The Capoeira Blog

Do you have a capoeira “to-go” bag?

Many people have to-go bags for short trips, or for going to work in the morning, or for the gym. I happen to have a to-go bag for capoeira.

A to-go bag allows you to to take off and go at a moment’s notice. It should include all of the essentials for wherever or whatever the destination may be, so that you don’t have to spend a half hour rummaging around your house looking for stuff you need to bring. It’s a good feeling knowing that you always have your necessary stuff ready to go.

Here’s a look at what’s in my capoeira to-go bag right now (sometimes there may be more, sometimes there may be less):

1. Capoeira: A Brazilian Art Form by Mestre Acordeon (I brought this to class one day and haven’t taken it out yet.)
2. Ankle wrap (I used to use this every time I played, sort of like a crutch, but lately I’ve been trying to ween myself off of it. It stays in there just in case.)
3. Capoeira CDs (You always have to be ready with the music!)
4. Empty Fruit2O bottle (Hydration is very important, kids!)
5. Capoeira beanie (It’s cooold where I live these days. Though, I don’t keep it in there all the time because it might start to smell…)
6. Rock (I found this on the ground one day and thought it would make a good dobrao.)
7. Bic pen (For writing!)
8. Extra caxixi (This one is small, so it just hangs out in the bag.)
9. Capoeira notebook (I’ve had this since I started the capoeira club at my college. I keep lessons, ideas, names, and all sorts of random stuff in it. It goes well with the pen.)
10. Axe deodorant spray (This isn’t in the picture, because for some reason I forgot to lay it on the floor with the rest, and I’m too lazy to take another picture.)

So there you have it, the inner workings of Faisca’s Capoeira To-Go Bag. Usually before I leave the house I’ll throw my cell-phone, wallet, and anything else I might need for the day in there as well. But this list stays in there most of the time.

And if you were wondering what holds all of these treasures:

This is a bag that I’ve had since 2000 or so. It’s a Gap one-strap bag with two front pockets and a surprisingly large main compartment. It also has a cell-phone holder on the strap, which is convenient. This little gray darling has served me well for almost 10 years (though, it does smell something awful inside, hence why I now only use it as my capoeira bag).

If you were thinking about putting together your own capoeira to-go bag, here are some essentials I think everyone should have:

• Water bottle (one that you can refill)
• Pen and paper (you never know when you’ll get an idea for an awesome combination, or when you’ll get a number from a fly capoeirista)
• Capoeira CDs (always be ready to play)
• Braces/wraps/tape/etc. (so you don’t forget your important injury-prevention tools)
• Deodorant (you know we get pretty smelly after training)
• Perhaps a quick change of clothes (a shirt or two in case you really get sweaty)

Do you have anything else to add to the list? What’s in your capoeira to-go bag? Let us know in the comments.

Have you ever seen a fly lookin’ capoeirista but didn’t have the foggiest idea of what to say to get them “in the roda.” Well now you have nothing to fear with Mandingueira’s tried and true* capoeira pickup lines!

By the way, these are gender neutral, so guys and girls can try them out and see what happens!

• Are you a capoeirista? Because you just turned my world upside-down.
• You must have lots of mandinga, because I’ve fallen under your spell!
• That’s too bad that you lost your pandeiro, but if you want you can bang me instead.
• If I play you hard enough in the roda, will you go volta ao mundo with me?
• Hi, are you an angoleiro/a? That’s great, ’cause I’m regional—what say we get together and be contemporary?
• I’m surprised you have an apelido, because to me you are indescribable!
• You know, your abada would be cleaner if you didn’t wear it at all.
• If I gave you rasteira would that sweep you off your feet?

Credit goes to Joaninha for these. I just had to share them with you.

*I’m not sure any of these have been field tested. Use them at your own risk. Neither The Capoeira Blog or Mandingueira will be held responsible if the only response you get is a meia lua to the face.