The Little Capoeira Book [Paperback]

Nestor Capoeira (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 6, 2003

The book starts off by giving an in-depth history of the Brazilian art of Capoeira. The last half of the book deals with the movements and techniques of Capoeira, including: offensive and defensive movements, basic kicks, takedowns, advanced kicks and movements, head butts, hand strikes, and knee and elbow strikes. Each of the techniques and maneuvers are vividly depicted by drawings that are very easy to understand and learn from. There is also an explanation of both Angolan and Regional versions of most of the techniques. This book gives a very good description of the history, game, and philosophy of Capoeira. The book contains diagrams showing various positions and movements and discusses attacking and defending strategies and the critical aspects of feinting. Over 100 photographs and illustrations are included.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Capoeirista, historian, sociologist, actor, author, teacher, and inquisitive traveler, Nestor Capoeira presents the reader with a unique and personal vision of capoeira. I hope all students of capoeira will have the opportunity to use his teaching for their own growth and understanding of this art."-Bira Almeida (Mestre Acordeon)"Capoeira has been in the States for twenty years, but there are few books—Nestor's is of interest not only to capoeiristas, but musicians, anthropologists, and lovers of capoeira. This book will help a new generation of capoeiristas on their path."-Mestre Jelon Vieira

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Portugese --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: North Atlantic Books; Revised edition (May 6, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556434405
• ISBN-13: 978-1556434402
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.6 x 8.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #492,786 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best, February 17, 2000

By 

J. Workman (Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Little Capoeira Book (Paperback)

This is most definitely the best Capoeira book that I have read and many will agree with me. The book starts off by giving an in-depth history of the Brazilian art. No one knows exactly how Capoeira started or what its original purposes were. However, there are many theories. Unlike most books that present one theory and proclaim it to be the truth, this book gives the most popular theories and gives reasons why they may or may not be true. This book also discusses some of the most famous Capoeiristas and what effects they have had on the art. In addition, it goes on to describe how the two major branches of Capoeira (Angola and Regional) came about and what their differences are.

Next is a description of the jogo or game. This is the actual application of Capoeira. It is vaguely similar to sparring, but is very different in purpose and style. The music of Capoeira, which is played during all jogo is also described along with its main instrument the berimbau.

The last half of the book deals with the movements and techniques of Capoeira such as: offensive and defensive movements, basic kicks, takedowns, advanced kicks and movements, head butts, hand strikes, and knee and elbow strikes. Each of the techniques and maneuvers are vividly depicted by drawings that are very easy to understand and learn from. There is also an explanation of both Angola and Regional versions of most of the techniques. This book gives a very good description of the history, game, and philosophy of Capoeira. While at the the same time it is the best training manual out there. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is in the least bit interested in this brazilian art.

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Little Capoeira Book: the bible for beginners, February 27, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Little Capoeira Book (Paperback)

This book is an extremely useful source on finding information on capoeira, and is very useful for beginners and/or self-teachers such as myself and my friends. Half of it deals with the roots and philosophy of capoeira, from the music to the history. The other half shows how to do moves and good exercies to help get them down good. If you someday hope to be a capoeirista, but don't have anyplace to learn it get this book, it's useful.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars love it!, June 16, 2002

By 

rickey l. esteves sr (san francisco, ca United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Little Capoeira Book (Paperback)

If you yearn to actually practice Capoeira and not just learn its history,buy this book.I have a nice martial arts library and this is my favorite book on Capoeira.Quite a few movements are illustrated here and you get a very good idea of this art form.
Buy it and you'll be pleased with your purchase.