>> What is expected of Students?
>> Class
>> The Cords(Belts) of Group Capoeira Brasil
>> Uniform
>> What is a Roda?
>> The Games and their Rhythms
>> How and When to Buy the Game
>> Training
>> Play
>> What is a Batizado?

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>> What is expected of Students?

Discipline - Be disciplined in your attitude to training and to learning all aspects of Capoeira.

Attitude - One aim of this group is to make all new comers welcome and to treat all students and Instructors with respect. It is important that the group provides support for each other both socially and within the game of Capoeira.

Consistency - To attend classes on a regular basis. Please tell your Instructor or Peixe if you are unable to make classes. Also once you have decided to commence your training with the group it is preferred if you don't train on a regular basis with other groups. This will prevent the styles becoming confused and confusion within class.

Hygiene - You're in close contact with other people and it's a hot and sweaty game. Try where possible to keep your clothes washed and clean.

Unity - A group is only as strong as its individuals. Make new friends and enjoy the group spirit!

Uniform - All ongoing students must wear the groups uniform. This is to be worn during all classes and any performances that you may participate in.

Insurance - A mandatory once a year payment of $30.

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>> Class

Class begins with a warmup, with all levels training together. After about a 30 minute warmup/workout, we split according to level. To train capoeira is to try as hard as you can each time you train, knowing that an unfamiliar or difficult movement will come with time, patience and attention to technique. Don't be discouraged if you don't catch on right away- feel free to ask questions, we are here to help.

(reproduced from Mestre Boneco's website)

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>> The Cords(Belts) of Group Capoeira Brasil

"In order to become an Instructor, Teacher or Mestre, you must dedicate many years of hard work. It won’t happen over night, but if it is what you want, you can achieve it. Often you meet your challenges when you follow your dream or passion. Capoeira must never become only hard work, it is the joy of playing that keeps the game alive."
Please Note: that the colours of the cords(belts) will vary according to the different Capoeira groups. It is always wise to check the grading system of colours of other groups before you enter into the Roda with another player.

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>> Uniform

The white pants, your cord(belt), and a white t-shirt, preferably with the Capoeira Brasil logo, are your uniform. White pants are called "abadas" which mean uniform in Portuguese. The blue pants, "calcas azueis" are acceptable to wear in class, but for special occasions, performances, demonstrations, batizados, etc. you should always wear your whites.

(reproduced from Mestre Boneco's website)

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>> What is a Roda?

For those who have never seen or heard of capoeira, the roda is where everything happens, capoeira is played (not danced, nor fought) in a roda; it is the climax of the art of capoeira. The word "roda" means circle in Portuguese. At the head of the roda is the orchestra (played by three berimbaus, two pandeiros, & one atabaque). Of the three, the berimbau is what leads the roda. The type of game that is played varies depending on the rhythm and speed of the berimbau. The rest of the roda is formed by other capoeiristas (students) who contribute their energy to the game by clapping and singing. Even if you don't know the words, try to imitate the sounds you hear- the roda needs your voice!As a capoeirista, part of your training will be to learn to play the instruments as well as to sing and lead songs.

What makes the roda exciting is the energy that the players, musicians and singers put into it. It becomes a living entity, as everyone's energy focuses on the center where the two capoeiristas are engaged in a physical dialog. In the roda participants raise their voices in song, clap, and rock to the beat, celebrating the spirit of the art form... For safety, you must never take your attention from the players, who may throw an errant kick or flip too far off center. If you don't pay attention, you may get hurt.

(reproduced from Mestre Boneco's website)

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>> The Games and their Rhythms

In class, you will hear four main types of rhythms, each associated with a type of game.

Angola - More than just a kind of game, Angola is capoeira in its most historical, most raw form. It constitutes its own, completely exclusive style. At Capoeira Brasil, a student does not begin to learn this style of capoeira until he or she is at a higher level in their training. Because the technique and ritual is very different, a student must be graduated, having a solid base in capoeira regional contemporanea before learning the new language of Angola. It is a slow rhythm, and the players are extremely expressive with their bodies, playing close and low. Angola games are long, and involve mental concentration as much as physical skill. "Mandinga," which is essentially trickiness or cleverness, is fundamental in Angola.

Benguela - This game was created by Manoel dos Reis Machado, the famous Mestre Bimba. It's a medium rhythm, where capoeiristas test each other, play close and develop their more complex movements. As a beginner you will first learn to play to the Benguela rhythm.

Regional - This game is fast. Players move quickly, using the same types of movements as in a benguela game, but much faster and dynamic. This is also the game in which players may explore the "fight" of capoeira. Response and reflexes must be on point, in order to be able to react quickly enough to fast, powerful kicks.

Iúna - Following the tradition of capoeira regional, the game of iúna is extremely technical. Only the most graduated students of the group are permitted to play this game in the presence of the master. It's a game in which the capoeirista demonstrates his or her skills to the best of his or her ability. It is accompanied only by the orchestra and the applause following each game.

There exist other rhythms that are associated with capoeira, but they will be covered as part of a historical and in-depth look at capoeira elsewhere in this website at a later date.

(reproduced from Mestre Boneco's website)

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>> How and When to Buy the Game

There are two ways a player can enter the roda to play a game. If you aren't sure which way is most appropriate, watch what other people are doing, or ask a higher cord(belt).

The first way is when two players come to kneel at the foot of the lead berimbau, shake hands and au (cartwheel) into the roda. When their game is over, they shake hands again and back quickly out of the roda. It is important to note here that you should never turn your back to the roda, whether you are standing on the perimeter, or especially when you are leaving the roda after a game. This is a safety issue- other players may not notice that you haven't completely left the roda before they start throwing kicks and flips. And from the other perspective, be conscious of the players who are leaving the roda before you enter.

The other way to enter the roda is to buy the game. At this point, you must pay attention to the hierarchy of the cords. During a roda, only cords higher than orange may buy. At times we will train practice rodas in which all players buy in. A lower cord may not buy out a higher cord unless the Mestre in charge of the roda gives permission. When you enter the game in this way, the most important thing is to make sure both players can see you. Go in from the side, and be assertive.

There is an etiquette to buying the roda that is difficult to explain... Observe the higher cords, and don't be afraid to ask questions.

(reproduced from Mestre Boneco's website)

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>> Training

To train capoeira is more than to just go once in while for the aerobic workout, or to enjoy the energy of the roda. Of course we welcome anyone for whom this is appropriate. But for most, this is not enough. There exists a rich culture and tradition in which capoeiristas immerse themselves, training, researching, and socializing outside of class. Capoeira Brasil is very dedicated to perpetuating and maintaining the tradition while evolving as is necessary for the survival or this art form. To earn the next level cord you must try to learn- learn your game, the movements to play in the roda. Learn the instruments- start with pandeiro. Ask someone to show you the beat and play! Sing. Learn the chorus to the songs first, and sing as loud as you can. Clap! The most basic of instruments. Participate and support our organization. Come to class, be encouraging, try to make it to our extracurricular events.

(reproduced from Mestre Boneco's website)

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>> Play

When you play in the roda, Mestre will tell you to "Develop your game!" Do it! Try new things, don't be afraid of not being able to do it right- just don't forget your basic movements. Repetition and consistency will improve your game. Play with as many different people as possible and don't be afraid of playing with a higher cord. They will challenge you and help you grow. Be careful, above all things, not to hurt the person you are playing with. That means staying far away from someone who doesn't have their esquiva reflex quite right, and looking before throwing your kicks.

(reproduced from Mestre Boneco's website)

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>> What is a Batizado?

A Batizado is simply a grading which enables a Capoeirista to be assessed on their skills and awarded a grade denoted by a coloured cord. These Batizados are an important part of playing Capoeira as they ensure that each player is attentive to learning all elements of Capoeira. They are also a recognition of the hard work that needs to be invested in order to improve.
At each Batizado there are special guests who are prominent members of Group Capoeira Brasil and guests from other Capoeira groups.It is their job to play some of the lower students before they are tested, which means a great deal of stamina is required.
When a Teacher or Mestre feels the time is right they will initiate the student tinto the higher level by putting them off balance. Remember these Mestres are highly skilled and capable of assessing when the student is able to take the fall. The alternative initiation is that the Mestre simply shakes the students hand.
The gradings that take place in Australia are recognised in Brasil, and any student may take their cord(belt) to Brasil and it will be instantly recognised and respected.

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