Capoeira: Roots of the Dance-Fight-Game [Paperback]

Nestor Capoeira (Author)

Book Description

Release date: July 8, 2002

Capoeira is simultaneously a dance, a fight, and a game. Created by the Africans brought to Brazil as slaves beginning in 1500, capoeira was forbidden by law but survived underground. When open practice was allowed in the 1930s it soon became very popular. Capoeira came to America around 1975, and has become widely recognized by dancers and martial artists. The author discusses capoeira's evolution from Brazilian street play into a way of life. The philosophy of capoeira, and the practical and spiritual benefits of this philosophy, are also discussed. Instructions and exercises in intermediate and advanced skills take up where the author's previous book left off. The book includes 100 black-and-white photos and illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Portugese

About the Author

Nestor Capoeira was initiated by Mestre Leopoldina, a living legend. Later he joined the Senzala Group and in 1969 received the coveted "red-rope," Senzala's highest graduation. In 1990 he left Senzala and started to teach his personal approach to the Game at his own school. He has been a pioneer at teaching capoeira in Europe, and his books have been published in France, Denmark, Germany, and the United States. He has worked in film, theater, and television and currently teaches at the Planetario de Gavea in Rio de Janeiro.

Product Details

• Paperback: 346 pages
• Publisher: Blue Snake Books (July 8, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556434049
• ISBN-13: 978-1556434044
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 1.1 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #310,346 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars should be required reading for the serious capoeirista! August 16, 2002

By Kim Makoi

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Wow - amazing book! This book explores capoeira in a very detailed historical, sociological and philosophical context. It presents sensible historical evidence for the evolution of capoeira and not just mythical hearsay. This book might be a little boring to someone with just a passing interest in capoeira, but it will be hard for a capoeira lover to put it down. Thanks, Nestor - Axé!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book, written with an open-minded view on Capoeira October 3, 2002

By "pirulito"

Format:Paperback

Again a very good book by the hands of the famous Nestor Capoeira. This book shows many aspects of our beautiful art and shows various views on certain subjects by people who really know this art (Jair Moura, Mestre Itapoan and more). The book is written with an open mind like I know Mestre Nestor. His open-minded view shows in all the conversations and lectures I had with him. This book is really a must for the dedicated Capoeirista.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Around the World and Across Time: Understanding the Global Perspective August 30, 2005

By Nancy L. Watterson

Format:Paperback

Nestor Capoeira's book offers readers a powerful testimony to the history of capoeira. Written in a clear and informative style, Nestor's work is accessible to all. What I most appreciate about Capoeira: Roots of the Dance, Fight, Game, is that is both an excellent foundational piece for those new to the art-form's long-standing socio-cultural traditions AND one of the best references covering the inner-workings and politically-motivated debates that have taken place in the recent past. I particularly enjoyed the anthology of recent essays and updates he includes in the last 1/3 of the book: his own reflections on new elements in the history of capoeira and Muniz Sodre's perspectives that are informed by his experiences in Candomble. Nestor's experiences--both inside roda and inside the academic realm of research--will continue to be a touchstone for the next generations grappling with the ever-shifting and expanding global contexts of capoeira. I highly recommend this book! Axe ASCAB!