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How To String Your Berimbau

Who ever said they’ve never broken a berimbau while stringing it, is a liar 😂 I’ve broken many berimbaus in my day.. enough so that I figured a video about how to string a berimbau would help me not break another one ☝️ Hope y’all enjoy,

How I Began Capoeira/?ref=2416

Hello! My name is Tiffany Wolfe, I am 31 years old and live in Michigan. I’ve always had an interest in different forms of movement, especially martial arts. Did a Korean martial art called Tang Soo Do, as a child. As I grew older, I did hip-hop dancing as a hobby, and took yoga and Aikijujitsu classes, in college. 

About 5 years ago, I stumbled upon a Facebook event for a free introduction course to Capoeira, at the Michigan Center for Capoeira. I never heard of Capoeira, but was excited to try something new. 

The introduction class made me feel like a kid again. I enjoyed being on my hands, and interacting with people in a playful way. Capoeira had a vibe, which was very refreshing; compared to other martial arts classes I’ve tried.  

After the introduction class, I stayed to see what the monthly roda was. The mix of the Afro-Brazilian music, the different types of players, and those who composed the circle created an uplifting, and prevailing energy. This was the first time I was instantly drawn to, and felt really connected to an activity.

At the time, I lived an hour away, and worked a lot, so the idea of going to class regularly, felt like a big commitment. Nevertheless, I signed up anyways, and told myself I would just try to make it work somehow.

So, I drove an hour each way to go to Capoeira class, once a week; and then trained at home the other days. A few years later, I moved closer to our current studio, and eventually attended 7 classes, 5 times per week. Volunteered for our Capoeira teens class, and shadowed my teacher, for a few months. Then, I became inspired to teach a beginner’s Capoeira course once a week, at a gym, from January to March 2020. Took Mestre Cueca’s Instructor’s Course over this summer, and received my certification. 

What Makes Capoeira Special:

As Mestre Pastinha said, “Capoeira is everything the mouth eats”. Capoeira can be very nourishing, if you allow it. I am very blessed to have Baz, as Capoeira teacher and a wonderful mentor; and to be surrounded by great people, in our community.  Capoeira is a wonderful journey of internal and external self-growth. It can be a creative outlet, which can help to improve your physical health, mindset, and connect you with diverse groups of people, from all over. Capoeira is for everyone, and can be modified for each person’s ability. It also gives you the opportunity to learn to be present, and leave your day at the door.

Challenges:

Eventually, as you progress more in your Capoeira training, you’ll probably be doing more individual work. Since we can be our worst critics, progressing can involve a mental battle between you and yourself. But don’t give up! It’s okay to enjoy the ups and downs of the journey. We all started somewhere, and still are starting from somewhere, each time we come to a new point, in our journey. Good to visualize yourself completing your goal, and look forward to the satisfaction of completing your goals.

EP 11 : Dr. Lauren Griffith

Dr. Lauren Griffith, assistant professor at Texas Tech University and has been studying Capoeira since 2004. She is also an established researcher and author writing about such topics as non-Brazilians searching for their own legitimacy as tradition bearers of the art, in what she calls an “Apprenticeship Pilgrimage” where Capoeiristas journey to Brazil in order to study, learn and grow with Brazilian Masters of the art. Join us in this special episode where discuss the power of social change through the art of Capoeira.

EP 11 : Dr. Lauren Griffith

Dr. Lauren Griffith, assistant professor at Texas Tech University and has been studying Capoeira since 2004. She is also an established researcher and author writing about such topics as non-Brazilians searching for their own legitimacy as tradition bearers of the art, in what she calls an “Apprenticeship Pilgrimage” where Capoeiristas journey to Brazil in order to study, learn and grow with Brazilian Masters of the art. Join us in this special episode where discuss the power of social change through the art of Capoeira.

EP 10 : Mestre Nenel

“I really hope to meet at least part of the interests of the reader! I do make a point to stress that I am not and do not want to be the holder of the truth. I simply come to share a little of what I conceived from the practical and theoretical lessons that I experienced with my father. I am open to any criticism whatsoever, since they are also part of my growth and maturation in this trajectory of rescue, preservation and perpetuation of my father’s legacy. One thing I hear a lot is that my father created Regional so that it could be developed, and that’s true! But what I barley see is peaple doing it with awareness of the principles that were fundamental to my father. In this book, I want to pinpoint these fundamental issues that should govern every and any proposal based on the philosophy of Capoeira Regional.”-Mestre Nenel

EP 10 : Mestre Nenel

“I really hope to meet at least part of the interests of the reader! I do make a point to stress that I am not and do not want to be the holder of the truth. I simply come to share a little of what I conceived from the practical and theoretical lessons that I experienced with my father. I am open to any criticism whatsoever, since they are also part of my growth and maturation in this trajectory of rescue, preservation and perpetuation of my father’s legacy. One thing I hear a lot is that my father created Regional so that it could be developed, and that’s true! But what I barley see is peaple doing it with awareness of the principles that were fundamental to my father. In this book, I want to pinpoint these fundamental issues that should govern every and any proposal based on the philosophy of Capoeira Regional.”-Mestre Nenel

EP 9 : Contra Mestre Monkey

“In order for people to have a deeper understanding of the lyrics to this song, I have come here to offer a translation of the lyrics myself…”

– Contra Mestre Monkey

Minha Varanda – Refers to my home, the place I want to conquer, working with Capoeira.

Meu Chapeu de Palha – Relates to chilling times after this conquest, I wish to have myself, my home.

Minha Massape – Means the mud, hard to cross through, that I shall not forget, the hard times

EP 9 : Contra Mestre Monkey

In the Capoeira Connection Podcast EP 9, we sit down to speak with Contra Mestre Monkey (Author of Minha Varanda) via skype. “In order for people to have a deeper understanding of the lyrics to this song, I have come here to offer a translation of the lyrics myself…”
– Contra Mestre Monkey

“Minha Varanda…” – Refers to my home, the place I want to conquer, working with Capoeira.

“Meu Chapeu de Palha…” – Relates to chilling times after this conquest, I wish to have myself, my home.

“Minha Massape…” – Means the mud, hard to cross through, that I shall not forget, the hard times

How To Match The Perfect Capoeira Bateria

In this video we detail exactly how each of our capoeira bateria (Gunga, Médio, and Violas) are matched up and prepared before we ship them out. The key is to string up multiple vergas and tune them before even picking out the cabaças. Once we find 3 matching vergas (with distinct sounds for each berimbau) we choose the appropriate cabaças and finalize the set. Every bateria is hand selected just for you. 🙂

EP 8 : Instrutor Montanha and Graduada Cegonha

In the Capoeira Connection Podcast EP 8, we make our way to San Antonio TX, home of Capoeira Luanda’s Instrutor Montanha and Graduada Cegonha. Both of these amazing Capoeiristas have shown much dedication to the art of Capoeira as well as helping make a large social impact on their surrounding community. Join us as we talk everything from Capoeira to doing good in our communities with these two amazing people.

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