A Street-Smart Song: Capoeira Philosophy and Inner Life (Paperback)

by Nestor Capoeira (Author) "Far from the city lightsdeep in the country or far away at sea we look at the night sky and it is alive with stars..." (more)
Key Phrases: Capoeira Angola, Capoeira Regional, Rio de Janeiro (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
A Street-Smart Song delves into the boundless philosophical depths of capoeira, the fascinating synthesis of Brazilian dance and self-defense. Drawing from a wide range of sources — the streets of Salvador and Rio de Janeiro, the teachings of the old masters Pastinha, Bimba, and Leopoldina, and the brutal economic realities inflicted on the poorest of Brazil — Nestor Capoeira paints an indelible portrait of this living art, its spiritual heritage, and its vital place in a world hypnotized by media and crushed by poverty. The traditional poems and songs of capoeira are here, along with the author’s lively discussions of everything from the space age and television’s impact on third world culture to Candomble and capoeira’s life-changing lessons. Rounding out this absorbing cultural survey are historical photos, sketches of weapons and instruments, and fully illustrated fighting movements, taught step by step.

About the Author
Nestor Capoeira, a man of great humor and insight, is a mestre and long-time teacher of capoeira and the author of The Little Capoeira Book, an all-time favorite training manual, and Capoeira: Roots of the Dance-Fight-Game, a classic historical and cultural examination of capoeira.

Product Details

• Paperback: 344 pages
• Publisher: Blue Snake Books (June 2, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 158394155X
• ISBN-13: 978-1583941553
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #404,165 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just for those who do Capoeira., June 19, 2006

By	Phil Stoecklin - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Having done martial arts for most of my adult life and read numerous titles on the subject, I can safely say that A Street-Smart Song is the best book on the arts that I have ever read. With an intimate understanding of his subject, Nestor Capoeira presents and explains Capoeira and its environs in a colorful, honest, and plainspoken manner. Along with his previous U.S. releases: The Little Capoeira Book and Capoeira: Root of the Fight - Dance - Game, A Street-Smart Song is a worthwhile read for any freethinking martial artist.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As good as always, April 21, 2008

By	Davide (Mexico) - See all my reviews

If you've read any book from Nestor Capoeira you know what to expect from him. As always this book discusses some really interesting insights about capoeira, great book.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to get deeper into the capoeira way of seeing life.