So, it’s no secret that I haven’t been posting much at all lately. There is a reason for that, it’s not because I’m shutting down the Capoeira Blog or I’m getting bored of posting or anything else, don’t worry.
It’s because I recently started a new job, and I just got a new apartment, so big changes are afoot in the life of this 23 year old blogger/capoeirista.
Because I have this real life stuff to deal with, blogging really hasn’t been on the top of my list of priorities. Getting a new place, packing, moving, etc, all while dealing with the stresses of a new job, is making my life pretty nutty right now. Not to mention the toll that it’s taking on my capoeira time (I haven’t been going to class much at all lately).
So, this has clearly had a tangible impact here at The Capoeira Blog. I have a bunch of half-written posts in draft state sitting around, but I just don’t have the time (or the mental capacity at this point) to get them ready to be viewed by you fine readers. I want to deliver quality posts, not constant fluffy filler.
I’ve also been thinking about totally overhauling The Capoeira Blog.
I really want to start self-hosting, because there is so much more that I could do with it if there were no free WordPress.com restrictions.
However, this will require me to purchase my own domain name and server space, set up a blog by myself and import all of the posts and comments (that’s a scary thought; I don’t want to lose anything!), and I’ll end up losing all of my site statistics (hits, Google page rank, etc) and probably some of my readers. It’s a pretty big, daunting undertaking.
On the awesome side though, it will allow me far greater customization of the site’s design and layout (the free templates are OK, but I want to be able to customize it to the way I really want it) , and I’ll be able to do a lot more with plug-ins and other blog tools (I might look into getting a forum, for example).
So, clearly this is a big deal, and it hasn’t been weighing lightly on my shoulders. I’m worried about losing readers and links when I make the switch, etc.
So, that’s what has been up, and what is coming up. I hope you all understand. And like I said, I don’t plan on going anywhere. I just wanted to let you know why I’ve been posting so sporadically.
I promise that we will return to our regularly scheduled programming when my life returns normal.
P.S. I just noticed that my last 4 posts have all been a week from each other. Kinda interesting, but it’s not ideal, which illustrates why I’m letting you know what’s up.
Filed under: Off Topic
I totally apologize for how ridiculously non-capoeira related this post is, but there’s no way I can hold back from sharing this with you.
I present to you, my dear friends, the greatest song in the history of the universe and everything (Though, while the song is Awesome x 1,000,000, the video is extremely terrible, and I apologize for it):
Kudos if you can name me any of the 90’s movies this song is in (don’t cheat and look at the YouTube comments).
I promise there’ll be actual capoeira stuff soon, but I just had to post this.
Filed under: Capoeira Life
Photo by Nandocunha (Flickr)
Forgive my lack of originality with the premise of this post (specifically, the acronym), but I couldn’t find a capoeira-related word that was comprised of the first letters of words that I wanted to include.
As a result, in coming up with a way to describe what makes a great capoeirista, we have something less witty, yet easily memorable: C.A.P.O.E.I.R.A. (I thought about shortening it to C.A.P.O. but that reminded me of the mafia, so I decided to fuhgeddabudit.)
So here you are, friends, the eight qualities that make a great capoeirista.
A great capoeirista must be:
Creative: I think the creative aspect is one of the top three things that draws me to capoeira. The capoeira game is beautiful, and beauty is best expressed through our creative side. A capoeirista must be creative (I’m not saying you need to be an artist or playwrite, mind you) in order to fully appreciate what capoeira can offer. Your mestre can only teach you so many sequences and movements; you need to be able to put them together in the roda.
Athletic: This is a no-brainer, really. And I don’t mean that you need to have a superhero-like body. Even if you’re “unathletic” before you start doing capoeira, there is no way that you can be a serious capoeirista and not get into somewhat better shape (whether that means becoming more flexible, losing the beer belly, gaining more stamina, etc.). The end result, as you become an actual capoeirista (and a great one at that) is athleticism.
Playful: Another one of the top three things I love most about capoeira: it fits right in with my crazy desire to never “grow up.” You really can’t take yourself too seriously and be a capoeirista. I mean, look at us, in our goofy white pants, jumping all around and “rolling on the floor,” grinning the entire time (well, most of the time). And don’t forget the concept of malicia that is so integral to the capoeira game (Hey, kids, what do you do with games? That’s right, you “play” them!).
Outgoing: Maybe this is the answer to Joaninha’s question about “capoeira colored glasses.” To excell in the art and world of capoeira, you must be able to interact with people and open yourself up to new experiences. Some of the best capoeiristas I’ve met have been the most charming and open people I’ve ever known. The camaraderie among capoeiristas is incredible.
Energetic: Duh! How could there be any rodas without the energy generated by a bunch of hyperactive capoeiristas? If you can stand in a roda without clapping and at least attempting to sing (a few sounds or mumbles here and there is fine if you don’t know the lyrics, it’s the thought that counts), you’re not a capoeirista.
Intuitive: This is a quality that is a bit more subtle than the other, but maybe the most important of all. Capoeira, much to the surprise of many onlookers, is not a choreographed performance. Capoeiristas must be able to think many steps ahead, interpret what the other player is doing or going to do, get inside their opponent’s head, and have lightning fast instincts, in order to really play well.
Respectful: There are many levels of respect in capoeira (for those who deserve it, and some really might not). There is respect for mestres, respect for higher cords, respect for lower cords, respect for capoeiristas of different abilities, respect for other groups, etc. There is almost nothing worse (to me, and to decent people everywhere, I imagine) than a disrespectful person, and this doesn’t stop where the roda begins. For example, whenever a jogo ends up turning into a violent game or throwing match, if the capoeiristas are able to get up, smile, and hug each other at the end (especially if they are in different groups), that is respect.
Amicable: Remember the example that I just gave of hugs at the end of a violent game? That shows great deal of respect, but it’s also indicative of the overwhelming sense of friendship that exudes from capoeira. The smiles I see on the faces of capoeiristas in photographs always makes me proud to be part of the family. Even if I live in Massachusetts and you live in Brazil, we’re all friends in the world of capoeira.
Any given capoeirista may demonstrate one of these qualitities more than another, but I believe that every capoeirista (in order to be considered an “outstanding” or “well rounded” capoeirista) must exemplify all of them at least a little.
Now, there are a number of different words I could have picked for each letter, but the ones I chose are the ones that I feel best represent what it means to be a capoeirista. That doesn’t mean that they are the END ALL BE ALL. And by all means, if you have any other ideas or want to expand on anything I’ve mentioned, please share them in the comments.
- My top right incisor is chipped. Well, more like broken; I look like Jim Carrey (think Dumb and Dumber) if the bonding isn’t there. It broke when my brother threw a bag of quarters at my face in 6th grade.
- When I was a wee lad I wanted to be a herpetologist or a paleontologist. Funny how things change (I’m now a technical writer).
- I was the first male cheerleader at my high school. Surprisingly, I never ended up in a fight because of the insults (came close a few times, not gonna lie).
- The thing that annoys me most in the world is listening to other people chew. I can’t even imagine it without getting all weirded out.
- One of my favorite snacks is a bowl of cucumbers with vinegar, salt, and dill. Not pickling them mind you (though pickles are yummy), but just like some kind of weird cucumber soup. Mmmm.
- The place I want to visit most in the world (besides Brazil, this is “non-capoeira”) is Australia. G’day mate!
- I own a silver 1998 Acura Integra with 145,000 miles on it and aftermarket taillights. She still drives purrty.
- If I could have the powers of any comic book character, I would want Wolverine’s (not just the healing/enhanced senses/strength, but the adamantium skeleton and claws as well). Snikt! Spiderman is a close runner up (and he would be #1 if I lived in NYC or some other city with skyscrapers).
Well there you have it folks, a little look into the non-capoeira life of yours truly.
In the spirit of passing on internet memes, I’m going to tag some of my fellow internet capoeiristas so they can join in on the fun. Repost this in your blogs, y’all!
- Joaninha de Mandingueira
- Compromisso de Capoeira Espaco (post it in your Capoeira Espaco profile, man)
- Fragil de Fragil’s Capoeira Blog
- Gringa de Gringa’s Blog
- BahiaCapoeira de Bahia-Capoeira Blog
- Chan de Soul Capoeira
And for those who I didn’t mention by name (if you have a blog, or even a Capoeira Espaco page), consider yourself tagged as well. Post it on a forum, on Capoeira Espaco, on Facebook, or wherever.
Be sure to come back here and leave a link so we learn more about you!
And in other non-capoeira related news:
-
The Capoeira Blog has passed 30,000 page hits! I was going to do a separate post for this news, but I think I’m gonna wait until 50,000 (if we get there!). Still cool nonetheless.
-
I’m posting this entry from my first day at my new job! I’m now a Jr. Technical Writer/Course Developer for a company that develops talent management software. Not sure what their policies are on using the internet for personal stuff, so I’m not sure how much I’ll be posting during the day. But don’t worry, I’m not going to drop off the face of the planet. Unless, of course, I literally do drop off the face of the planet, which will be some feat of phsyics. Newton will be impressed.
-
I’m going to be moving soon. Will be getting my first place after college (I’ve been living at home for a while, saving money, etc, but it’s about time I get my own apartment). Gonna be living with my best friend/roommate from college, so it’ll be awesome.
