Communities within Capoeira

Def: A community is a neighbourhood, a society, a kinship. People with a common background that contribute towards creating an active community. It is known that we have a lot to learn through Capoeira Angola and are always learning. Many eventually come to the awareness that Capoeira Angola is a medium to interact with our ancestors through playing in the roda or just sitting in the bateria. Through it we are able to leave our worries at the door. And enter into a space that helps us transcend from our egos and stresses that modern living brings about in the age we are in. Any practitioner of Capoeira Angola can attest to its healing qualities. However there is a certain amount of darkness within the art that I feel has been brought on by the politics of it. Many would say that this is a natural thing. And that this always occurs within communities. I disagree. I think that this is a result of opening the circle to outsiders who havent been indoctrin ated into a ritual of their own. So naturally these people have no idea of what true community is. They instead want to impose a model that is not afro-centric but one based on domination. Without a community you cannot be yourself. The community is where we draw the strength needed to effect changes inside of us. Community is formed each time more than one person meets for a purpose. Development of community depends on what the people involved consent to. What one acknowledges in the formation of the community is the possibility of doing together what is impossible to do alone. This acknowledgement is also an objection against the isolation of individuals and individualism by a society in service of the machine. What we want is to create community that meets the intrinsic need of every individual. The individual can finally discover within the community something to relate to, because deep down inside each of us is a craving for an honouring of our individualism. - Malidoma Patrice (Community & Ancestor Acknowledgement Pt. 1, 2012) In Capoeira the idea of community is practiced, sought after and preserved. Within the different sectors and elements of Capoeira, unique relationships are built between the students, the instructors and the Mestres of the art. Successful Capoeira is about playing the game for the beauty and the joys it bring to the people involved, as well as preserving the culture and traditions that are attached to it. Some Capoeiristas look to alter Capoeira to fit into modern society, seeking monetary gain

and a sense of power by being in charge of an adapted/franchised version of Capoeira. But nonetheless it still attracts groups of people who interact and communicate with each other through the practice of Capoeira and through the association of Capoeira. There is no expectation of fair play when facing an opponent; there is no effort to match sex, size, strength, wits, experience, age, or ability. Equality (everyone is equal) exists in capoeira only because it is based in the notion that equality (everyone is the same) never exists. Equality also manifests in the sense of unity in capoeira culture which places a strong emphasis on everyone joining together in the roda (the circle in which capoeira is played) to create energy for the players. Capoeira is not meant to be something a person observes, it is something a person does, joining in whether it is known what to do or noteveryone is encompassed within the capoeira circle. Capoeira is played in a circle, itself a symbol of equality and unity. (MacLennan, 2011, p 154) When Capoeira is pursued of the joy of playing in the Roda, meeting new Capoeiristas from different areas of life and for sharing the unique phenomenons of Capoeira classes and Rodas, the art becomes something more than just Capoeira; it becomes a representation of your life and the relationships you share within it. Travelling to different Capoeira groups around your country and around the world, one can automatically connect and share with the group of strangers making up the group, but once in the space of Capoeira, these strangers arent strangers, you share a special habit of life with them. Being accepted into a group of people solves a basic human need to be part of a cluster of similar minded people, it allows you to focus, relax and express yourself, enjoying the game of Capoeira.

Connecting Through Music

Capoeiristas can connect through singing songs and playing music together; learning a new song, rhythm or technique allows you to learn about the individuals youre interacting and learning with, where you can rely on others for their experience and them on yours; the group as a whole will also have various techniques and approaches to playing and practicing the music, visitors and newcomers in a group can get an insight to how the group operates, learning and sharing during the practice. The Berimbau is a unique and powerful instrument. It has the ability to command the energy of a Roda, or group of people, and it allows unfamiliar Capoeiristas to identify with one another where necessary. It is an instrument that can be played and enjoyed on its own, or as part of a Bateria (orchestra) where it sets and fluctuates within a rhythm, collaborating and working with the sounds and rhythms of the other instruments in Capoeira, creating unique and beautiful music for every Roda. The styles of rhythms played on a Berimbau dictate the game, producing a unique interaction between the musicians and players in the Roda, (an interaction not always understood by people who only watch and observe Capoeira Rodas), the Berimbau and accompanying music sends messages to people playing in the Roda and about the game itself. People who can speak Portuguese will understand some of the songs lyrics, but will lack the knowledge behind the true meaning and messages within Capoeira music; this communication is a unique interaction and understanding between Capoeiristas installing an automatic sense of belonging during a Roda or Capoeira Class. Playing music with friends and members of your group creates unique dynamics where w e feed off each others musical skills, styles and habits. While playing the music with people you havent played with before, you can learn a lot about the different approaches to playing the music, as well as the person playing the instrument.

The Group Community

Within your own Capoeira group, wither an instructor, student or Mestre your interactions within the group are unique. But those some interactions and relationships in your group will be similar in nature to those in other groups. The accepting nature of a Capoeira group is common to most groups around the world. The community within your group is diverse, where different members will take responsibility for the social aspect of the group compared to the running of the group establishment, which responsibilities are relied upon the Mestre/ head instructors of the group. The forms of communication within the group will range from contact in text messages and phone calls, to new social media platforms and online-based communication. Some members who have the expertise and skills will have the responsibility for advertising the group to the mass public, finding new students and growing the social aspect of the community. The Capoeira community operates differently to how the Capoeira group operates, where different dynamics occur; some people will absolve themselves from the social/community side of the group, (looking to use Capoeira as just a form of exercise), leaving the community aspect of Capoeira to be made up the individuals who want to be there, contributing to the deeper appreciation of the art and all that is linked to it.During functions and events the community within the group will take the responsibility to organise the administrative duties, create and sell many Capoeira the event T-shirts, event fees, planned lunches as well as the pre and post event entertainment; which allows the instructor/Mestre to focus on catering to the guest Capoeiristas and smooth running of the event. The communications and intergroup interactions are vital for a Capoeira group to function successfully.

Community Projects
Many Capoeira groups are actively involved in community-based projects, working with children and members of underprivileged areas in the cities and towns that the Capoeira groups are based in. These projects are vital for the Capoeira group to grow and maintain itself in the future, creating a strong culture of Capoeira in their group for future years. Capoeira groups that have strong integration with childrens projects are usually successful in growing the group as their agenda is based on utilizing their time to play strong Capoeira and share the art with those who are interested and in need of the joy Capoeira brings to life. Capoeira has the ability help those in dire situations in life. The practice of Capoeira uplifts ones confidence when new movements are learnt, new songs are sung as well as a new confidence is developed in the game. Once someone develops confidence in their abilities while playing in the Roda, irrespective of their Capoeira skill; the confidence from the Roda filters through to their life outside of Capoeira. When people discover their actions can have purpose and impact significantly on their environment and other peoples lives, they form a greater respect for themselves and those around them. Respect for others and oneself leads to a positive lifestyle, looking to improve all the other aspects of life around them. The support Capoeira brings to the various community-based projects is beneficial to all those involved. The Capoeiristas involved bring in individual skills and capacities to help. Their efforts have great impact on the project, including the people they personally help and support. Connecting through Capoeira brings joy to those involved, getting to know a person and motivating them according to their individual needs creates a respect for the people facilitating the class/workshop/project. The more respect and cohesion between the people involved in the project the more can be achieved in future gatherings. Capoeira is based around good energy, producing an enjoyable multidimensional activity, when mixing that with a strong

community-based project looking to develop many aspects of peoples lives, the result is often favourable for everyone involved. The favourable conditions grow the Capoeira group as well as its community that is extending itself with other communities and organizations.

The Global Capoeira Community

Many established Capoeira groups have expanded themselves to various parts of the world, giving their group international recognition. Members of these groups can train with their international counterparts if they ever are in the country where the group exists. The Capoeira played in the different academies of the group should all be of a similar nature, allowing the visiting Capoeirista to fit into the trainings without too much effort. The different academies would usually have trained under similar Mestres/instructors earlier in their Capoeira experience, where they learnt similar approaches and techniques within the game, which the visiting student can recognise and feel accustomed to. Regardless of the approaches and characteristics of the various academies, a visiting student can immediately feel a sense of kinship with the foreign Capoeiristas as they all play in the Capoeira Roda, sharing a similar source of happiness while playing the game. Being part of The South African Capoeira Community, we have similar situations where groups have multiple academies/training spaces, which the group is welcomed to train with. Similarly within a city that has various Capoeira groups, there are still opportunities for the different groups to train and play Capoeira with one another at integrated classes and open Rodas. The Mestres and instructors will open invitation to the other groups to expose their students to the different approaches of Capoeira; similarly to get rid of any elitist perceptions of any particular groups, showing that Capoeiristas can learn from others outside their group, gaining deeper insight into the game. Students training in different cities are also encouraged to train with different groups when visiting the different areas in South Africa. There are Capoeira groups in the different cities that your instructor would have met and trained with in the past; providing an understanding of your groups style and approach to Capoeira. In Durban as with many other cities as long as the groups are aware who the visiting Capoeirista is and know how long they look to be in town for, there shouldnt be any problems allowing them to train and share Capoeira with the different group. Sometimes the groups practice different styles, but as long as the visitor understands that they should respectfully adhere to the visited groups approach and methods to classes and Rodas, there shouldnt be any conflicts. In my experience training with internationally based groups as well as training with groups while on foreign soil, I have been welcomed to join in class and share my experience no matter how big or small it is compared to the group Im visiting. Sharing perspective and ideas is very important; everyone can learn and benefit from the exchange. Though similar etiquette is required when visiting different groups while abroad; being respectful of the group, its style and their Mestre will help them welcome you to their training space and Rodas. Playing Capoeira while travelling is a great practice, you make new friends and connections; one learns new ideas about the game, new movement techniques and diverse understandings of the music; and one can practice something they are passionate about. While playing Capoeira at different groups one understands the magnitude of the scale of the community that they are part of. There are differences in styles and ideas, differences between groups and individuals, but there is a large respect for each other and their different groups. I have always felt that where ever I am in the world, if there is a Capoeira group in that area, it means I have a space to find he joy and satisfaction that can

only be found while playing in the Roda; sharing that feeling with others binds you together, building and strengthening your relationships in Capoeira, benefitting everyone involved. Capoeira is not what we do, But rather who we are Patrick Mkhize (05/05/2012)

References
http://www.facebook.com/CentroEsportivoCapoeiraAngola.LosAngeles Patrick Mkhize, 2012: (Contra Mestre Navarone- Head instructor Capoeira Na Praia) Janet MacLennan (2011): To Build a Beautiful Dialogue: Capoeira as Contradiction, Journal of International and Intercultural Communication, 4:2, 146-162 Capoeira culture: An impertinent non-Western art form. In S. Hart & R. Young (Eds.), Contemporary Latin American cultural studies (pp. 278_289). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.