Every capoeira group is different. Differences can range from anything as overt as a different logo or different corda system to different ways to enter the roda. Even these subtle differences can make it challenging to be respectful as you visit various groups. Always remember to familiarize yourself with another group's fundamentals if you're a visitor or guest.
In a lot of ways, the differences in fundamentals is what makes one group different from another. And the diversity of groups is one aspect of capoeira that keeps it interesting and engaging. Not everyone does it the same. This is one of the reasons capoeira is an evolving art.
The Capoeira guide's pages
Check out all of the resources pages in this capoeira guide below. Remember, these details may only pertain to students of Capoeira Maculelê.
The berimbau is the central symbol of capoeira, and it is universal to all groups, styles, and rodas. Today, you won't find a roda (except a training roda) without a berimbau. Typically, only the highest ranking capoeiristas will play the berimbau in a roda, especially the largest, the gunga. The berimbau is likened to the heart of the roda, and thus capoeira as well.
The various sizes of berimbaus are not just for show. In fact, as discussed on the page, Berimbau Basics: Its parts and its role in Capoeira (look here first, if you aren't sure what the various sizes of the berimbaus are), each berimbau plays a different role in the roda, respective to its size. Each berimbau plays a different rhythm, depending on the rhythm the gunga dictates.
Capoeira is traditionally played inside of the roda, or wheel. Precisely why capoeira is practiced in a circle is disputed by many it seems. Whether its because of the equalizing aspect of everyone standing in a circle, keeps focus on two players and muscians and flow of energy, simply evolved from the idea that blacks carved circles in the sugar cane fields to practice is trivial. Everywhere in the world, regardless of group or style, capoeira is played in a roda.
Various capoeira groups and capoeira styles will often sing the same capoeira songs. Occassionally though, songs will vary group-to-group. In fact, if you visit another group, you're almost sure to hear a song you've never heard before. On the other hand, while some of the songs are older than capoeira's oral tradition can tell us, new songs are written all of the time. Even if you visit another Capoeira Maculelê academy, you're sure to hear a new song.
A mark of Capoeira Regional, the capoeira corda is a symbol of rank and dedication to capoeira, and it is a source of pride for any capoeirista. The corda, or cord, is worn about the waist on white abadás. Different capoeira groups will have different cord systems, but most in the US are fairly similar. It's important for a capoeira student to become familiar with the cord system, particularly which cordas are of graduated level.
My capoeira lyrics have moved.
I know that a lot of you, especially in Atlanta, rely on my collection of capoeira song lyrics to practice for singing in the roda, and I'd like to apologize for having moved my capoeira song book, the lyrics index, and lyrics search somewhere more difficult to find without letting you know first. Well, here it is:
Capoeira is known and respected for its energy and intensity. That energy starts with the bateria, the formation of capoeira instruments in a roda, which literally means the battery. The bateria is veiwed as the source of all energy that goes into the roda and goes into the capoeira players inside of it. The bateria is made up of the traditional instruments and goes in certain configurations. There are also a few rules of etiquette to keep in mind.
About this guide
This section of the site is primarily dedicated to providing Capoeira Maculelê students with the basic fundamentals of our group. Fundamentals are the foundation of any strong group, and Capoeira Maculelê takes them very seriously.
Instrutor Cavalo of Maculelê Miami's song explains the relationship between our foundation and our indentity as a group:
Maculelê é um orgulho, uma familia
Em grupo que tem fundamento e tradição
Essa arte é o nosso estilo de vida
E passar os fundamentos nossa missão
Maculelê is pride and family
In the group that has foundation and tradition
This art is our lifestyle
And passing the fundamentals is our mission
Gaining new cordas
Some of the content here is used in examinations for capoeira students who are seeking to gain a higher corda, so it is important for everyone to familiarize himself or herself with all of this information.
If you have any doubts
Fundamentals can change from year-to-year when Capoeira Maculelê leaders meet in Brazil for the annual Atualização meeting in Londrina. Don't be surprised if something here doesn't match what you've heard before. If you've any questions, feel free to ask your own professor, or you can email Monitor Juba.
