4 comments about Capoeira: The Jogo de Angola from Luanda to Cyberspace (Capoeira).

1. This volume is NOT a physical instructional manual. It is a dedicated examination of how Capoeira came to be, from the Continent of Africa from which the root of this combative art hied, to its development in Brazil.
   
   The author examines a variety of sources (which he lists). Rather than stopping at the usual cursory description of the original slaves imported to Brazil from Africa, Taylor provides documentary evidence concerning the existence, treatment, and conditions encountered by slaves imported to Brazil from Angola and other regions of Africa. Taylor's descriptions and historical references make the experiences of these peoples very real, and does more than any work I have read thus far to explain the spiritual, cultural and physical reasons behind the development and propegation of Capoeira, at once both a method of personal defense and strength training, and a physical mode of expression.
   
   For those with a dedicated interest in the history of Capoeira specifically, or anyone with an interest in the anthroplogical side of combative arts generally, this first volume in a planned two-volume set is a must. I look forward to reading a continuation of this history.



2. This first part of two by Gerard Taylor is less about capoeira per se than it is about helping the reader understand the environment in which capoeira evolved. The author's stated intent for the second half is to invest much more narrative to the subject of capoeira itself in the modern world. Given this, I'm not terribly disappointed that Volume One is mostly about the histories of Brazil and Portuguese Africa as they relate to the trans-Atlantic slave trade and the evolution of capoeira in Brazil. However, prospective readers should bear in mind that Volume One really is a book on history, albeit one worthy of inclusion in the syllabus of a collegiate Portuguese history class.
   
   Taylor covers a great deal of time and space in 450 pages of text, from the Portuguese exploration of West Africa in the 1400's to the mid-Twentieth Century in Brazil. His focus is on the people who would give birth to capoeira: slaves from West and Central Africa. The Portuguese of Brazil play a key role in that they created the conditions under which Africans were brought to Brazil as slaves. According to Taylor, many of the slaves who were transported to Brazil from Central Africa between 1500 and the late 1800's were prisoners of war who were sold to the Portuguese. As a result, large numbers of fighting men schooled and experienced in the way of Central African war were included in the body of slaves. Some of the slaves who escaped and fled to the edges of Brazilian society were military men. These warriors brought experience with the Central African fighting techniques to villages called quilombos where escaped slaves formed new communities. Quilombos often were protected by extensive earthworks and obstacles, which presented real challenges for Portuguese attempting to recapture slaves and wipe out the quilombos.
   
   Central African warfare was almost exclusively fought by infantry. The infantry used swords and spears, but they almost never carried shields. Instead of blocking attacks, the Central African infantry used a fluid, mobile technique of avoiding blows altogether. This style of moving, twisting, and dodging defense finds an expression in capoeira.
   
   Taylor also covers areas such as the growth of the Brazilian economy from its earliest stages, the patterns of the slave trade, and life in the quilombos. Overall, this first book of two is an enjoyable, accessible work of history as it relates to the evolution of capoeira. I'm looking forward to reading Volume Two.



3. As far as history of capoeira goes, the author makes so many assumptions, jumps to so many conclusions and shows so many inconsistencies that this book cannot be taken seriously.
   
   For example, he assumes that capoeira was already played to the rhythm of the berimbau in 19th century Bahia, based on nothing but a guess. He goes even further (without citing one source whatsoever), stating that capoeira in the 19th century was played to the "bateria" as we know it today: berimbau, atabaque, pandeiro, reco-reco e agogo.
   
   That assumption is completely crazy, besides making no sense, of course. Capoeira was played in the streets and capoeiras were often chased by the police. Right now, I can close my eyes and see one of them running from the cops with an atabaque on its back...
   
   Then he makes other assumptions based on one of M. Pastinha's interviews and on his ghost-written book.
   
   Many people are aware that it is naive to take Mestre Pastinha's interviews literally as he was known for speaking in highly metaphorical words. And many capoeira researchers also find it very likely that a few people other than the Mestre and the ghostwriter were actually involved in the writing of his book.
   
   Finally, if anyone is interested in serious, detailed, backed-up, complete research about the history of capoeira, to this day I've only come across one book who lives up to its promise: Capoeira- the history of an Afro-Brazilian martial art, by Matthias Rohrig Assuncao.



4. I have been training capoeira for 13 years and have read many books on the subject. This is the first book I have read that provides a detailed, well referenced history of capoeira from pre-slave trade in Africa to the establishment of recognized schools for the art in Brazil. I highly recommend this book for those wanting to know the roots and history of capoeira.
   My only criticisms are:
   the book does not present the information in a definitive chronological order but jumps forward and backward in time within a presented era, making it a bit difficult to follow at times; and
   Taylor could have used a few (even one or two) maps to illustrate the locations he discusses. The reader can always use an atlas.

3 comments about Capoeira: The History of Afro-Brazilian Martial Art (Sport in the Global Society, 45).

1. Matthias Röhrig Assunção draws on historical fact to propose a view of Capoeira's development as a martial art. Through research, and much like many of us, through objective interpretation he ascertains what is reality, and what is fiction. Furthermore, he relates the common myths surrounding Capoeira to the people who need them, and proposes that at times myths are exactly what inspires individuals. He is, however, an advocate of fact, truth, and reality; and this shows in his work.
   
   The book is by far the most in depth work on Capoeira written in English to date. (To the best of my knowledge) It's perspective is born of inquisition rather then the "gospel truth" word of mouth tradition so common in Capoeira circles.
   Bravo !!! I am sincerely touched now that this book has been published, for I myself have been attempting various essays regarding some of the topics explored here. I am glad that the perspective came from a source so well educated, and through such a large spectrum of information. I have received educated reason to back many opinions I have had to date.
   
   Salve,
   Instrutor LoboGuara (Associacao Cordao de Contas do Canada)
   Paul Bielak and David M. Cvet



2. 
   I've been reading martial art books for the past sixteen years, and this has to be one of the best. As a practitioner and an academic I have to say this is a welcome addition to any martial arts library whether or not you practice capoeira. This is an extremely well researched, well-footnoted book by a professional historian who has the requisite language and archival skills needed to do justice to the topic. It also traces the historiography of the art, i.e. it critically and convincingly addresses what other scholars have written about capoeira in English and Portuguese.
   The price is an issue, and it is well known that books published by Routledge are outrageously expensive (which is why many authors try to publish elsewhere). But if you are serious about capoeira, or need to know how martial art books should be written, then spend the 50$. Although 224 pages doesn't sound like much, this is a book packed with information that has serious implications for thinking about how capoeira history has been appropriated as a political activity. For instructors of capoeira I would advise them to buy this book before they say anything more to their students about capoeira hitsory.



3. The problem with this book is that He is only using written accounts of Capoeira to validate his views. Many other reviewers mistakenly regard this as "scholarly". It down plays any other perspective about the history, origin, or practice of Capoeira as "questionable" because it was not written about at a certain time.
   
   The problem with this attitude is that it leaves Capoeira's definition in the hands of the white slave owners of Brasil who were writing about it. It neglects the fact that just because someone did not write about something it did not happen. Capoeira's origins, as the author acknowledges is from Angola. These people were followers of oral learning not written learning. It is elitist to suggest that the writing (especially when written by outsiders who were also bias slave holders) is more valuable than the oral traditions.
   
   Capoeira is African. And most of Africa is oral in traditions of learning and recording...thus it is only fair to acknowlege these oral legacies over the outsiders written response to a martial art he did not understand or respect.

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 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.

No comments about Essential Capoeira: The Guide to Mastering the Art (Martial Arts).

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 Little Capoeira Book.

1. This book has been out for quite a while now and even now, in 2006 the book is still helpful. I'm new to the Capoeira lifestyle and reading this book has been extremely helpful in gaining more knowledge about the history as well as the many different movements involved with this awesome martial art.
   
   I definitely recommend this book to newbies and more seasoned capoeristas. I may be a little "slow" but while the illustrations are great, I got a little confused when trying to "flow" through the movements but by reading, you'll figure it out and they'll begin to feel right.
   
   Hope this helps...enjoy!



2. 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.



3. 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).



4. 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!



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

1. Capoeira conditioning in a basic stretching and capoeira exercise book.
   If you don't have experience in martial arts or any time of organized exercise classes, this book may be appropriate for you. As more of a beginners' book I would recommend this book. However, if you are more advanced you want to look further into your search.



2. A very good book to learn the basics of capoira movements. It is great for general fitness for anyone of any age and fitness levels.
   Something different to the usual jogging, weights, cycling, etc.



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



4. 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.



5. 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.

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

1. I discovered capoeira by accident 35 years ago while watching the film "Back Orpheus" on television. In one scene, the protagonist is attacked by the Devil, who entres the scene with a cartwheel and two front kicks. I was studying kung fu at the time, but this clearly was not Asian! The film was shot in Brazil in 1959 so I figured that Brazil figured into my search for what i later found out was an ancient Afro- Brazilian martial art. I am now 56 years old and a Capoeirista still. This is an excellent book for the beginner but even an old dog like me can use it. The photos and text are fantastic and explain everything quite well. I am losing weight, becoming more flexible and fast...even for my age! This book really is responsible for this. Attention all capoeirestas and wanna- be's: buy this book!
   
   The Sweet Detective



2. 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.



3. 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.



4. 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.



5. 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.