giant.



3. To view a country and write as seen through their people is a difficult task. Errol Uys' re-release of Brazil is a blazing success. This book creates an image and feel for the country that truly leaves a concrete imprint in the mind of the reader. This well-researched book is a facinating epic for fans of historical fiction as well as lovers of non-fiction.



4. Brazil's history, sociology, ethnicity, politics, etc. are as big and complex as the country size. To capture all these matters in a correct way in just one book is a task that's simply impossible. However, I feel that Errol Lincol Uys knew that, and what he has done in his book is to create a "big picture"of Brazil, and that was the right thing to do. His research and knowledge of the portuguese language are impressive for a non-brazilian, although there are many mistakes, in both aspects. When these mistakes were relative to the language, I found them completely normal, because portuguese is a very difficult and complexe language, even more difficult for someone who comes from a non-latin-speaking country. When the mistakes were relative to brazilian history and its further development, I was angry at first, but then I realised that Uys, as a foreigner, had access mostly to the "normal" and "adjusted" history of my country. Every country has its "adjusted" history, the history full of martyrs, dramatic situations, sword duels, fights for freedom, etc. That's the history that Uys tells his readers.

   One other thing. As many authors dealing with the fictionalized history of a country, Uys makes a common mistake. He simply ignores the latest century. As a consequence, the book pratically ends at the turn of the twentieth century, and many interesting and important things have happened in Brazil in the XX century are left behind: Getulio Vargas, the transition from an agrarian to an industrialized country, the military dictatorship and many, many more. Of course, as I said before, it's impossible to completely cover an entire country's history in just one book, but "Brazil" could be two- or three-hundred pages longer and it would not be better or worse, just more complete.

   So, in the end, "Brazil" is a good start for someone who is interested in the country. The book is mostly accurate and well researched, but it's just a gimpse of what Brasil really is.

   Grade 8.3/10




5. I can not hardly add anything to the great customer reviews. I took this book along on my last trip to Brazil and now I must encourage anyone who is traveling or has a deep interest in Brazil, read this book. Doing so may not only engrave visions of Brazil's history in your mind through an entertaining means, something that history books fail to do but it may also enlighten your understanding of why Brazil is the way it is and what makes Brazilians act the way they do. This is what it did for me. Thank you Mr.Uys